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Workshops


Over 100 interactive and engaging workshops will be on offer at the Festival, allowing pilgrims to “choose their own adventure”, following what sparks their curiosity and speaks to their heart. Pilgrims can explore how to pray, live their faith authentically and wrestle with the big questions of life, while hearing from passionate experts, inspiring young leaders and bishops alike. A sample of the workshops on offer is provided below.

Surge of the heart: How to pray

Prayer is how we talk to God. Sounds simple enough, right? But sometimes it can become more complicated. Sometimes we don’t know what to exactly say in prayer – how to talk to the Lord. Packed with helpful insights from Katie Prejean McGrady, this workshop will help you learn how to open your heart, how to pray and talk honestly to God – Who never tires from hearing from you.  

 

Workshop Presenter

Katie Prejean McGrady

Author, speaker, podcaster and radio show host, Katie hails from Los Angeles in the United States. She averages over 150,000 kms of travel each year with various speaking engagements across America and beyond. Katie appears as a Catholic commentator on CNN and in 2021, began hosting The Katie McGrady Show, a daily radio program covering pop culture, current events, Catholic news, how to live a life of abundant joy.

Metanoia: The return of the Son

This workshop will provide a powerful concert experience featuring contemporary and upcoming Catholic hip-hop artist Prodigyl. Through music and personal testimony, Prodigyl will share about life experience and his journey of returning to the Catholic faith. Throughout it all, you will be invited into the powerful experience of God’s mercy and the joy of conversion. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Prodigyl

Houston-based rapper Prodigyl is a rising hip hop artist. Becoming interested in hip hop as a teenager, he started his career while at university and has since released an album, four EPs and many popular singles including “Viva Cristo Rey!”, “Salve Regina”, “Lord of All” and “Qadisha (Holy)”. His melodic and lyrical skills, combined with energetic performances and unique Syro-Malabar Catholic background, prove Prodigyl a musical force to be reckoned with.

Outside the Chapel: Live Podcast

This workshop experience provides the unique opportunity to be part of a live podcast recording of Outside the Chapel – with popular hosts Fr Rob Galea, Jess Bond and Claire Forbes. You will be invited to be part of the audience as the hosts, with characteristic insight, stories and humour, show you how the Scriptures can animate and energise your own life and passions. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Outside the Chapel

Outside the Chapel is a podcast of ICON Ministry, an initiative founded and directed by Fr Rob Galea. The podcast makes the Catholic faith accessible, bringing heartfelt insights from a priest trained in Catholic teaching and relatable lay hosts. The stories and perspectives shared will help you integrate Catholicism into your daily life – preparing you spiritually for each Sunday and beyond.

Evangelisation at the Dawn of AI

Artificial intelligence is dramatically and fast transforming the world as we know it. What should our response to AI be? How do we engage with AI critically instead of simply fearing it? Drawing on years of experience as an artist, digital creator and evangelist, Joshua invites you to learn how he has harnessed this technology to serve more people than he ever thought possible.

 

Workshop Presenter

Joshua Angrisano

Joshua Angrisano is a gifted poet, lyricist, singer, hip-hop artist and entertainer who has been working in the online space for nearly a decade. With his signature flair for storytelling and strategy, he produces content across media that focusses on creativity and impact. Joshua is originally from Dallas, U.S., and first travelled to Melbourne for a year of mission work. Meeting his now wife Emily during this year, led to his decision to call Australia home.

How to hear God’s voice

We can all agree – life can be pretty noisy. Between social media and all the screens, the constant cycle of news and the endless tasks, we might ask – how is God present in all of this? Does he really speak to us, and is he ‘for me’? Join Sr Mary Grace from the Sisters of Life as she shares, with depth and practical insight, how God is always speaking – we just need to learn how to listen. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Sr Mary Grace S.V.

Captivated by the beauty of every human life, after completing university studies, Sr Mary Grace S.V. travelled to New York to join the Sisters of Life. She first worked in Toronto, Canada, serving vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children. Sr Mary Grace then served in the Evangelisation Mission in the Bronx and in Denver, where she currently resides. She is the co-host of the Sisters of Life Podcast Let Love and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology.

Truth in the modern age

What is ‘identity’? How do we listen to our conscience? Is there such a thing as a single truth, or is it all relative? These are just some of the questions explored in this workshop with Dr Paul Morrissey. Drawing on the depth of wisdom in the Catholic tradition, participants will be given the tools to think more deeply about these subjects, learn how to reason well, and go beyond simply ‘my truth’ and ‘your truth’ to discover Truth itself. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Dr Paul Morrissey

After completing his Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Lateran University in Rome and his Doctorate at the Catholic Institute in Sydney, Dr Paul Morrissey taught systematic and moral theology at the University of Notre Dame for eight years. In 2015, he became President of Campion College, an independent tertiary institution and Australia’s first liberal arts college. He is passionate about awakening in young people a love for the truth and wisdom of the Catholic faith. 

The life-changing power of real friendship

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘never walk alone’, but it’s worth looking at what does this phrase really mean and how can we actually live it. Led by Tara Wall and Peter Munns from Ignite Youth, this workshop is an uplifting exploration of the power of real friendship and the gift of authentic community. In this workshop, you will discover the call to deeper connection, what it means to have good people around you and how friendship with Jesus shapes your life and friendship with others for the better.  

 

Workshop Presenter

Tara Wall & Peter Munns

Tara Wall lives and works in Brisbane, leading Ignite High – a network of high school students who want to journey together, grow their faith and have fun in the process. With years of experience in Brisbane, Darwin and NET Ministries, she is driven by the message that Jesus came to give: that we are called to have life and life to the full. 

Peter Munns is the high school co-ordinator of Ignite Youth and has been involved in youth ministry throughout Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. His ministry empowers young people to use their gifts and stories for the building up of others.  

looking at my identity: Who am I, really?

We spend so much time trying to figure out who we are – through our friends, feeds, achievements or the labels others give us. But what if your identity isn’t something you have to create or prove? What is your identity is a gift and something that is deeper, stronger and unshakeable? This workshop takes an honest look at identity and where it’s truly found. We will wrestle with the deepest questions of our humanity, break through the noise, and discover the One who knows you and calls you by your name.

 

Workshop Presenter

Fr Chris Ryan MGL

Fr Chris Ryan is a priest with the Missionaries of God’s Love and has been involved in leadership in youth ministry in new communities, parishes and schools for many years including the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon as it travelled all across Australia in preparation for World Youth Day 2008.  
 
Fr Chris is the co-editor of Australian Catholic Youth Ministry: Theological and Pastoral Foundations for Faithful Ministry, and the author of several books, including Christ is Alive: A Reading Guide to Christus Vivit (Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on youth), and Bring Forth Hope: Pope Francis Speaks to the Youth of the World. He is the founder and director of the Areté Centre for Missionary Leadership and is currently a parish priest in Sydney.  

Fast fashion: The real cost of your clothes

Behind the glitz and glamour, the fashion industry hides a story worth knowing. With Lucas Sharpley from Marist Youth, this workshop invites you to learn where your clothes come from, the environmental impact of constantly changing trends and how ordinary people can make sustainable fashion choices without giving up their style. This workshop is perfect for anyone curious about the real story behind the fashion industry and how they can be part of a change for the better. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Lucas Sharpley

Lucas Sharpley has recently graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Commerce, specialising in Marketing, Innovation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship. He works with Marist Youth Ministry, connecting with young people across the east coast of Australia and empowering them make a different in their own spheres of influence. 

Faith that stopped an earthquake

Have you ever felt like everything around you was shaking, literally or emotionally? What if prayer wasn’t just a ritual but a force that could shift the earth? This talk dives into a real-life story where prayer didn’t just bring peace – it stopped an actual earthquake. But it’s more than just a wild story. It’s about the kind of faith that’s bold, raw, and real – the kind that moves things when nothing else can. If you’ve ever wondered if prayer really works or if God actually hears you, this is for you. Come ready to be challenged, encouraged and reminded that prayer still changes everything. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Lachlan Mitchell

Lachlan Mitchell hails from Sydney, though his ministry now spans multiple continents. Currently he is the Australian lead of Mary’s Meals, a global grassroots movement that feeds more than three million children in 16 of the world’s poorest countries. Lachlan works as a lay missionary, empowering the Church to truly be Christ’s hands and feet for those most in need. 

How to hope when the world gets dark

Between 2006–2008, Sam Clear walked an incredible 15,600km around the world. His goal? To promote and pray for Christian unity. The walk brought several unexpected challenges – he was robbed, hospitalised, interrogated and several times almost killed – and he nearly lost his faith in the goodness of humanity. But through the darkness, the light of God’s love brought hope back to life. Sharing stories from his incredible travels and harrowing experiences, this workshop invites you to explore how to hope in times of trouble and how to embrace God’s calling with courage. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Sam Clear

Sam Clear is a full-time speaker engaging with schools, parishes and businesses all across Australia through his ministry Walk4One. As part of his 23 years in youth ministry, Sam has facilitated professional and spiritual development for high school staff and students and spent four years as the Director of Youth Evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Hobart. The stories of his powerful encounters and experiences of God’s presence continue to inspire young people to pray authentically and live boldly. 

real talk about Sex, love and marriage

What’s the big deal with sex? Where is the hope in broken, messy relationships? Could our deepest wounds and desires actually point us to God? This session is a space for real talk about love, sex, and relationships. You’ll be able to wrestle with hard questions, receive some guidance and discover how even the most vulnerable parts of our story can become places of encounter with Jesus. Come and be challenged, encouraged and reminded that you are deeply loved. This session will help you walk with purpose and passion in the abundant life God has for you.

 

Workshop Presenter

Paul Ninnes

Paul Ninnes is co-founder and managing director of Real Talk, one of Australia’s largest educators on sexuality and relationships. With a powerful life story of his own, Paul is passionate about helping young people encounter the life-changing message of human dignity. 

Paul is a sought-after speaker and pioneering leader with a wealth of experience. He has spoken to over 100,000 people in live audiences and engages with hundreds of schools every year. He speaks on sex, masculinity and navigating the mess of dating and relationships with a vision of human dignity at the heart of it. 

Can real love win?

Have you ever wondered how porn might be harming our culture? Do you aspire to relationships based on mutual respect and authentic connection? Based on years of experience listening to people’s stories and rigorous research, Melinda will help you navigate the effects of porn culture, stand up to sexual pressure, enforce boundaries and act in alignment with your values. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Melinda Tankard Reist

Melinda is a seasoned campaigner and advocate for young people. Co-founder and director of the influential grassroots movement Collective Shout, Melinda dreams of a world free from the exploitation of women. 

She is the author and editor of numerous books, and one of Australia’s most highly sought after speakers on the harms of pornography, the sexualisation and objectification of women in culture and advertisement and the ongoing problems of trafficking and violence against women. In 2024, Melinda was the recipient of the ‘Global Impact Award’ presented at the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Summit in Washington DC.  

Go all in

You are invited to “go all in” in this unique and interactive workshop experience with talented musicians and presenters from Emmanuel Worship and Ignite Youth. The presentation will include a time of praise and worship as well incorporate real life stories. It will provide opportunities to encounter Jesus personally and deepen your faith in a fun and real-world way! 

 

Workshop Presenter

Emmanuel Worship & Ignite Youth

Emmanuel Worship are a group of Catholics who seek bring wholehearted worship to the Church and the world. Their music is written and performed with real passion for Jesus, music and spreading the Gospel. 

Ignite Youth are all about pointing people to the ultimate source of adventure and purpose – a life following Jesus.  Their focus is about raising up a generation to come alive in faith and change their world – with a vision of young people who are ‘not just changed for a day, but transformed for life’.   

Discerning God's will for my life

Drawing on years of experience, in this workshop Charbel Raish will provide valuable insights on how you can discern God’s will for your life. He will look at how to identify your God-given talents, the unique desires God has placed on your heart and what brings you the most peace – in order to discern where God might be calling you and how to take the first steps along this path.   

 

Workshop Presenter

Charbel Raish

With a great passion for sharing his faith, Sydney teacher Charbel Raish ‘stepped out into the deep’ and founded Parousia Media back in 2005, seeking to bring quality faith formation resources and speakers to Australia. Now, 20 years on, 1,000 events featuring popular local and international speakers have been run throughout Australia, over 1 million resources have been distributed and 10 million people have heard about powerful love of God. 

Being Pilgrims of Hope for Refugees

Some challenges – like the increasing number of refugees and asylum seekers around the world – can seem totally beyond us. But are they? And can ordinary people be signs of hope for those seeking safe haven? Join Kristen Lazarus as she makes this complex issue accessible and dives into stories and practical insights that can help put our faith into action and walk in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Kristen Lazarus

With a background in law and international security, Kristen Lazarus is a Schools and Community Engagement Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service Australia. She travels the country not only informing people about the realities of forced displacement, but inspiring and empowering them to get involved and work towards a world where everyone is treated with compassion and respect, regardless of where they are from. 

How Jesus changes everything

Life is filled with big questions and big choices – about who we are, our relationships and what the future holds. Run by Youth Mission Team Australia, this workshop invites you into an interactive space where, through engaging stories and deep prayer, you can discover how the living Jesus brings a definite sense of purpose and hope that can shape every part of life – from its biggest choices to the everyday. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Youth Mission Team

Youth Mission Team Australia (YMT)  is a national youth organisation that reaches approximately 20,000 students each year with the powerful message of God’s love. Through the credible witness of young, full-time missionaries, YMT facilitates retreat programs, holiday camps and youth groups with high schools and parishes across the country that are designed to uplift and draw young people into a meaningful encounter with Jesus Christ. YMT currently has teams based in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. 

navigating mental health challenges

Despite less stigma around mental health today, discussing it can still be hard. And it can be hard to know what to say to or how to help our friends. With years of experience in this area, you are invited to join Caitlin as she unpacks the signs of common mental health challenges and what real support looks like. Nobody is meant to carry life’s burdens alone – this workshop will provide tools to make that a reality. 

 

Workshop Presenter

Caitlin Humphrys

Caitlin Humphrys is a Consent and Respectful Relationships Education Consultant for the Queensland Catholic Education Commission. She works with Catholic schools across Queensland to create safe and respectful spaces where students can be seen, supported, and have their dignity honoured. With a background in youth ministry, theology, and mental health, what Caitlin loves most is walking alongside young people and helping them discover who they are created to be. Her sessions are characterised by their honest and practical content, and above all by a profound sense of hope.