Youth and Young Adult Ministry
The Ballarat Diocese supports youth and young adults in their journey of Christian faith.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival: 30 Nov – 2 Dec 2025
The ACYF is this weekend in Melbourne. There are around fifty pilgrims from schools and parishes across the Ballarat diocese attending the festival, with an anticipated overall attendance of 6,000.
The Festival begins on Sunday at St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne at 2.30pm with the Official Welcome and prayer, led by the Catholic Bishops of Australia, with the World Youth Day Cross and Icon being carried out of the Cathedral to take pride of place in the pilgrim walk procession.
At 3.00pm the Pilgrimage Walk begins, with the World Youth Day Cross and Icon being processed through the heart of Melbourne to the Festival venue (Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre).
Our pilgrims will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass with Bishop Paul during the Festival. The full program for the ACYF is available at https://acyf.org.au/program/.
Please keep these young people in your prayers.
Prayer of Blessing for the Pilgrims
All-powerful God, you always show mercy toward those who love you and you are never far away from those who seek you.
Remain with your servants on this holy pilgrimage to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival,
and guide their way in accord with your will.
Shelter them with your protection by day, give them the light of your grace by night, and,
as their companion on the journey, bring them to their destination in safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Taken from the ACYF Pilgrim Formation Guide)
Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago. Run over three days, the Festival provides young people from all across Australia with the opportunity to come together to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to live their faith in the world and experience the breadth of the Church in Australia.
The Festival will bring together thousands of young people (Year 9 – 25 yo) from all across Australia and include opportunities for engagement with other young people, school and youth groups, Bishops, musicians and speakers.
Each day will include the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities including prayer, Mass, workshops, talks, live concerts, games, justice issues and an interactive expo.
Youth PATHWAYS
We are excited to share with you ‘Youth PATHWAYS’.
This booklet, produced by the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat, and distributed to school leavers around the Diocese, outlines opportunities to assist Young Adults on their faith journey.
It includes information about a variety of youth ministry and young adult
activities, as well as details on faith formation, social justice and outreach
initiatives.
Click here or the image to view the booklet.
Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network
The Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network – is set to foster and support leaders in Australia’s Catholic youth ministry community. Officially launched in October 2023, the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network will support youth ministry leaders and provide national leadership and opportunities for collaboration within a diverse, faith-filled culture of authentic, lived ministry with young people and the broader Church. The Australian Network of Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinators has developed into the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network at the invitation of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry and is open to all involved in youth and young adult ministry. Whether that be through the Diocese, parish, school, community, ministry, movement or organisation.
Visit the website here.
Watch the Launch.
Scripture of the Week
Access the Gospel and weekly readings here.
Online Bible: https://bible.oremus.org/
Mass Readings and Information – Apps: Laudate or Universalis
Resources
Are you leading a Parish Youth Group or planning to start one? Find useful and necessary information under the Resources link here.
Online Faith Formation
The Ballarat Diocese Lay Pastoral Ministry Program offers online subjects in Youth & Pastoral Ministry.
Integrity in the Service of the Church
A core document for those working in the church (volunteers or paid). Good resource for Youth Ministry team. Download here.
Ballarat Diocese Youth and Young Adult Ministry
For more information, please contact:
Diocesan Youth & Young Adult Ministry
- Email: Youth Ballarat
- Facebook: Catholic Youth Ministry Ballarat