Student Ministry Formation Course and World Youth Day 2023

We have some exciting faith and mission opportunities available to our senior students.

Santa Student Ministry Two-Day Formation Course

Offered to Years 9-12, the Santa Student Ministry Two-Day Formation Course, themed ‘Be the Light’ (Mt 5: 14-16), provides students with experiential workshops on Catholic mission and school and church ministry training. The course dates are Week 4, Friday 11 November and Week 5, Monday 14 November.

Day 1 will have workshops on Dominican spirituality, liturgy training, and the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of an immersion. On Day 2, the group will participate in a service immersion at the Ignite Food Store and Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Mt Druitt.

To apply:

  • Students will receive an application form by email.
  • Students must complete the application form by Week 3, Thursday 27 October.

Please note:

  • Mr Reyes and Sr Sheila Flynn will review the applications and select suitable students.
  • Successful applicants will be notified by Week 3, Friday 28 October.

World Youth Day 2023 Lisbon, Portugal

In 2023, Santa is sending a group to participate in World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal themed ‘Mary arose and went with haste’ (Lk 1:39).

World Youth Day is a spiritual pilgrimage whereby Catholics worldwide come together to share, celebrate and foster their Christian faith. This spiritual pilgrimage is an opportunity for students 15 years of age in 2023 to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church, deepen their faith and grow closer to Christ through prayer and the sacraments together with hundreds of thousands of other young people.

During World Youth Day week, the host city organises a series of expos, concerts, Catechesis talks, and special large gatherings which involve the Pope, and opportunities for Daily Mass, reconciliation and Adoration. On the official World Youth Day (Sunday 6 August), pilgrims will gather together for Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, which will occur on the Our Lady of Fatima sacred site.       

Before World Youth Day week, students visit historical sites of religious significance in Italy, including the holy places of our Dominican saints St Dominic and St Catherine of Siena. Post World Youth Day week, the group will leave Lisbon for the tranquillity and relaxation of a retreat in the Fatima area.

For more information about World Youth Day 2023 or for students to express their interest, please view the Expression of Interest Form sent to students. Expressions of interest are due by Week 4, Monday 31 October.

An information night for parents will occur within the next few weeks. Students who express interest will be notified of the date and time.

Please note:

  • The pilgrimage is available to students who are in Years 9, 10 and 11, including accelerants in 2023.
  • Applicants must be 15 years and older.
  • Sydney Catholic Schools to confirm applicants can participate if they turn 15 years old during the World Youth Day pilgrimage.
  • Pilgrimage dates – Term 3 Week 1 Friday 21 July to Week 4 Friday 11 August.
  • The pilgrimage cost is $7990 twin share.

For more information:

  • View the Expression of Interest Google Form sent to student emails in Years 8, 9 and 10. You will find World Youth Day promotion videos created by Sydney Catholic Schools, the pilgrimage itinerary and a detailed list of requirements for suitable students.

Visit https://reonline.sydcatholicschools.nsw.edu.au/wyd-2023/families-and-students or email Mr Reyes r.reyes@ssc.nsw.edu.au

Ryan Reyes
Dean of Mission