The Archdiocese of Adelaide’s Youth Council recently gathered for a formation and reflection session facilitated by the National Centre for Evangelisation.

Led by Qwayne Guevara, Facilitator of Young People and Formation, the session was held in the chapel of St Mary’s College in Adelaide, believed to be the place where St Mary MacKillop was excommunicated.

The Youth Council, established in 2009 as an advisory body to the Council of Youth and Young Adults, continues to serve as a consultative space for youth ministry across the Archdiocese. Meeting monthly, the 14-member council is made up largely of people involved in parish and school-based ministry, holding together different contexts where young people encounter the Church, and the tensions that come with living that out authentically.

In light of their Archdiocesan synodal journey, the session began from the understanding that synodality is not something we add on, but something we recognise is already happening. Participants were invited to listen to what they are hearing from young people in their local contexts, and to hold that alongside what is emerging more broadly across the Church nationally and globally.

In discussion, members returned to the practical question of how young people are formed for ministry in parish and school contexts, and what it takes for that formation to be sustained in real communities, not just in programs.

The session closed with reflection on the Council itself, not only as a consultative structure, but as a living part of the Archdiocesan community where young people are part of the Church’s ongoing listening for a synodal vision of Church.

Image and Words: Qwayne Guevara