Some of the Marist Youth Group members are seen preparing and cooking 200 meals, which they donated to The Shopfront. Photo: Jo Dunn.
By Amanda Murthy
Young Australian Catholics gathered at Newman College to cook and deliver 200 meals for the underprivileged, in conjunction with the launch of their first Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) gathering, here in Perth.
MYM is a national Catholic youth ministry movement for young Australians inspired by the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, and Marist Education.
This gathering of Marist youth, held on Friday 9 March, consisted of 42 former Newman College students between the ages of 18 to 25, who are connected to the national MYM Network from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Warm meals for the underprivileged are cooked and delivered by Marist Youth Group members as part of their launch. Photo: Jo Dunn.
The young Marists gathered between 3.30pm to 6.30pm, spending the afternoon with a social outreach activity, prayer and fellowship.
Newman College Deputy Principal Mission & Catholic Identity, Daniel Lynch, said that it was wonderful to be able to hand over close to 200 meals to The Shopfront, an outreach agency of the Archdiocese of Perth.
The Shopfront, he explained, serves as a drop-in and referral centre, providing financial and emotional support as well as donated goods and hot meals to those in need around the suburb of Maylands.
“For this social outreach activity, all of the meals were prepared by the MYM group with the support of the Newman College community,” Mr Lynch said.
Some of the members of the newly formed Perth Marist Youth group pose at their launch held at Newman College on 9 March. Photo: Jo Dunn.
MYM Perth has been formed through the leadership of a group of Newman College ex-students Michael Heelan, Emily Redwood, Dan Litjens, Molly Rafter, Stefan Versace and Peter Loreck.
Mr Lynch was deeply encouraged by the atmosphere, intent of the young people, and the well-spent afternoon which he hopes will be a great momentum boost to further develop opportunities and provide an avenue for post-school young adults, so they may engage in an authentic encounter with the mission of Jesus.
“We want to create a space where young people are offered hospitality, prayer, Sacrament through connection to local parishes, sharing an accompaniment as they are empowered to be agents of change in the world.”
Michael Heelan from MYM told The eRecord that the MYM collaboration with The Shopfront is not a one-off occasion.
“They will be volunteering every fortnight for this cause, among others.”
Mr Heelan added that the format was a great success and MYM Perth will be meeting again in May for a quiz night.