Youth and Young Adults Directory

"... Jesus also wants to encounter each one of you, my dear young people. Indeed, even before we desire it, such an encounter is ardently desired by Jesus Christ." So said Pope Benedict in a message in preparation for World Youth Day 2009.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge is eager for our Archdiocese to "harvest the enthusiasm of the young pilgrims who have returned from WYD" as well as those "Catholics who may have over time have drifted away from the Church for one reason or another but who, because of the WYD experience, may be open to the right kind of approach and invitation". To this end, CatholicLIFE wants to help all young people, in fact all people, to encounter Christ and come to know the love He has for each one.

The Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adults directory includes the many parishes and other Catholic organisations who are dedicated to encouraging young people in their faith. If your group is missing or if you have upcoming events you would like advertised, let us know and we can support you in your promotion.
The Official Youth and Young Adults Directory for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

CatholicLIFE - Evangelisation and Ministry with Young People

* Braidwood Youth Group
* Canberra Cathedral Youth and Young Adults
* CFC Youth for Christ
* Coota Youth Group
* Disciples of Jesus Youth - Discipleship Group
* Disciples of Jesus Youth Ministry - Luke 18 Youth Group
* DOJ Young Adults
* Disciples of Jesus Community
* Disciples of Jesus Group T4:12
* Evenings for the Engaged
* Good Shepherd Prayer Group
* Goulburn Catechesis Group
* Knights of the Southern Cross
* Marist Youth Ministry Team
* Marist Justice and Solidarity Group
* Marist Urgent Action Group
* Marist Young Christian Students
* Marymead Child and Family Centre
* MHOC (South Woden Parish)
* Ministry to the Newly Married
* Serra Club of Canberra
* Saint George Youth
* St Mary's Youth Team (St Mary's Parish - Young, NSW)
* St Vincent de Paul Society
* St Vincent de Paul Youth Conference (Marist)
* Vocations to Priesthood
* Wannaiassa/Kambah/South Woden Antioch
* Young Christian Students Movement (YCS)

CatholicLIFE - Evangelisation and Ministry with Young People

Coordinate ministry with young people, support parishes, train youth leaders, forster evangelisation of all people, run Archdiocesan events including:

* The Catholic Youth Ministry Team, who are available to run retreats for high school students
* ReFresh camps - held at the end of each school term for students in Years 10 to 12
* Turn the Tide - an annual retreat for people aged 16 to 35, held on the Australia Day long weekend
* Foundations in Catholic Youth Leadership - a week-long conference held in February each year
* Support for parishes and other Catholic groups seeking to grown in their ability to evangelise or looking for opportunities for renewal.

Contact

Daniela Kesina
CYM Team Manager
02 6163 4311/0400 356 177
daniela.kesina@catholiclife.org.au

Jennifer Drum
Project Officer (part-time)
02 6163 4313
jenny.drum@catholiclife.org.au

Braidwood Youth Group

It is a group of Catholic Youth who come together to pray and have some social activities. The group involves in the Parish life and the wider community.
Contact

Fr Varghese Vavolil
(02) 4842 2444
vavolil@gmail.com

P O Box 141 Braidwood NSW 2622

Canberra Cathedral Youth and Young Adults

Meets for a weekly prayer group (reconciliation, prayer, adoration, catechesis) on Thursdays 6.30 – 7 pm at the St Christopher’s Cathedral, Cnr Franklin and Furneaux St, Forrest
Contact

James Maloney
0404 805 945
canberra.cathedral@gmail.com

CFC Youth for Christ (YFC)

The Canberra Chapter of the Youth for Christ (YFC) belongs to a larger global movement called Couples for Christ (CFC), which is a Vatican-recognised ecclesial Catholic group. As a family ministry of the CFC, the YFC aims to help for the renewal of young adults and for providing them a venue for responding to God's call for holiness. YFC is open for membership to all youth from 12 years of age to those in their early 20's.

We in Youth for Christ believe...

* that God is calling everyone to a personal relationship with Him through his Son, Jesus Christ;
* that this call is not exclusive but shared with all sectors of society, regardless of age, colour, nationality, status and beliefs in life.
* that the youth have a very special place in God's heart, and theat they in return have a very deep sense of love for God, and that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is something they desire;
* that the youth have a vibrant, energetic, dynamic and free-spirited nature. Rather than denying this nature and force the youth into a mould that satisfies our own perception of Christianity and holiness, we accept this nature, not curtailing it, but re-channeling, into an active expression and submission and participation to the plan of God;
* that the youth realise the need to make decisions in life; but they should also know that as they do, God should always be an inseparable part of these decisions. Knowing also that they are future leaders of the families and socities, we realise that this future depends on how they are moulded today as God's children;
* that the youth grow not only from what they receive, but more through what they are able to share with others;
* that youth are responsible as long as they are given the appropriate amount of guidance.

YFC holds fortnightly household prayer meetings, monthly General Assemblies, an Annual Youth Camp, an annual Oceania Conference, biennial Global Leaders' Conference, monthly music ministry for parish masses, Formation Track program and other activities for YFC members (e.g Power Weekend), Sports Fest, Covenant Orientations and Leadership Trainings.
Contact

Ruell and Annie Abello
0410 569 653
r.abello@cfcact.org

www.cfcact.org

Coota Youth Group

We are a youth group made up of students from years 7 - 12 and other youth 18 years and over. We take part in various activities and hold a Youth Mass once a month where the CYM Team spends the afternoon and hears Mass with us.

The Youth Mass is held on the 4th Sunday of the month. The Youth Group meets at 3.00pm, dinner at 4.30pm and Mass at 6.00pm
Contact

Sr Kathy Hodge
0400 307 585
khodge@mercy.org.au

PO Box 441 Cootamundra NSW 2590
Disciples of Jesus Youth - Discipleship Group

Discipleship is a Catholic Youth Group for young people in grades 10 to 12. it is a place where young people can learn about their Faith in a relaxed and exciting environment, surrounded by people who share common beliefs. Discipleship is a work of the Disciples of Jesus Youth.

Discipleship runs every second Sunday in the Outreach Centre at St Benedict's in Narrabundah. It runs from 5pm to 6.45 pm. The leadership team is made up of young Catholics who present elements of the Catholic Faith in varied and original ways in order to encourage growth in knowledge of the Faith and a deepening of personal relationship with God.
Contact

Mick Campbell
0413 621 695
discipleship@dojyouth.com

www.dojyouth.com

Disciples of Jesus Youth - Discipleship Group

Luke 18 Youth Group meets fortnightly at St Benedict's from 5.00-6.30pm. Luke 18 is for young people in high school in years 7-9. We have games, talks, dramas/skits, music and stacks of fun. We also have 3 camps a year and socials (movies, bowling etc). Luke 18 meets fortnightly at St Benedict's, Narrabundah from 5.00-6.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

Luke 18:16 'Let the young people come to me, do not stop them for they belong to the kingdom of heaven'
Contact

Sr Therese Mills
02 6254 5441
trees@aapt.net.au

DOJ Young Adults

DOJ Young Adults exists to connect young single, married and consecrated people, for the building up of faith, support and fellowship. We desire to help young adults feel at home in the Church through monthly socials and formation/discussion nights during the year. Put away 11th-18th January for our Summer School of Evangelisation Week and also 9th-12th April for our Easter Pilgrimage to Galong known as Light to the Nations. We are also holding two mini conferences throughout the year - 1st-2nd May and 6th-7th November. Everyone is more than welcome to come!!!

DOJ Young Adults meet the first weekend of the month for a social (BBQs, dessert nights, wine tastings etc) a chance to hang out and connect with others...

During the year there will also be 4 x 4 week discussion nights held during the school terms:

3 April - Lenten Discussion Night
Topic: "What is Sacrifice?"
7.30pm, St Benedict's Outreach Centre, Narrabundah

9-12 April - Light to the Nations Pilgrimation to Redemptorist Monastry, Galong

3 May - Social Night Progressive Dinner

5 June, 12 June and 19 June - Discussion Night
Topic: Archbishop Mark Coleridge and St Paul
7.30pm, St Benedict's Outreach Centre, Narrabundah
Contact

Megan Proud
(02) 61611350
youngadults@dojyouth.com

Disciples of Jesus Community

A covenant community made up of families, consecrated and single people living under the graces of the charismatic renewal. Based throughout Australia, PNG, Indonesia and Philippines.

Each week DOJs meet for a gathering of worship, formation and fellowship. In 2009 we will also be hosting monthly adoration worship nights. On the 3rd Friday of each month join us at St Benedict's Narrabundah for a night of worship, teaching, adoration, benediction and fellowship. Mass begins the night at 5:30.
Contact

Stephen Kirk
62312026
youth@dojyouth.com.au

Disciples of Jesus Group T4:12

For ages Kindy – Year 6

Meets monthly, Saturdays 1.30 – 4.30 pm
Contact

Julie Rogers
02 6161 1917
julierogers36@yahoo.com.au

Evenings for the Engaged

A six week marriage preparation program given to small groups of engaged couples by a presenting couple in their own home. Presented four times a year. Next course will begin in early May.
Contact

Maurie & Bernice Boland
6288 7030
bolands@grapevine.com.au

Good Shepherd Prayer Group

We are a Croatian and Australian Catholic Charismatic Prayer group who meet every Wednesday night from 8pm-10pm at St Augustine's Catholic Church, corner Beasley & Drevermann Streets in Farrer, ACT. We conduct our Easy Steps to Holiness seminars twice a year. We have a focus on intercessory prayer, personal ministry, praise and worship and adoration. You are very welcome to join us for prayer and praise any Wednesday night of the year from February to December.

Good Shepherd Prayer Group meeting - every Wednesday evening from February to December.
Meeting time: 8pm - 10pm (with Rosary from 7:30pm).
Venue: St Augustine's Catholic Church, corner Beasley & Drevermann Streets, Farrer ACT.

Come and join us for praise & worship, teachings, intercessory prayer and personal ministry.
Contact

Susanna Taylor/ Neda Kesina
Susanna 0419 902 293
Neda 6258 3992
susipastir@gmail.com

Goulburn Catechesis Group

• coordination of scriptures (SRE teacher)

• coordination of sacramental programs, including kids

Meets weekly on Thursdays, 10 -11 am at the Our Lady of Fatima 101 Lagoon St, Goulburn
Contact

Wendy Wise
02 4821 7492
wendywise@ozemail.com.au

Knights of the Southern Cross

Fraternal men's organisation for men 18 years and upwards - supporting each other in their faith, friendship and family life while also supporting their Catholic communities.

4 April - Meeting at Parish Centre, St Benedict's

22-24 May - Triennial Conference of the KSC, Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney

27 June - AGM, Parish Centre, St Benedict's

15 August - Meeting at Parish Centre, St Benedict's

17 October - Meeting at Parish Centre, St Benedict's

3 December - Mass for Deceased Members of KSC & CWL
Contact

Bob Perkins
02 6247 2977
neo@ksca.org.au

PO Box 216 Campbell ACT

www.ksca.org.au

Marist Youth Ministry Team

Marist College Senior Youth Ministry Team comprises of 10 Yr 12 students who, together with some staff, conduct youth ministry events throughout the year at Marist College. This includes Year 7 'Refresh' Program, Year 6 Catechesis, Confirmation Day with Local Parish and Assembly drama presentations. The MYM Team is part of CSYMA.

Taize Prayer evening at Marist Monday evening of Holy Week 2009. For more information, click here.
Contact

Br Greg
6298 7200
gregmcdonald@mcc.act.edu.au

Marist College 21 Marr St, Pearce 2607

Marist Justice and Solidarity Group

The Marist Justice and Solidarity Group focuses on promoting and raising awareness about issues of justice in the Marist College and Wider Community. This is open to students in Years 8-12.
Contact

Joanne Evans
6298 7291
joanneevans@mcc.act.edu.au

Marist College 21 Marr St Pearce, 2607

Marist Urgent Action Group

The Marist Urgent Action Group (formerly Amnesty) responds to international incidents of human rights abuses, especialy the illegal imprisonment of political and human rights dissidents. The group writes letters to the Governments of these countries.
Contact

Ms Jan Hutchinson
6298 7200
janhutchinson@mcc.act.edu.au

Marist College 21 Marr St Pearce, 2607

Marist Young Christian Students

Marist YCS is made up of Yr 9 & 10 students who run regular meetings based on community and local justice issues and respond to these issues in light of the Gospel, using the 'See, Judge, Act' method. The group is also a basis for justice leaders in senior school.
Contact

Nathan Ahearne
629 7200
nathanahearne@mcc.act.edu.au

Marist College 21 Marr St Pearce, 2607

Marymead Child and Family Centre

Marymead is a centre of excellence and innovation enhancing the well-being of children, young people and families in times of need. We have been providing foster and residential care, counselling and support to individuals and groups for over 40 years.

i-Raise provides an opportunity for young people to become involved in raising funds to assist in the wonderful work done at Marymead. Training and mentoring will be provided. Creative and innovative ideas, enthusiastic people and a strong desire to help our community are welcome! First meeting for 2009 will be on Wednesday, 4 March at 5.30pm at Marymead. Contact Hilary martin for registration details.

Kid’s Companions provides an opportunity for young adults (over 18 years) to become a friend and support to a child or young person with a disability. This is a rewarding experience for the companion and can be a life-changing benefit for the person with the disability. Training and support will be provided. The first information session for 2009 will be on Wednesday 25 February at 5.30pm at Marymead. Contact Hilary Martin for registration details.
Contact

Hilary Martin
02 6162 5800
hilary.martin@marymead.org.au

PO Box 4260 Kingston ACT 2604

MHOC Youth (South Woden Parish)

From the infectious pride and joy experienced during WYD08, the youths of South Woden, together with their fellow south-siders in N. Woden, Wanniassa and Kambah are starting to organise - be prepared: amazing things are starting to happen!

Youth Masses @ Sacred Heart Church, Pearce (irregular) Youth Fun Days @ the Parish Hall ... and plenty more on the way (early days yet!)
Contact

TBA
02 6286 1908

Youth Rep C/O Mary Help of Christians Parish Murphy Crescent PEARCE ACT 2607

http://www.liturgyhelp.com/lithelp/pub/2/home.asp?id=aus_canb_p1132

Ministry to the Newly Married

A mentoring program to support couples in their first five years of marriage, starting in their first year of marriage.
Contact

Maurie & Bernice Boland
6288 7030 bolands@grapevine.com.au

Serra Club of Canberra

Objectives:

* To foster and promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood in the Catholic Church as a particular vocation to service, and to support priests in their sacred ministry;

* To encourage and affirm vocations to consecrated religious life in the Catholic Church; and
* To assist its members to recognise and respond in their own lives to God's call to holiness in Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.


Serra Club meets for Mass at Holy Trinity Church, usually on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6.30PM followed by dinner/meeting at the Southern Cross Club in Woden.
Contact

Mr John Smith
02 6286 1720
jlsmith@apex.net.au

Saint George Youth

Saint George Youth ('SGYouth') is the Melkite Youth Association of the Australian Capital Territory under the patronage of His Grace, the Most Rev. Issam John Darwish, Melkite Eparch of Australia & New Zealand, our Youth Chaplin, the Rev. Elias Kilzi and our Parish Priest, the Rev. Fayez Assaf.

SGYouth Monthly Youth Gathering 7PM on the first Monday of every month, held at the homes of SGYouth members. Young people of God gather together with our Parish Priest to pray, study scripture and socialise in a relaxed and loving environment.

SGYouth Annual Retreat An opportunity to step back and revisit the past, assess the present and plan for the future. Guest Speakers available. Further details TBA

SGYouth Annual Social Night Young Melkites from all around the Eparchy gather together in a spirit of communion in Christ. It is also an opportunity for young people from the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn to engage with young Melkites. Dinner & Entertainment until late provided with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy (of St John Chrysostom, the ancient liturgy of the Melkites) the following morning. Further details TBA
Contact

Roman Abdel-Massih
0402185290
u4311039@anu.edu.au

St Mary's Youth Team (St Mary's Parish - Young, NSW)

Mainly Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students.

Last Saturday of each month is the Youth Mass with a Vigil at 6PM.
Contact

Michelle Emmett
09 6382 4104
michelle.emmett91@gmail.com

C/O St Mary's Parish, PO Box 6 Young NSW 2594

St Vincent de Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society runs camps and day activities for children between 6 and 12 years old from disadvantaged backgrounds and young carers between 9 and 15.
Contact

Sr Therese Haywood DC
02 6121 2955
youth@stvincanb.com.au

PO Box 642 Mawson ACT 2607

St Vincent de Paul Youth Conference (Marist)

Marist Young Vinnies Conference is an energetic group which supports SVDP through raising funds for their winter appeal, as well as assist in running children's holiday camps and after school activities. The conference also visits to nursing homes and primary schools.
Contact

Peter Himmelreich
6298 7291
peterhimmelreich@mcc.act.edu.au

Marist College 21 Marr St Pearce, 2607

Vocations to Priesthood

Promotion of Vocations to the Priesthood, to raise awareness and provide venues (eg dinners and weekends) for discernment.

First Vocation Discernment weekend is scheduled for the 15-17 May 2009. For more information, click here.
Contact

Fr Emil Milat
02 4474 2024
emil.milat@cg.catholic.org.au

PO Box 23 Moruya NSW 2537

Wanniassa / Kambah / South Woden Antioch

Antioch is run by young people (aged 16 to early 20's), for young people with parent support. It provides an opportunity for young people to develop their faith in Jesus, in a community, through friendship, music, prayer, personal talks, sharing. Weekly meetings of about 2 hours duration. 7:30pm Sunday nights, St Anthony's Church, Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa.
Contact

Sandy & Wayne Cassidy, Ellen & Declan O'Keeffe
6231 3062 (Cassidy Home)
6213 3441 (O'Keeffe Home)
6231 7310 St Anthony's Parish Office
cassidy@actewagl.net.au

c/o St Anthony's Parish Office 108 Sternberg Cres Wanniassa ACT 2903

http://grapevine.com.au/~stanthonys/Antioch%20Home%20Page.htm

Young Christian Students Movement (YCS)

YCS is an international Catholic movement with over 2.5 million members around the world. The YCS aims to empower students to actively live their faith in everyday lives, by forming students in both mission and prayer using the Review of Life method with its three stages of SEE, JUDGE and ACT. YCS is a movement run for, by and amongst secondary schools students. It is also an official lay movement of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

In the Review of Life, beginning with the See Section, students examine a situation that is happening in their life, challenge each other to look at the impact of the situation on the people involved, and investigate what truly caused it to occur. They then make a judgement about what they have seen. This judgement is reflective rather than critical; students relate the situation to the Gospel and decide what they think should be happening. In doing this they are able to decide what their beliefs and their faith are calling them to do. Finally, in the Act section, the students plan actions that they can take in order to live out their faith and make a positive change in the situation. These actions can be personal or collective and through taking these actions the students are transformed, realising the relevance and importance of the Gospel and the person of Jesus to the everyday situations and decisions in their lives.

YCS have developed a new formation and leadership program and are inviting parishes and schools to explore setting up YCS groups.

Narooma YCS Group - Thursday evenings (first and third Thursday of the month)

Lumen Christi YCS Group - Thursday lunchtimes

Marist College YCS Group - Friday lunchtimes

St Francis Xavier College YCS Group - Thursday lunchtimes

Coming Soon: Young YCS Group Carroll College YCS group
Contact

Natalie Doumit
02 9637 7863
formation.coordinator@aycs.org.au