From the REC – In our Community … Australian Catholic Youth Festival

In our Community …

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago.

Run over three days, the Festival provides young people from all across Australia with the opportunity to come together to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to live their faith in the world and experience the breadth of the Church in Australia. 

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne hosted the ACYF from 30 November – 2 December 2025. 

Year 10 Domremy students Sarah, Jane, Areti, Leianna, Lara and Mary accompanied by Ms Ivana Liistro, were blessed with the opportunity to journey to Melbourne as Pilgrims of hope for the ACYF. Representing Domremy along with 400 students from SCS, the 3 days consisted of informative yet inspiring workshops and talks, as well as many stalls.

“My name Is Sarah, I am 15 years old and one of the lucky selected students who attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne. These past 3 days consisted of workshops, talks, a Pilgrimage walk, singing and dancing to worship music but most importantly the opportunity to grow closer to God and not only understand him but myself also. These workshops included prayer experiences, expositions, bishops’ exchanges, adoration and many more choices. There were also many masses which allowed prayer and alone time with Jesus, as well as a mass with 92 priests and 32 bishops!. The community that I encountered was incredible, I flew back from Sydney with so many long lasting friendships and I could not be more grateful. This experience deepened my relationship with Jesus more than I ever expected it to, I have never felt more close to him than I do now. I am missing Melbourne like crazy and would love to go back for a few more days with the community I shared my experiences with, the opportunities I received, and the ability to deepen and explore my relationship with Jesus. I highly recommend anyone to take part in this adventure, as Jesus said ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’. Matthew 25:35.”

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator