Former religion teacher Jonathan McCallum will use an Australian Catholic University liturgical studies scholarship to inspire young people to grow closer to God through the liturgy and the sacraments. Source: Aurora News.
Mr McCallum knows he will spend years researching the question: what does it mean to celebrate liturgy well?
The 30-year-old from the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is several years into his Master of Theological Studies at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). He is this year’s recipient of the annual ACU Centre for Liturgy Postgraduate Scholarship.
“It offsets some of the financial burden, but it connects me with a collegiate community of people who are interested in liturgy,” Mr McCallum says. “It has already been a great opportunity to expand my professional network.”
He is looking at how penitential celebrations, particularly liturgies seeking forgiveness at Lent and Advent, can help young people have a deeper connection to God. But this is about more than academic pursuit; it is deeply personal.
“Liturgy is the common experience of all Catholics,” he explains. “There is an element of shared worship in our life. I would say it is the defining characteristic of the Catholic experience.”
At the same time, he is quick to point out that no two people experience it the same way.
“There is obviously so much diversity and expression in liturgy. Whether you are a student at school or someone who is approaching the end of your life, the way you engage with liturgy is very different,” Mr McCallum says.
He is passionate about young people not just going through the motions during liturgy at school.
Today, he is the Diocese’s Education Officer, Formation for Mission, working closely with schools to strengthen their Catholic identity and faith life. He says well-prepared liturgy can bring young people closer to God, especially when they are invited to shape it themselves.
FULL STORY
A new generation of worship: Jonathan’s vision for liturgy and young people (By Dan Cox, Aurora News)
Aspiring liturgist from regional NSW awarded ACU postgraduate scholarship (ACU)
