By Olivia Bunter
Volunteers play a major role in the success of the Festival, as they connect, inspire and guide the youth who attend, contributing their own time and efforts behind the scenes leading up to the event.
Siobhan Maynard, a Perth local and parishioner at Spearwood Parish St Jerome’s Church, is just one of the hundreds of volunteers who cannot wait to participate in the formative event, inspired by her own experience from the previous ACYF in Sydney, 2017.
Siobhan recently spoke with The Record, recalling her time in Sydney as an “amazing experience she won’t soon forget.”
“I met wonderful, faithful people,” she said. “I experienced what it was like to be surrounded by thousands of other young people who shared my belief.”
Her time at Spearwood Parish has not only been an on-going exercise of commitment to her faith, but has assisted in developing her skills as a leader; contributing as a music coordinator for the parish young-adults group.
Siobhan said as well, her participation in the teen’s group at Bateman Parish, St Thomas More Church has helped her grow in her faith, bringing her closer to the Spirit.
She hopes her participation will help other youth will help them feel engaged with the Spirit.
“I remember from last time that the volunteers were wonderful. The group leaders for the trip to Sydney were amazing; they were inspiring, capable, and very encouraging!
“We all had an amazing time and it was due to their hard work and effort that we got to enjoy the festival so much. It would be great to be able to pass that on to other youth and hopefully give them the same great experience that I got.”
As the Acting Director of Catholic Youth Ministry, Vincent Haber, contributes to preparations of the Festival, he said that volunteering can be a valuable tool in aiding a young person to grow into adulthood as it acts as a form of learning that aims to teach a young person patience and discipline. “It helps with decision making when faced with difficult situations,” he explained.
It is about learning to compromise and negotiate, especially when dealing with difficult people. It is learning to think about others first before yourself.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that part of practicing ones faith is to participate in voluntary engagement, stating that “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good,” something Siobhan agrees with.
“As a small group leader, it is important to guide young teens,” Siobhan explained. “It is important to me as a young Catholic to volunteer to help out because that is how I personally feel called to live my faith.
“I have the capability to help, so I feel like I can bring others to Christ through my helping.”
Mr Haber, said that he believes volunteering is “a selfless act, with a desire to give back while modeling Jesus, which is why it is an important part of the Catholic faith.”
“It is allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you and being a witness of God’s love and compassion to others and those you serve. It is putting your faith into action.”
He explained that while volunteering might be difficult, tiring and challenging, it is when the vocation becomes imperative to rely on God and seek the Holy Spirit for strength and inspiration to keep on going.
“It is a tool to strengthen a young person’s faith as he/she learns to rely on God and the Holy Spirit when it is tough. Volunteering can definitely contribute to a young person’s growth with maturity and growth in character.”
Siobhan Maynard will be one of the 5000 people who are expected to attend this year’s Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth and she mentioned her hopes to finish the year with fulfilment and assist the youth to move into the new year with vigour.
“I learned so much in that weekend in Sydney. My highlight was probably adoration – it was amazing to see 16,000 people adoring the Lord.”
Online registrations for the 2019 Australian Catholic Youth Festival officially opened on 6 May 2019. For more information go to www.acyf.org.au.
From pages 26 to 27 of Issue 19: ‘Why Believe In God’ of The Record Magazine