Something new began in the Diocese last Sunday with the launch of ALIVE Catholic Youth, bringing together young people and families from across the Diocese for an afternoon of worship, witness and community. More than simply an event, the gathering was marked by a genuine spirit of encounter, connection and hope.

Worship led by Louisa Daniels was fun and dynamic, gradually inviting young people towards a genuine experience of prayer. Voices rose together in worship, creating an environment where faith felt alive, personal and shared.

Qwayne Guevara, a national leader on youth ministry visiting from the National Centre of Evangelisation, introduced the main principles of youth ministry – that each of us has a story, and is looking for a place to belong.

Following Qwayne, our Diocese’s Youth Ministry Partner, Dominic Drumore, shared more on how this Diocese is looking to make that a tangible reality in the lives of young people here and now.

 

Bishop Michael Kennedy reflected on his own journey to the priesthood, speaking honestly about the transforming love of God and the story of Peter.

His words were personal and invitational, offering a reminder that God continues to call ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

Bishop Michael then led a powerful experience of Eucharistic Adoration, inviting young people to encounter the heart and centre of our Catholic faith, accompanied by young leaders from MacKillop Parish as altar servers.

Following this, through a panel discussion on faith and ministry, young people themselves spoke openly about their experiences, challenges and hopes. Their authenticity resonated throughout the enthralled room, revealing a Church where young people are not simply spectators, but active witnesses to the Gospel.

It was a great opportunity for young people to recognise the great work already taking place, as well as to imagine the possibilities for themselves in leadership and mission.

One of the young people to share her testimony was Hannah Logan, who said she felt honoured to be part of the experience.

“The atmosphere at the ALIVE launch was just incredible. Being surrounded by amazing young people, united in praise through music and prayer, was so empowering and uplifting,” Hannah said.

“It was even more special to share my testimony with everyone there. I felt the Spirit with me so strongly, and I just knew people in the crowd were being touched by God’s love in a way that would stay with them,” says Hannah.

 

The event concluded with a powerful time of praise and worship, with many young people joyfully raising their voices in song. Afterwards, attendees gathered in the foyer to connect with local ministries and organisations, including the UoN Catholic Society, Catholic Mission, Wallsend-Shortland Young Adults, EPIC Young Adults (City region), and St Joseph’s Lochinvar SRE Program.

For Dominic, seeing ALIVE Catholic Youth come to life was a moment filled with both excitement and hope.

“It is always  a privilege to create opportunities for our youth and young adults to worship and witness, and to be part of something new and life-giving for the Diocese,” he said.

“Our young people had the opportunity to go deeper in their relationship with God, and they left inspired, refreshed and ready for what comes next,” he said.

At the heart of ALIVE Catholic Youth is a desire to meet young people where they are, whether deeply connected to parish life or standing tentatively on the fringes. The initiative seeks to walk alongside them as they grow in faith, discover community and strengthen their relationship with Christ.

“We want young people to grow strong in their faith, be raised up as leaders, and empowered to witness what it means to be fully alive,” Dominic said.

That sense of accompaniment is central to the vision of ALIVE Catholic Youth, particularly at a time when many young people are searching for connection, purpose and belonging.

For Dominic, friendship is an essential part of that journey of faith.

“Walking with God is not for the faint of heart, and having friends alongside you gives strength for the journey and becomes a channel of grace,” he said. “Our relationships with others reflect our relationship with God, which is why belonging and friendship matter so deeply.”

The vision for ALIVE Catholic Youth is only just unfolding. The ALIVE Catholic Young Adult Retreat is planned for July, followed by the ALIVE Catholic Youth Retreat in September 2026. It is our hope that our connection and engagement with our young people continues to grow from the grassroots, raising up young leaders, fostering authentic community, and helping them recognise that they are not only welcomed in the life of the Church, but also needed.

Last Sunday was more than a launch. It was a glimpse of what can happen when young people are given space to worship, belong, and discover that faith is truly alive.