Fr. Dave Pivonka - Main Speaker
Fr. Dave Pivonka is joining us all the way from the States. Fr. Dave is simply a sinner trying to get to heaven just like everyone else!
Jamie Cox - MC
Jamie is local youth director with two huge, scrawny kids and an awesome wife. He lives out Raglan way on a small block where he grows his own meat and vegetables because he doesn't like food that's been sprayed, prayed or spayed. He's never been drunk or stoned but did get bitten by a white-tail the other day and had to suck the venom out. "It was ace," he said.
emmanuelworship - Music
Sometimes they look and sound like a rock band at a youth festival. At other times their music cradles the Eucharist in an intimate celebration of the Mass. Whatever you've seen or heard of them before, there's more than meets the eye - or eardrum - to this groundbreaking Catholic outfit from Queensland, Australia.
In the lead up to WYD in Sydney, emmanuelworship were a feature act in dioceses around Australia, leading crowds of youth from joyful, energetic praise to gentle worship around the WYD Cross and Icon. Their dynamic, home-grown music has become a feature of the national IGNITE conference held each year in Brisbane.
emmanuelworship's new release JUSTICE + PRAISE is a bold proclamation of faith and action, following up from their groundbreaking studio album REVOLUTION. 'Justice +Praise' is the band's fourth album since launching out in 2001 with 'Lifted', 'Ride of a Lifetime' and their popular contemporary Mass setting, FIREMASS.
More than a band, emmanuelworship is a ministry of the Emmanuel Community in Brisbane, a Catholic mission community whose vision is to be a force for renewal in the Church and world.
For more information about emmanuelworship jump on their website.
Fr. Michael Gielen - Speaker
Fr. Michael Gielen has been a Priest for twelve years. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!" (Jn 8:32). I look forward sharing the wonder and beauty of our Catholic faith with you at the very first Youth Conference of this kind in our Diocese.
Pat Keady - Speaker
Pat Keady started writing songs about broken hearts and girlfriends at age 13 and hasn’t looked back. These days he continues to write songs and record albums as leader of the Aussie Catholic band emmanuelworship. In his first book 'Walk With You' Pat shares funny stories about his life growing up as a small-town teenager, travelling overseas and eventually exploring the power of his faith. Pat is married to beautiful wife Kym, has 3 awesome kids and a dog.
Sr. Mary Rachael - Speaker
Sister Mary Rachel is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia from Nashville, Tennessee. She has been professed as a religious for eleven years during which time she has taught in five schools in which the sisters administer and teach in the U.S. Sister has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Aquinas College in Nashville, TN and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. She and two sisters came to Sydney in 2007 to work in the World Youth Day Office where she served as the assistant youth festival planner. She is currently teaching Religious education at Trinity College in Regents Park and Auburn and serves her community as Vocation Director in Australia. There are presently four sisters in her community living in Regents Park, two of whom teach at Trinity and two who work in the Chaplaincy at the University of Sydney.
Sr. Cecilia Joseph - Speaker
Sister Cecilia Joseph is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia from Nashville, Tennessee. She has been professed as a religious for eight years. Sister has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Aquinas College in Nashville, TN and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. She has taught Years 6-8 Religion, History, and Technology in schools in the United States where the sisters administer and teach. She also served in the Vocation Office in Nashville for two years. She is currently teaching Religious education at Trinity College in Regents Park and Auburn.
Anna Francis - Speaker
Anna Francis is twenty-seven years old and is married to her amazing husband, Paul. She has lived in China and worked in Australia with young people in the Catholic Church doing retreats.
Daniel Harris - Speaker
Daniel is an Englishman, Christian, and missionary. He enjoys surfing, soccer and music. He plays the guitar, piano, and drums. His favorite saint is St. Thomas More, another fine Englishman.
Andrea Polito - Speaker
Andrea is a nurse from California. She loves Jesus and her family more than anything in the world. She is excited about the opportunity to share how Jesus has changed her life.
