Scarborough parish has last month became the centre of a vibrant faith community as the Why Be Catholic (WBC24) conference drew hundreds of participants eager to deepen their relationship with God and explore His plan for the family.
Centred around the theme “Beloved,” inspired by 1 John 4:19 — “We love because He first loved us” — the conference from 12 to 14 September aimed to kindle a spiritual renewal in the hearts of all attendees.
Hosted by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, the event welcomed 350-400 people each day, ranging from families with young children to teens and adults.
Key organiser Michael Chong said beyond a journey of prayer and discovery, this conference is about building a lasting community.
“One that can support each other and continue to grow together in faith,” Mr Chong said.
The conference featured a diverse lineup of speakers, each offering a unique insight into faith and family life.
Dr John Bergsma, a Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, provided deep reflections on Scripture, the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of marriage.
Simon and Madeline Carrington, the passionate team behind Fire Up Ministries, spoke on purity, relationships, and family life, while Parish Priest Fr Christian Irdi shared his wisdom on vocational discernment.
Together, these speakers wove a rich tapestry of learning that touched the lives of all who attended.
One of the highlights of WBC24 was the introduction of a family-centred program, where parents and children could embark on their spiritual journey together.
Michael Chong remarked on the significance of this approach, saying, “It was incredible to see families growing together. We often have events geared towards specific groups — youth, men, women — but this was different. Here, everyone was on the same journey, hearing the same messages and growing as families.”
In addition to talks, participants had the opportunity to attend daily Mass, spend time in Adoration, and venerate a fragment of the True Cross on the Feast of the Exaltation. These shared experiences created deep spiritual bonds that extended far beyond the conference.
As one participant remarked, “I arrived feeling alone in my faith, but I’m leaving with a new family of believers.”
Perhaps some of the most powerful moments of the conference involved families who had drifted away from the Church. Michael Chong shared with hope, “Before the event, we prayed and fasted for those who had fallen away, and to our joy, some of them attended. It’s early days, but this could be the start of their journey back to the Church.”
The success of WBC24 sets a strong foundation for future events by Evangelisation Australia, reflecting the growing hunger for spiritual renewal and community among Catholics.
As Michael passionately expressed, “We need to be on fire ourselves before we can set others on fire. If we stay true to this mission, we can be part of a larger movement of evangelisation, touching lives far beyond this conference.”
The Why Be Catholic Conference has established itself as a beacon for those seeking a deeper encounter with their faith.
It offers a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded believers, learn from respected spiritual leaders, and strengthen one’s relationship with God.
As Evangelisation Australia continues to host these events, the invitation remains open to all who wish to explore and grow in their Catholic faith.
In Michael’s closing words, we find the heart of the WBC24 experience: “We pray that many more opportunities will come for us to grow in our faith, to help others find their way back to God, and to be part of a movement that sets the world on fire with Christ’s love.” It serves as a powerful reminder that faith is not a solitary journey but one best travelled together, with hearts open to the boundless love of God.