National Support

For many years the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has supported the development of youth ministry in Australia. This section of the website outlines the structures, people and projects which have been established by the ACBC to support youth ministry.

The Bishops Commission for Pastoral Life (BCPL) is responsible for the pastoral care of young people, amongst other pastoral care areas. The BCPL together with the ACBC has identified youth as a major focus area by establishing an advisory council and a 3 year project officer position to development and support youth ministry across the country. The role of the advisory council, the Australian Catholic Youth Council (ACYC), and the Senior Youth Ministry Projects Officer (SYMPO) are to advise the BCPL on youth matters.

In 2008 the BCPL hosted the Youth Leaders Gathering (YLG) which reflected on the WYD journey and identified areas of development post WYD. The ACYC and the SYMPO will work together to improve the support, coordination and networking of youth minsters across the country. Some projects established to achieve this include the Australian vision for Catholic youth ministry Anointed and Sent, the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention, and the National Catholic Youth Initiative. Regular updates on these and other projects through the BCPL can be seen by subscribing to the youthministry.enews newsletter.

As young people are involved in all facets of church life, other Commissions of the ACBC may have resources or formation in their particular focus areas which can assist youth ministers in the role of evangelising and forming young Catholics.