FUTURE leaders will again gather at this year’s Movers and Shakers training program from April 6-11 on the Sunshine Coast.
An initiative of the Queensland Catholic diocesan youth co-ordinators and the Queensland bishops, this 18th consecutive gathering is anticipated to welcome 80 youth from various parishes and schools.
Program organiser and member of Brisbane archdiocese’s Youth and Children’s Ministry Team, Malcolm Hart, described the experience as “a vital cog in the development of youth leaders in our faith communities”.
Malcolm will participate for the eighth time and is expecting to take 40 local representatives in the 16 to 25-year age bracket with him.
A team of other youth ministry professionals and young adults will also join him to “model a collaborative approach to leadership”.
“They (team members) have been allocated responsibility for various elements of the program such as liturgy, pastoral care and administration.
“The young adults fill the role of small-group facilitators and provide a peer leadership model that has proven to be an excellent way of caring for the needs of all those present,” Malcolm said.
“Pastoral supporters” from each individual participant’s local area will provide on-going support before and after the April experience.
“The pastoral supporter walks with the young person in their role in the community … They make contact with them, ask about their expectations before the program and assist them with evaluation when they return home,” Malcolm said.
A veteran of the training program, Malcolm said that while the personality of attendees changes year to year, the outcome is often the same.
“Participants respond to the material presented in the same way and leave with energy and enthusiasm to make a difference in their community,” he said.
Registrations and enquiries for Movers and Shakers will be accepted until March 14 via phone to Malcolm on (07) 3336 9169 or email to ycm.fl@bne.catholic.net.au
