The Areté Centre for Missionary Leadership is inviting educators, parish leaders, youth ministers and all those passionate about forming the next generation to a free public event next week.
The Walking to Emmaus: Ministry with the Young & Searching event will be held on Saturday, August 23 from 1.30-4.45 at St Benedict’s Hall, University of Notre Dame, Broadway Campus in Sydney.
This afternoon gathering is designed to equip and encourage those working with youth across parishes, schools, and the wider Catholic community.
With a strong focus on practical tools, spiritual renewal, and fresh vision, the event will include Mass, keynotes from Areté Centre director Fr Chris Ryan MGL and Fr John Whicker MGL, as well as a workshop led by Eleanor Bonwick from Catholic Youth Parramatta.
Participants will explore new ways to engage with young people who are seeking meaning, belonging, and deeper faith in today’s complex world.
“This event is about walking alongside the young – meeting them where they are and helping them discover the beauty of faith,” Fr Chris Ryan MGL says.
“We hope it will be a moment of renewal for all who serve in youth ministry and Catholic education.”
The Areté Centre is also accepting applications for its 2026 intake of its Foundations of Missionary Leadership program.
“We are now in the fifth year of intake and have begun to see so much fruit in the parishes that have sent people year after year,” Fr Ryan said.
“We can see the ripple of this not just in parishes, but in workplaces, in families. It’s not uncommon for family members to send other family members, or for husbands and wives to journey together or in consecutive years.”
The program offers a rich blend of theological formation, spiritual growth, practical leadership training, and community life. With a flexible format, including online learning, live retreats, and mentoring, Areté is accessible to people from all walks of life and locations.
For details and registrations on the Walking to Emmaus event, visit TryBooking.
For details on the leadership program, visit www.aretecentre.org
FULL STORY
Walking to Emmaus Youth Ministry Event (Areté Centre, Missionaries of God’s Love)
