Dozens of leaders of Catholic youth ministry from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand received formation, connection and renewal at a convention last month. Source: NZ Catholic/CathNews NZ.
The Life Teen Aotearoa Leadership Convention 2026, held in partnership with the Diocese of Auckland, saw 139 young leaders come together to be equipped with tools and ideas to invest in the lives and faith of young people.
The convention, held every two years, is the largest national training event for those involved in Catholic youth ministry in New Zealand. This year’s event featured a mix of keynote sessions, practical breakouts and prayer. A highlight was having Randy Raus, the United States-based president and CEO of Life Teen, share his heart for ministry.
Centred on the theme “Radiant Hope”, the convention invited participants to reflect on Christ as the source of enduring hope, Mary as an example of living with radiant hope and the call for youth ministers to be witnesses of that hope.
Keynote sessions explored ways youth ministry leaders can foster environments where young people encounter hope in Christ. Practical breakout sessions covered a range of topics such as sharing the Gospel with young people, how to love Jesus deeply, the role of mission and vision in planning, and how to recruit, mentor and support younger leaders.
Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe and 22 of the country’s seminarians joined the convention for Sunday Mass.
Participants spoke of the great benefit of the event in preparing them for their efforts at home.
FULL STORY
Youth ministry leaders inspired at Life Teen Convention (NZ Catholic PDF)
Leaders receive ideas, strategies for youth ministry (CathNews NZ)
