CSYMA rejuvenates Catholic Schooling in Australia

One of the best news stories for the Catholic Church in Australia was on display at the annual Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia Staff Conference at Marist College Canberra on the 3^rd and 4^th September 2009. 140 key Educators and Youth Ministry leaders attended from every State and Territory in Australia. Here is what two participants had to say:

"CSYMA offers a re conception of the mission of Catholic schools in our times. The Conference caused me to rethink the relationship between religious education and catechesis in our schools. In the passion and confidence of the youth who shared their faith and life with delegates, we witnessed the fruits of this approach in promoting the integral formation and leadership of young people. I have returned to Parramatta with a renewed hope for the Church."
- Greg Wilson, Team Leader: Religious Education Parramatta CEO

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two days of the CSYMA conference in Canberra. It was as much a retreat as it was a conference, with inspirational and engaging keynote speakers and presenters. The many opportunities for prayer and reflection can only be described as stunning!!  It was wonderful listening to the many young presenters who gave authentic witness to their personal faith commitment. The schools, parishes and indeed the Catholic Church in general are reaping the rewards of the involvement of these young men and women in youth ministry who are leading the way in the call to new evangelisation."
- Jenny Foldes REC, All Saints Catholic Boys College Sydney

CSYMA brings together secondary schools, staff and organisations committed to working together with youth evangelisation initiatives for Catholic Secondary Schools. CSYMA is designed as a post-World Youth Day strategy for the Australian Catholic Church and it hopes to make every participating school a Centre for the New Evangelisation.

CSYMA promotes a four phase approach to youth evangelisation that is incorporated into the heart of the School curriculum.

The end product is impressive. Key student leaders from a number of schools confidently shared their faith and their experiences with conference attendees and other school students. Drama, video clips, modern worship music and testimonies were used extremely effectively. Students also took part in Catholic Mission’s social justice interactive drama, Village Space, and there was input on service outreach into the community.

Faith and Action were intertwined in a very positive, contemporary and energetic fashion, providing an example of an active faith which is easy to share with young people today.

Catholic Mission has taken on the role of National partner of CSYMA as part of its call to form Australian Catholics for mission. This will enable CSYMA to expand its services to the Catholic Church nationally.

Martin Teulan - National Director Catholic Mission