Hamilton schools look to embrace New Evangelisation

Founded by Australian educator Peter Woods, formerly a religious education teacher and now part of the Australian Catholic University’s La Salle Academy, CSYMI aims to inspire and equip Catholic schools to become vibrant centres of the New Evangelisation and to deepen young people’s faith formation.

Other CYSMI features include modelling peer-to-peer ministry with senior students leading retreats for juniors, offering powerful accompaniment for youth and delivering staff formation programmes (such as Spiritus) to build teachers’ confidence and capacity for evangelisation.

Aquinas College in Tauranga has embedded the CSYMI approach over the past seven years and has served as the pilot school in New Zealand. Principal Matt Dalton expressed absolute confidence in the way the programme creates space for young people to be accompanied and ministered to by senior students, as a visible sign of God’s love.

“Through this international discipleship pathway, students are formed and equipped to be disciples of Christ, living out their faith as the hands and feet of Christ in the world,” Mr Dalton said.

“The programme has been transformative for our college, fostering visible expressions of faith within the life of the school, and creating authentic opportunities for young people to explore, deepen and articulate their faith, which we pray will continue long after they graduate from our college.”

Jess Samaila, who started as youth coordinator for the Bay of Plenty in December, will lead or support youth or young adult groups in parishes that request her involvement, while dedicating one day a week to Aquinas College, bolstering their Discipleship Programme and bridging the vital connection from school to parish life.

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Not Settling for Less (By Joanna Kearney/Kete Kōrero p20/Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)