CANBERRA, Australia, FEB. 10, 2009 (Zenit.org).- An Australian archdiocese is gathering leaders who work with youth for an education opportunity, to «fill a gap» in the «post World Youth Day Church.»
CatholicLIFE — The Learning Institute for Faith & Evangelisation of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn — is sponsoring the «Foundations in Catholic Youth Leadership Conference.»
A press release from the archdiocese announced that a training course began Monday and will run through Friday.
It is designed for «anyone who finds themselves as leaders of youth in the Church» including youth ministry leaders, social workers, teachers, catechists and parishioners.
The director of CatholicLIFE, Shawn van der Linden, described the course as «a unique opportunity for Australian Catholic leaders to come together for much needed formation and training.»
He added, «It’s been objectively recognized as an exceptional week of training that really fills a gap in the formation and professional development of youth leaders in our post World Youth Day Church.»
The conference aims to cover issues such as conflict resolution, ethics in ministry, Catholic identity in modern culture, and behavioural standards and accountability when dealing with young or vulnerable persons.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge will give a session on studying Mary’s example of leadership in the Gospel, as one who derives her strength from knowing God.
Jenny Drum, CatholicLIFE’s youth ministry project officer, was a participant last year who became an organizer of this year’s event. She stated that in youth work she was conscious of the need for «more practical formation and tools other than just a spiritual base.»
«This conference is just what I needed,» she said, «as it supplies a high calibre of speakers and structures to draw out the best from its participants, allowing them room for significant personal and professional growth.»
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On the Net:
CatholicLIFE: www.catholiclife.org.au
