By Amanda Murthy
More than 100 young adults are this weekend expected to virtually attend the Sacramentumconference, organised by Catholic Youth Ministry Perth (CYM). However, this time, from their homes, and at no cost.
The conference’s theme is inspired by Catholic author Jason Evert’s book, Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves – where participants will get the opportunity to delve into some of the faith-filled passions of the late Pope through a series of catechesis on offer, beginning 9am this Friday 15 May until Sunday midnight, 17 May.
Last April, the event, held in a retreat format, was participated by 60 young adults, who spent the 12 to 14 April weekend at Point Walter Recreation & Conference Centre. The event provided an avenue for Catholics (aged 18 to 35) to explore faith related topics in-depth, ask difficult questions, connect with new people and strengthen existing bonds.
This year’s intention is no different, affirmed organiser CYM.
A sneak-peak to some of the event offerings, reveals topics such as “carrying our cross as the hope of truth in the midst of suffering”, “the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the lives of her children”, “about human love”, “the joy of announcing the Gospel: Evangelisation of and for young people in contemporary Australia”, and “the Eucharist is the heart of the Church”.
Participants will be graced with the presence of esteemed local and national presenters including Aquinas College Religious Education Co-ordinator Paul Kelly, University of Notre Dame Lecturer Dr Peter Cristofides and Tutor Natalie Thomas, Centre for Faith Enrichment Director Dr Marco Ceccarelli, Somascan Brother Sheldon Burke CRS, Evangelisation Australia Chairperson Michael Chong, and Sydney Archdiocese Faith Education Officer Vincent Haber.
CYM Acting Director Adeline Bock is included on the list of presenters, challenging participants to say “yes” as St John Paul II did, in accepting “our call for love and mission”.
“This talk will look at our call to love and mission based on the encyclicals of St John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio [Mission of the Redeemer],” Ms Bock said.
“Now that we have been equipped with the teachings of our faith based on the five Great Loves of St John Paul II, you will learn about saying your ‘yes’ to be sent forth on mission and come to know the genuine joy of proclaiming the Good News.”
CYM Youth Worker and Sacramentum Event Coordinator Theodorus Hartanto spoke to The eRecord about why providing a space for faith discussions and learning was vital, especially in today’s world, while lending an insight on what more to expect.
“It is so easy to get complacent with our faith, and so we want to provide young adults of our Archdiocese an event to stay connected with one another, learn about their faith and grow in their faith,” he stated.
“We also wanted to challenge our youth leaders and young people who have found their place to evangelise – to invite them to share their experiences and mission with the other young adults in their circle.
“People from Perth or from anywhere in the world, are still welcomed to join us, the registration is simple, it is free, and it is definitely a rare opportunity to rediscover our rich Catholic faith together,” he concluded.
To register, go to https://cym.brushfire.com/sacramentum2020
For more information, visit Sacramentum.cym.com.au