When I was in high school I had a stint on the school’s track and field team (I think Aussies call it athletics??). I liked track and field because I didn’t have to learn many rules and because it was mostly about individual achievement… that is, it was hard to let down my team mates with a bad pass or kick, I just had to run, jump and throw. I had never done well with team sports, so track was easier for me to manage. I was a sprinter specialising in the 100 and 200 meter dash. I was pretty good at it so I was asked to be on a relay team.

Coming into 2021, youth ministry groups across the many Parishes in the Archdiocese of Adelaide had an attitude of being prepared for the potential challenges COVID could bring, but at the same time hoping for a better year to run their ministry. Although there have been many challengers in 2021, there have also been many successes despite COVID-19. Some new youth ministry initiatives have started while other existing initiatives continue to thrive in parishes and communities as youth leaders support young people in their journey of faith.

In a few weeks we will be entering a new phase in the life of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, and a couple weeks after that, the life of the Australian Church. The 2021 Diocesan Assembly and Plenary Council offer our local and national Catholic community an opportunity to listen deeply to young people, to allow ourselves to be converted and experience a transformation of love. Young people are calling us out of the comfort of our church buildings and the confines of convention and into the streets, the homes and lives of everyday, ordinary people, of those in deep need, and to address the realities and challenges of our time. Will we listen? Will we have the humility to allow ourselves to be accompanied?

I recently made a confession to a group of youth ministry leaders, and I share it with you if you promise not to make fun of me. I love maps. I always have, and I think they have something to teach us about planning for ministry with young people.

On February 26 and 27 over 60 people gathered at St. Mary’s College in Adelaide for the annual youth ministry leaders’ conference, New Horizons. Organised by the Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults (COYYA) , New Horizons provides formation, planning, networking and training opportunities for leaders of ministries for young people including youth ministers, parish youth leaders, youth movement new ecclesial community leaders, social justice coordinators, APRIMs/RECs, teachers, parents, parish workers and clergy.