YCS is again being heard around Catholic schools and colleges in Brisbane, thanks to the efforts of national youth worker Devett O’Brien.
The Young Christian Students movement has been active in Brisbane for more than half a century and now a new generation of students are stepping forward as examples of young lay leaders who are living their faith through their daily lives.
Devett said he was enthusiastic about the potential for YCS to re-establish across the archdiocese.
“Our movement is restarting here in Brisbane and the Australian YCS is committed to ensuring that Brisbane secondary students are provided with the wonderful formation in both action and reflection, based in our Catholic faith, that is the trademark of the YCS movement and the Review of Life method,” Devett said.
“The students seem really keen to be part of a national and international movement where they can meet people from around Australia and really make a difference on that bigger level,” he said.
The rebuilding process began with a YCS group starting at St James College, Brisbane and another group being formed at St Augustine’s College, Springfield.
Devett said Marist College, Ashgrove was also considering starting a new YCS group and several parishes had expressed interest in the movement.
“We are especially hopeful of YCS succeeding here in Brisbane thanks to the strong support of Archbishop (John) Bathersby, and one of the most exciting developments has been working with Brisbane Catholic Education to find ways in which we can further extend the YCS movement,” Devett said.
“We are also looking at ways we can work with both Young Vinnies and NET Ministries to support each other’s strengths and provide a more extensive and effective ministry to young people in Brisbane.”
Devett said the national YCS team was confident it could maintain the growth and “begin to see students emerging who are empowered to change the world around them through taking positive action that was inspired by their faith and the Gospel”.
For further information about YCS or starting up a group e-mail Devett O’Brien at worker@aycs.org.au or phone (0431) 997 615.
