By LEON ROBERSON
An excellent opportunity was offered to me to attend the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International (CSYMI) ‘Equipping School’ Conference in Canberra last week. I have returned to Aquinas College this week with a refreshed Spirit and renewed vision for our role in Catholic Education.
‘Equipping School’ leads the participants through a model of evangelisation that proposes the gift of encounter with Jesus. There is no compulsion to accept, yet all the participants I spoke to found an overwhelming joy in the process and a new passion for their walk with Christ. This joy and enthusiasm was my personal experience too.
CSYMI offers a pathway for our young, to first encounter Christ in a new and personal way, while being nurtured and accompanied on their journey, and to then share this experience with others. There is the opportunity to train as a Youth Minister and to work in Catholic Schools, accompanying our students in their faith walk and relationship with Jesus. The CSYMI model is exciting; we are looking forward to bringing it to our New Zealand Catholic Schools and will set free prayer for solidarity Caritas
Laura Smith, who attended the Equipping School last year, was invited back to Canberra to be part of the CSYMI Youth Ministry Programme for 2020. The Equipping School initiated this programme, and she will complete modules throughout the year while studying full-time. Laura will continue to support the Aquinas College Community at different times over the year.
God bless you all,
Leon Roberson
