Two NZ young Catholics off to Youth Ministry congress in Rome

Nick Wilson of Palmerston North and Jessica Jackman of Christchurch will represent young New Zealand Catholics at a youth ministry congress in Rome this month marking five years since Pope Francis published Christus Vivit.

They will join Catholic youth ministry representatives from around the world at the International Congress on Youth Ministry, hosted by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life from 22 May to 26 May.

The congress will explore themes from Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive), a 2019 document in which Pope Francis describes his approach to young people, faith and vocations. The congress will also include planning for World Youth Day 2027, to be held in Seoul.

The dicastery asked each bishops conference to send two delegates to the congress. The NZ Catholic Bishops Conference nominated Nick Wilson and Jessica Jackman, both pictured above.

Jessica is the new director of Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School. A teacher at a Catholic primary school in Christchurch, she has a background in missionary work in both France and the Philippines

“I feel really blessed to be asked to attend this congress on behalf of Hearts Aflame, and I will be carrying all our young adult communities in prayer there,” says Jessica. “I'm really looking forward to learning more from the different speakers and delegates about ways to support our young people in ministry.”

Nick is the chair of the Council for Young People of the Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Palmerston North Diocese Young Catholics Team Leader.

“Please pray for Jessica and me as we represent the young Catholic people of Aotearoa New Zealand at this international young Church event,” says Nick.

• Christus Vivit is online here.