66 participants from across Melbourne (including 5 interstate visitors) gathered over the Australia Day long weekend at Corpus Christi College Carlton for an intensive three days of study, prayer and fraternity.

Using the Evangelium Program written by UK priests Fr Marcus Holden and Fr Andrew Pinset  as their guide and with the input from some of Melbourne’s finest young theologians and experienced parish priests the participants with the fervour of youth dived head first into the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in an effort to come to a deeper understanding of the key tenets of their Catholic Faith.

Covering the Creed, The Sacraments, and the Moral life in lectures, and The fourth section of the Catechism prayer through various Holy Hours, the Rosary and praying together the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours participants went home with a greater appreciation of the richness of the teachings of the Church, as passed onto us and protected by the Holy Spirit throughout the centuries.

Rhiannon Sharman of Frankston said:

Being a part of fellowship in feasting, singing, praying, having fun, and learning together really united us. This fellowship does not end with those in close proximity around us, it involves everyone on earth and those who have gone before us, as we are part of The One, Holy, Catholic Church. It is always good to bring to mind the significance of The Church and community, and not just one’s own interpretation of faith.  I now feel a renewed exuberance in my Catholic faith, as this weekend gave an overlook at the underpinnings of The Catholic Church such as sacramental both intellectually and spiritually, as well through prayer, and about morals and the creed. These basic understandings, with the help of talented and inspirational speakers, renewed my keen interest to explore the faith further and to experience it intellectually and spiritually. The topics that really attracted me were Scripture and Tradition, Sacraments, and vocational Married Life. These models help keep up our own understandings and how to relate them practically to life.

The weekend, an initiative of thirteen parishes across the Archdiocese and supported by various agencies and Catholic organisations, saw university students and young professional gather together to share their own stories and encourage each other along their journey of faith.  A highlight for many was the Scholars Lounge, a social gathering each evening, giving participants to unwind and discuss the days lectures and share each others company.

Joe Van Strijp, a young professional said:

One of my goals this year is to build a stronger more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ; learning more about Him and His holy Church.  The weekend was exactly that, learning through scripture and tradition and delving deeper into the mysteries and beautiful teachings of our Holy Mother Church.  So rich in content and so much to take in, I can’t wait for next years!  I would recommend anyone who would like to network with young Catholics around Melbourne and receive and injection of grace through this journey to plan for next year!

Many thanks to all our Participants, Speakers, Partner Parishes and Sponsors, and in particular to Corpus Christi College our hosts, whose beautiful facilities and Chapel made for a particularly prayerful weekend.

Thanks go also to all who worked on the Evangelium Staff especially Deacon Ben, Deacon John Paul, the Seminarians who gave of their time: Mark, Patrick, Darryl, Michael,  Brendan, Jack, Jonathan, Bronnie (and Jenny and Glen) in the Kitchen, Leanne and Therese, and to Vicki, Therese, Lucy, Suzanne,  Tiffany and Kath who provided much support in the lead up to the weekend.

See you all next year

Fr Nicholas Pearce