ALMOST 200 people gathered “with great energy” for Brisbane archdiocese’s Youth and Children’s Ministry training day on February 13 at Australian Catholic University (ACU), Banyo.
They came from as far as the dioceses of Melbourne, Parramatta, Rockhampton and Toowoomba while Brisbane parishes, deaneries and schools were represented from Murgon to Coolangatta.
Within a selection of 22 workshops, the three keynote speakers shared of their ministry experience offering practical advice and outlining strategies.
The first speaker, Marist Father Kevin Bates, spoke of encouraging team work in forming and reforming ministry goals under the banner of “Taking a lead – creating a new story”.
Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre director Jesuit Father Chris Gleeson addressed the need to constantly fuel and re-fuel faith works within his presentation called “Passion is God’s fire in us”.
Third speaker Anne Frawley-Mangan spoke practically about giftedness and co-operation in “Catholic, called and co-responsible”.
Workshops included such titles as “Beyond ‘Duck, duck, goose'”, “Ten top habits of highly successful liturgy”, “Children and young people are God’s stewards too” and “Leading meditative prayer”.
Responding to what they had heard and seen, participants also engaged in a number of “creative space” stations including creating a coloured rice Mandala, meditation and contemplative prayer.
High praise came from those taking part.
“I believe the day was a huge success,” Sam Hodge of Jubilee parish said.
“I feel richly supported with the right guidance and resources to take back to my ministry. In going forward, my perspectives have been broadened and that will benefit the ministries I work in.”
Eleanor Webb of Booval parish offered further praise.
“(The YCM training day) was a great opportunity to network with other young people,” she said.
“It is reassuring to know that we don’t have to feel alone (and) that we can support each other. I came away last year feeling really renewed and this year I am inspired and re-energised.”
