In lead up to this week, hundreds across the Archdiocese have been praying the Assembly Novena, bringing before God a series of intentions for the life, mission and renewal of our local Church. Although the Novena concludes before Festival Week begins, our prayer does not end there. We carry these intentions with us as we gather, asking the Holy Spirit to guide our Archdiocese not only through the Assembly, but in the years of mission and evangelisation that lie ahead.

Throughout the week, we will encounter many different faces of our local Church. We will gather with young adults, celebrate a new vocation of service, listen to stories of faith and hope, and come together across our communities for prayer and discernment. The week will also mark an important moment for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese, with the launch of its new Apostolic Action Plan, which will set out a vision and priorities for our schools and learning communities in the years ahead.

The week will reach its conclusion with a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Christopher’s Cathedral, presided over by the Archbishop on Sunday morning. 

More than just a series of events, our Festival Week is a moment in the ongoing life of our Archdiocese: a time to encounter Christ, listen to one another, discern the movement of the Spirit, and step forward together in faith, hope and mission.