The destructive nature of navigating social media, consumerism and mental health.
These were the leading issues identified by nearly 300 young people at today’s Student Leadership Forum hosted at St Mary’s Cathedral College.
Held annually in November, the Sydney Catholic Schools event sees Year 11 students from systemic and independent Catholic schools across Sydney who’ve been selected to be the next year’s school leaders meet to discuss shared challenges, solutions and receive guidance from the Archbishop of Sydney.
This year in his address, Archbishop of Sydney Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP spoke to the students about what he described as three of the “non-negotiables” for a Catholic leader.
First, Archbishop Fisher explained that to be an inspiring leader, the students must first follow in the footsteps of Jesus and be “foot washers,” displaying humility in leadership.
“If the Creator of the Universe was willing to empty himself and become as men are, to humble himself to the point of washing dirty feet like a slave and submitting even to death on a cross, we have no excuse!”
In addition, the Archbishop added that the young people need to strive for better things as “risk takers” and be willing to hold nothing back once they have the greatest of goals in sight.
“If as leaders we are too cautious because we are obsessed with always getting things perfect or with what others think of us, we might fail to live by our own best ideals and be our best selves,” Archbishop Fisher explained.
The final message was that of joy, that young Catholic leaders must aspire to bring joy to others in a time of toxic culture and manufactured outrage.
“Christian joy is the anchor in our lives, allowing us to look past the dark things that around us or within us, and to trust that no matter what, God’s love will prevail. Such joy is infectious.”
Leading the discussion after the archbishop’s address, the students expressed concerns about the negative influence of social media, and how the secular culture pressured young people to be reserved in their faith.
The student leaders from St John Bosco Engadine asked His Grace “How can we develop faith in our schools and how can young leaders combat doubt?”
The archbishop then encouraged students to lead by proudly practicing their faith, and recounted a story about one of the student leaders he looked up to during his time as a teenager at Riverview.
“There was a great leader at my school. A boy who was great at sport, public speaking, academics, everything. He also went to Daily Mass at school.”
“Just the example of that, for me, I could say when I was fourteen, well, that’s not so nerdy or uncool, because he does it.”
With the room wondering where that young leader ended up as an adult, Archbishop Fisher explained that boy went on to become Prime Minister.
Reflecting on the forum, Sydney Catholic Schools Director of Mission and Identity Anthony Cleary said he has been impressed with the maturity levels of young people and their genuine desire to know “how best to lead.”
“We need good leaders to make a difference in our world. I am sure that many of today’s student leaders will do just that, and that they will be among the political, civic and religious leaders of the future,” Mr Cleary said.
Archbishop Fisher ended his time with the young leaders with a touching reflection on their achievement of being selected as leaders among their peers.
“You’re doing great things already, and you can do even greater things. I’m very proud of you and I have great confidence in you, God bless you all.”
