A young youth leader who once felt alone in her desire to live and lead in the faith is now helping ensure the next generation of Catholic leaders never walks that path in isolation.
Over the weekend of 28–29 March, youth leaders from across the Archdiocese of Sydney gathered at St Martha’s chancery office in Leichhardt for the inaugural Purpose Youth Leaders’ Summit – a formation-focused event built to strengthen Catholic youth leadership, forge real fellowship and renew parish life from the inside out.
At the heart of the weekend was Sofia Mifsud, one of the lead organisers from Sydney Catholic Youth (SCY).
As a teenager, she longed for deeper formation and genuine connection with other young Catholics but found structured opportunities few and far between. Now, instead of waiting for that space to appear, she is helping build it.
“I remember what it felt like to really want to serve, but not know where to go, who to talk to, or how to grow as a leader,” she said. “This summit is about making sure the next generation doesn’t feel that way, that they know they’re not alone and that the church is investing in them.”
Across two days, participants took part in prayer, formation sessions, small group discussions and practical workshops designed to equip them for ministry in their parishes and movements.
The focus was not merely on running activities, but on forming disciples who can form others.
Bishops Richard Umbers and Tony Percy were present as active participants, offering teaching, encouragement and a clear signal that youth leadership is central to the church’s mission.
Bishop Umbers’ keynote drew on St John Paul II’s famous challenge to young people: “Jesus asked much of you because he knows you can give much.”
Jen Milostic, Milad Khalil, Louisa Daniels, Fr Steve Drum MGL and Natalie Ambrose contributed talks aligned with SCY’s long-term vision: that evangelisation and parish renewal depend on deeply formed, confident young leaders.
Seamus Cronin, 22, a youth leader from Ryde-Gladesville parish, said connecting with peers and receiving formation from experienced ministry leaders was “one of the most important things we need in youth ministry.”
“Youth ministry is such a different sort of ministry, having dedicated time to learn how others do it, what’s worked and how to become a better leader is so vital,” he said.
“You’re often planting seeds you’ll probably never see the fruit for. To hear others say, ‘Yeah, this is tough, but it’s worth it’, that really encourages you in a ministry that can feel both life-giving and life-stealing at the same time.”
Seamus came looking for practical tips on running youth ministry and personal formation. He left with something more: a stronger conviction than ever that he was exactly where he needed to be.
“Hearing from other youth leaders, their victories and their challenges, reminds you that you’re not alone in what you’re thinking or struggling with. And there’s something really life-giving about coming back together with people you know and being part of that wider community.”
Organisers describe the summit as a deliberate move away from one-off experiences toward lasting culture change, built around three pillars: formation, fellowship and connection for mission.
“We’re trying to build a culture where youth leaders are well-formed, connected to each other, and confident to lead young people towards Christ and into the heart of parish life,” said Sofia.
Her hope is long-term. “Years from now, I want to look around our parishes and see leaders who were encouraged, formed and connected through weekends like this – leaders helping renew the church from the inside out.”
If the weekend at St Martha’s is any indication, that renewal may already be underway.
