WelCom October 2024

Louise Lloyd 

‘Sanctuary’ was the theme for the 2024 the Life Teen Aotearoa Leadership Convention, held at Sacred Heart College Lower Hutt over the weekend of 30 August–1 September. Over 150 young people from across all six dioceses attended the uplifting weekend of Faith.

CEO-President of Life Teen International, Randy Raus, Monica Raus and Happy Mayer, Board Member from Life Teen USA, came to the Convention to share their deep love of Jesus, years of Youth Ministry experience and a passion for forming and growing youth ministers to accompany teens closer to Christ.

Darcy Rogers from NET Australia brought a passion for forming young adults to become intentional disciples.

The Convention implementation was a collaboration between the Archdiocese of Wellington and the Life Teen Aotearoa team of volunteers. Our music ministry, hospitality and AV teams helped the presenters bring the Convention to life.

Sessions were practical, relevant and comprehensive, paired with opportunities to experience prayer, Sacraments, community building and networking.

Archbishop Paul Martin sm and Bishop John Adams led us in Mass on the Saturday.

We have been overjoyed to hear how the Convention has impacted those beginning youth groups in their parishes, teenagers entering into youth ministry as well as those already working with young people.

‘I gained lots of ideas from the breakthrough sessions to implement in our youth group, particularly how to lead a youth group and encourage members to seek true happiness in Jesus, doing their best for him in whatever they do. Through this Convention, I see our youth group becoming more fruitful and on fire for the Lord.’ – Jay Fidow, New Plymouth

‘I felt the energy of us all ON FIRE for God. Sharing my testimony during the worship and Adoration session was special. I felt God move through me during the weekend and through the people gathered there, with hearts on fire for Jesus.’ – Molly Powell, Wellington

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