From the Principal

Engaging our youth

Recent issues in the Catholic Church in Australia and beyond have been confronting for many involved in Church Ministries, including schools. Working with the young people of John XXIII College provides an insight into their thoughts and aspirations. Some of our students express a disconnect from the wider Church but are appreciative of the faith opportunities provided at the College in the area of Christian Service. The ‘seek justice’ mantra resonates well.

It is a challenge for the Church to change and to respond to the needs of our young people. Our students are people of hope and provide great energy and enthusiasm in many aspects of school life. Later this year there will be one significant avenue available for our young people to meet with like-minded students and young adults from around Australia.

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia.

Purpose

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival exists to:

Provide a high quality formative and experiential opportunity for young Catholics to encounter Jesus Christ, in the context of the Catholic Church in Australia;
Listen to and discuss the issues and challenges in the lives of young Catholics in Australia;
Evangelise young people and empower them to be evangelists;
Provide young people with local examples and connections of vocations, social action, liturgy and prayer, catholic music and catechesis;
Provide a high quality formative and experiential opportunity for young Catholics to encounter Jesus Christ, in the context of the Catholic Church in Australia;

The ACYF is scheduled to be in Perth from 8-10 December this year. We will be providing more information in the coming weeks and John XXIII College will be hosting a pre- ACYF event on Friday 9 August from 6:00pm – 9.30pm. It sounds like a brilliant opportunity for our young people.

Robert Henderson

Principal

Congratulations

We would like to congratulate current parent of John XXIII College, Mr James McMahon, for being awarded Western Australian of the Year. James has been an integral part of the Men of John XXIII.