After launching in early 2023, the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network (ACYMN) has continued its journey by hosting a roundtable in late 2023 on synodality in youth and young adult ministry. In 2024, the network will host further roundtables and workshops for youth ministry leaders.
During a recent ACYMN meeting with the Australian Bishops Delegate for Youth, Bishop Mykola Bychok, network chair Qwayne Guevara (Diocese of Parramatta) shared key themes coming from the roundtable on synodality. The main speaker of the roundtable was Sebastian Duhau, Australia youth delegate to the 2018 General Synod on Young People.
“Highlighting Pope Francis’ promotion of accompaniment of young people, the network wanted to provide an example and encourage synodal ministry with young people,” Ms Guevara said.
“The discussion with youth ministry leaders from around Australia highlighted the need for greater formation on synodality, further spaces for conversation and examples of successful models of dialogue and ministry.”
The ACYMN is working to address these areas and others identified at its launch in 2023, including disconnection of ministries, networking, and a hope for greater formation of leaders.
ACYMN secretary Samantha Hill (St Vincent de Paul Queensland) shared the network’s plans for 2024, including further roundtable dialogue and online workshops for youth ministry leaders.
Details of these initiatives can be found on the ACYMN website, with the first roundtable for 2024 scheduled for February 21, where attendees will unpack their vision and plans for youth ministry in 2024.
Bishop Bychok thanked the network for their work to date, especially after such a disconnected time during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed a desire to be part of some of the network offerings to be close to local youth ministry leaders across Australia.
“I encourage those in youth and young adult ministry across Australia, no matter their setting or context, to remain connected through this network. Young people and those who minister with them desire to be together and we need to support this experience,” Bishop Bychok said.
Image: ACYMN Executive team
Words: NCE, ACYMN