Friday 25 April-Sunday 27 April 2008
Edmund Rice Centre Amberley

Reasons for Hope is a major event for students and young adults (18-35) in the lead up to World Youth Day 2008.

Details:

Fr Joe Pich – Fr Joe Pich is Assistant Priest at St Mary's Star of the Sea, West Melbourne and is a priest of Opus Dei (Work of God). He is originally from Spain where he served in the army for some time before he entered the seminary. On the retreat Fr Joe will guide a series of meditations on pilgrimage.

Fr Paul Newton – Fr Paul Newton is parish priest of Sacred Heart Croyden where he supervises a youth group and over 100 pilgrims planning to go to World Youth Day. He is known as an entertaining and direct evangelist and he loves to challenge young people to live the Gospel. Fr Paul will speak on "How to be a Catholic in a Secular World".

A/P Tracey Rowland – Dr Tracey Rowland is the Permanent Dean of the John Paul II Institute and graduate of Oxford University. She is widely seen as one of the foremost theologians in the world and has just published a book called "Ratzinger's Faith – The Theology of Benedict XVI". She will give a talk titled "An Introduction to Benedict XVI" .

Fr Gregory Jordan – Fr Gregory Jordan SJ is originally a New Zealander who has spent most of his life acting as a chaplain at various Jesuit schools and colleges around Australia. He is renowned for his wit and erudition and for always leaving his audience wiser while cracking a few jokes on the way. Fr Jordan will speak on "The History of the Church".

Angela Conway – Angela works for the Australian Family Association as National Research Officer. She is interested in the interplay of economic, cultural and political forces that impact on marriage and the family. Angela will be one of the leaders of the forum on "Masculinity and Femininity".

Tim Davis – Tim Davis works for the Melbourne Days in the Diocese Office. He has worked for many years in Youth Ministry mainly with the Marist Brothers. In his spare time he loves to surf and hike. Tim will speak about World Youth Day and some exciting opportunities to volunteer for Days in the Diocese.

Conor Sweeney – Conor is a native of Canada and a top student of the John Paul II Institute where he has almost completed a Masters in Marriage and Family. Conor will be one of the leaders of the forum on "Masculinity and Femininity".

Br Vincent Magat OP – Br. Vincent Magat was born in Slovakia (Eastern Europe) but grew up in Australia where he joined the Dominican order which in Melbourne is based at St Dominic's Camberwell. He has spent some time working as a chaplain to secondary and tertiary students. Br Vincent will be one of the leaders of the forum on "Masculinity and Femininity".

Br Dean Mathieson OFM Cap and Br Ben Johnson OFM Cap – Br Dean and Br Ben are members of the Capuchin Franciscans based at St Anthony's Shrine in Hawthorn. They are both students at the John Paul II Institute and they will guide short meditations on the virtues.

Full details and registration: www.towards2008.org.au or contact Matt on 0407 883 494.