Youth Ministry News
Over the past month, our students have embraced wonderful faith-filled opportunities, and have shared their experiences below.
Year 7, 8, 9 Evangelisation Day – 13 August
In Week 4, we had the privilege to attend the Sydney Catholic Schools Evangelisation Day for Year 7, 8 and 9. This day was held at Mount St Joseph’s in Milperra and over 800 students attended.
The day deepened our understanding of the Chrisitan faith and encouraged us to live a life with Christ. Guest speaker Emily shared a powerful message about embracing our natural and inner beauty, rather than masking it to fit social media standards or changing your personality for others.
Throughout the day, we participated in singing and dancing, Reconciliation and Adoration. The 10:10 Project led us in music and dance, with John Burland performing several of these songs. Multiple priests were on site to answer any questions about the Christian faith or for Reconciliation. Adoration allowed us to have a quiet moment to reflect and strengthen our spiritual relationship with Jesus present in the room with us.
We also learned about Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint awaiting to be canonised. His devotion to God was truly inspiring as he was dedicated as a young boy. A talk-show inspired discussion, ‘Chat with Chez’, allowed us to hear how people incorporate God into their daily life. It was followed by a fun trivia game about Pope Leo.
It was a great opportunity to connect with students from other schools and overall, the day was uplifting and strengthened my relationship with God. I highly recommend this event to Year 7 and 8 students next year.
Sophie Steel
Year 9
10:10 Parish Night – 28th August
Last Thursday evening, students from St Ursula’s, along with many other schools, gathered at St Vincent’s College for a fun and inspiring youth night. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by a team of enthusiastic hosts and quickly found our seats among a crowd of young people. The evening was filled with opportunities to meet new friends, enjoy delicious food and take part in a range of engaging games and activities. Beyond the fun, we also had the chance to learn new things, reflect on our faith, and share meaningful conversations with others. As the night drew to a close, we walked together to St Vincent’s Church, where we participated in a beautiful time of Adoration. Reconciliation was also available, offering a quiet moment of personal reflection and spiritual growth for those who chose to receive it. Overall, it was a memorable experience, and we’re all looking forward to the next Youth Night.
Taylor Francis
Year 8
10:10 Conference – 3 September
On Wednesday, 3 September, students from the 10:10 Youth Group attended a youth conference dedicated to deepening faith, reflecting on values, and strengthening the bonds of community. The day provided students with the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with a variety of speakers who shared their insights on living as young people of faith in today’s world.
John Nguyen and Rachel Vala delivered keynote addresses about their lives and modesty, discussing how it can be lived out. Their messages challenged students to reflect on the ways in which they can carry themselves with dignity and respect, and how modesty extends beyond appearance to the way we interact with others and uphold our values.
A panel discussion followed, featuring a Year 10 student, a Year 12 student and Father Sonny. This diverse panel offered perspectives across different stages of life and faith journeys, with the younger students reflecting on the challenges of living authentically in a school environment, while Father Sone Tominiko provided wisdom and guidance from his pastoral experience. Together, they highlighted that faith is not limited to a single moment in time but is a lifelong journey of growth, resilience, and community support.
Beyond the formal presentations, the conference also provided valuable opportunities for fellowship. During the breaks, students were able to connect with peers from other schools, exchanging stories, discussing ideas, and sharing their own beliefs. These conversations helped to foster a strong sense of unity and mutual respect, demonstrating that despite coming from different schools and backgrounds, the students were united by a common purpose and faith.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of encouragement and inspiration. Many students left the conference not only with a deeper understanding of their own faith but also with a renewed appreciation for the role of community in supporting them along the way. Events such as this highlight the importance of creating spaces where young people can engage in open discussion, explore important topics and feel empowered to live out their values in everyday life.
The conference strongly reflected the mission of the 10:10 Youth Group, which takes its name from John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The day encouraged students to consider how they can embrace this message by living out their faith with joy, courage, and integrity. Through prayer, learning, and fellowship, the youth were reminded that Christ calls each of them to a life that is rich in meaning, strengthened by community, and grounded in God’s love.
Olivia Katacos
Year 10
RESearch Podcast
Answering the big questions about the Catholic faith.
RESearch is a collaboration between the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and Sydney Catholic Schools. Each week, they search for answers to questions that students and teachers ask about the Catholic Faith. Click on the link to access a wide range of podcasts.
Pope Leo XIV on Protecting Creation
From his earliest days as a missionary, Pope Leo XIV has shown a deep care for the environment and the people most affected by climate change. He reminds us that the earth is not just a resource; it is our common home, a gift from God entrusted to our care.
Pope Leo XIV teaches that:
- Creation is sacred – every mountain, river, and tree reflects God’s beauty.
- Caring for creation is caring for people – especially the poor who suffer most from environmental damage.
- Small actions matter – choosing less waste, saving energy, and caring for local spaces all honour God.
“Let us be guardians, not exploiters, of the earth that God has given to us.” – Pope Leo XIV
Source: SCS Youth Ministry Newsletter
