By Amanda Murthy
Responding to Pope Francis’ “call to holiness” as reflected in his 2018 Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’, a group of 130 students representing 21 schools, accompanied by their teachers, attended the fourth Catholic Youth Summit on Monday 24 June, at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle (UNDA) campus.
Organised by Catholic Education Western Australia, the theme of the day-long summit that was held from 8.30am to 4pm titled BE (the right) ATTITUDE provided a forum for students to network and learn about how they can be good Catholic leaders – with opportunities to share their hopes and concerns and recognise their responsibility to contribute through service with a commitment to love, compassion and justice of the Gospel of Jesus.
Among those present for the official welcome event included Notre Dame Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of Fremantle Campus Professor Selma Alliex, CEWA Deputy Executive Director Peter Yensch and Caritas Director Deacon Paul Reid.
Keynote Speaker Caritas Australia Justice Educator, Dr Nathan Leber, delivered a talk on holiness and how to achieve sainthood, collaborating with Servite College students, who shared their experiences with those present.
“Practising perseverance, patience and meekness, having joy and a sense of humour, being in community, praying, believing in yourself and just being yourself are some of the ways that can bring us closer to becoming a Saint,” he said.
Summit attendees had a choice of attending two sessions for the workshop section of the summit. Presenters included CEWA Talent Identification Head Dr Shane Glasson – Developing resilience in a complex world, Catholic Youth Ministry Team – Don’t be afraid of being Holy: A Guide on how to leave a mark on this world!, Kalgoorlie Priest Father Renald Anthony – The power of prayer, CEWA Aboriginal Education Consultant Kylie Agale spoke on the power of story.
Servite College students conducted a session on how strong and weak leadership attitudes and values impact other people’s lives and their growth as a leader with ‘Leadership Is/n’t’ and Notre Dame students offered a tour around their campus lending stories of how they became home to Australia’s first National Catholic University, as part of the workshop series.
In her speech, Prof Alliex welcomed the students to the campus, with hopes that they will use the knowledge and skills learned to make an impact in their school communities and those around them.
“You are here not only to learn something, reflect and learn something about your own lives as aspiring leaders, but you inspire me with your creativity, your ability to think outside the square and to motivate kids in your schools to think as leaders,” Prof Alliex cited.
“Today, you will also have the opportunity to learn what it is like to be a leader, what not to do when you’re a leader, the resilience that can be created, the courage that leadership requires and how to lead your lives as true leaders, even if you do not hold any leadership positions.
“The theme BE (the right) ATTITUDE or Beatitude is such a beautiful link and template to how we should reflect as leaders,” she added.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading for Corpus Christi Mass last weekend, Mr Yensch encouraged all present to not just limit themselves as attendees but instead to fully take the opportunity to participate in the programmes organised.
“Today, there are 130 handpicked students representing CEWA out of the 76 000 students that are a part of CEWA schools around the state.
“This makes you special – but just like the Gospel reading where Jesus fed 5000 people with only five loafs of bread and two fishes, we hope that in the same way, through today’s summit, you will all get energised and in return go back and energise your school communities,” he concluded.