Last Tuesday after school, students met to discuss the future of the Catholic Church in Australia in preparation for the Plenary Council that will be held in 2020. The session was run by four student facilitators: John Bosco Kio, Augustine Morris, Rhanel Hao and Samantha Smith.

The following is some of the discussion and thoughts of the students that was submitted to the council.

What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?

"God is asking us to be communal and supportive. God is asking us to not hate people on line and to love as Jesus loved."

What questions do you have about the future of the Church in Australia that you would like the Plenary Council to consider?

"Why are there not more opportunities for young people in the Church? Why is there less emphasis on religious studies? Why do we not have women in the church? Why do we not have married priests?"

Would you like to share a story about your experience of faith or of the Church in Australia that has shaped you?

"Our families have provided a strong foundation of faith. Our community represents cultural diversity and we feel this enriches our faith."

A big thank you must go to the student facilitators and to all who participated in Tuesday's meeting.

Jacinta Dykes,

Faith Leader