The Young Lasallians Team were recently honoured by a special invitation to participate in the "Mission: one heart many voices" 2017 Conference, held last week in Sydney.
The organising committee, who had heard of the dynamic and engaging work of the Young Lasallians Team in the area of youth ministry, sought them out as a key voice in the young Australian church and asked them to offer a workshop as part of the conference. 
Delighted to participate, the team prepared a workshop entitled, "Together and by association: being church in 2017." Their aim was to introduce conference participants to the young church as they experience it in their travels around the District, as well as to describe their model of youth ministry. Part demonstration, part immersive experience, and part presentation, the Young Lasallians Team brought their characteristic energy and enthusiasm and won glowing evaluations from workshop participants.
"Well organised and interesting. The young people were exceptional," one conference-goer stated. Another offered, "There is hope for the church."
For their part, the members of the Young Lasallians Team were moved by the deep engagement of the participants, who represented a diverse range of ministries, geographical areas, and backgrounds.
"Several opportunities to collaborate with other ministries have come out of our presentation," commented Philippe, "with many of those we met asking for further information about our programs and services."
Shortly before the conference began, the Team were also offered the opportunity to represent the young church in another way: by participating in the Conference Listeners Group. This small group were asked to listen deeply to participants throughout the conference so as to record and share the heartbeat of the gathering, beyond the words of plenary and workshop presenters.
Amanda, who joined the Listeners Group on behalf of the Young Lasallians Team, reflected that it was, "a great privilege to bear witness to the ways in which others were inspired, challenged, and moved. The Listeners Group also allowed me to share with others who work in different areas of the church about the perspective and concerns of those working in youth ministry."
Below are some of the amazing feedback and comments received about the Young Lasallian Team's presentation.
Presenter: Ms Amanda Proulx, Mr Jordan Bottalico, Ms Joanne Nehme, Mr Sebastian Duhau and Mr Philippe Dulawan, Lasallian Youth Team, Lasallian Mission Council.
Comments:
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Great energy in their presentation.
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Good presentation. There is hope for the church
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A most informative and involved with the group
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Heartfelt and strategic story
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Well done. Very well done
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Well organised and interesting. The young people were exceptional. Thanks
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This was a fantastic eye opener make sure you include this again
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