Embrace the Grace 2021
Archdiocese of Perth Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation Father Vincent Glynn delivered a talk at the Embrace the Grace youth conference held from the 8 to 12 December 2021. Photo: Supplied.
By Nessya Santoso
Embrace the Grace Youth Conference (ETG) has ignited the hearts of young people in the Perth Archdiocese.
From the 8 to 12 December 2021, ETG was attended by 100 young people between the ages of 16 to 25 years old. The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis, called Amoris Laeticia, inspired the theme of “Real Love”, where young people were invited to rejoice in the joy of love in the family. This powerful invitation has profound implications on how we perceive family life. It is not to say that every family must be perfect, but we are encouraged to “be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains imperfect or lacks peace and joy.”
One hundred youth between the ages of 16 to 25 years old attended the Embrace the Grace youth conference held from the 8 to 12 December 2021. Photo: Supplied.
This event was sponsored by the University of Notre Dame (UNDA), The Catenian Association and Knights of the Southern Cross (KSC) Australia.
The five-day event offered young people chances to understand this topic of Love (and Holy Family) by encountering Christ in many ways, such as through Sacraments (daily Mass and prayers, Adoration, Reconciliation), Community Groups, and talks. Dr Peter Christofides, Adeline Bock (CYM), Derek Boylen (CLMF) and James Chua were invited to present the overarching topic in the main sessions.
Sessions for the Embrace the Grace youth conference held from the 8 to 12 December 2021 included daily Mass and prayers, Adoration, Reconciliation, Community Groups, and talks. Photo: Supplied.
Sister Chitra (Servite Sisters), Fr Joseph Laundy (CYM), Clarence Goh, Alwin Liew, Natalie Thomas, and Knights of the Southern Cross (KSC), were able to unpack the topic deeper in a more relevant level during the panel discussions, workshops, and discussion forums. Participants were also supported by the presence of youth leaders and other volunteers who showed an example of discipleship and accompaniment, that are important in a life’s journey.
Overall, ETG exists as a place for young people to be transformed from within. The testimonies show a great sign of revival in young people today as they desire to pursue a Christ-centered relationship and deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith.
Conference participants bond during one of the sessions of the five-day Embrace the Grace youth conference held from the 8 to 12 December 2021. Photo: Supplied.
The attendees had nothing short of compliments to add about their ETG experiences.
“Excellent speakers, wonderful leaders, and awesome new friends. I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend four days growing in my faith and journeying with so many like-minded people.” – Claire, 21.
“It was a fantastic experience, and I loved being surrounded by people with the same faith and values as I have, and it really inspired me in my Catholic faith journey” – Anna, 21.
Embrace the Grace is a youth conference for young people to learn how to live out the Gospel of Life, pursuit the dignity of the human person, and experience a community that is a witness to this faith. ETG began in 2004 by Respect Life Office. As a youth event, ETG is now run by Catholic Youth Ministry Perth (CYM) with the support of the Centre for Life, Marriage and Family (CLMF).
James Chua speaking at the Embrace the Grace Youth Conference last year, which was inspired by The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis, called Amoris Laeticia, inspired the theme of “Real Love.” Photo: Supplied.