Australian Catholic Students Association
2010 National Conference
'Rebuilding Church and World'
9th to 11th July
Lake Hume Resort Albury
The theme, “Rebuilding Church and World” was chosen after reflection on the need for rejuvenation within the Church in the light of World Youth Day 2008, and the need for new Christ based society in Australia today.
The 2010 conference will bring together 350 students and young professionals from across Australia, to join in a weekend of prayer, talks and social events. ACSA prays, it will help with supporting and encouraging Catholic students in the spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human development of their faith, in seeking to build a Catholic culture to live in truth and charity.
ACSA prides itself on the fervent spiritual program of our conference. Daily Mass, Confession, overnight Adoration and morning prayer, ensures that God is kept at the centre of the weekend.
Social events which include the MacKillop Ball, the 'ACSA State of Origin' match, the Friday evening bonfire, are aimed at building lasting friendships and affiliations amongst our conference delegates to promote a Catholic culture in our world today.
Fr Mitch Pacwa
Father received his B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Detroit. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1976 with the Society of Jesus, and received his Master of Divinity and S.T.B. from the Jesuit School of Theology of Loyola University. At Vanderbilt University, he received his Master of Arts, Ph.D. in Old Testament.
Father Pacwa has taught at high school, university, and seminary levels. A well-known biblical scholar, he has lectured at hundreds of conferences and churches around the world, and has appeared and hosted international radio and television programs. He is best known for his appearances on EWTN.
Father Pacwa is fluent in twelve languages and has a unique understanding of the peoples and cultures of the Middle East, having travelled extensively throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the Holy Land. Father Pacwa has the privilege of being bi-ritual, which means he can also celebrate the Maronite Mass of the Eastern Catholic Church.
Joe de Bruyn
Joe is the National Secretary of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, is the Senior Vice President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, and is a member of the National Executive of the Australian Labour Party. He is known for his staunch opposition to abortion and embryonic stem cell research. He wrote a paper on Pope John Paul II's Encyclical 'Laborem Excersen' applying Catholic social teaching to Government Legislation.
Peter Holmes
Peter is one of Australia's leading authorities on Scripture, and is trained in biblical languages and exegesis, catechesis and evangelisation. He has spoken at a variety of Catholic functions including being recorded on EWTN, and currently lectures at the University of Notre Dame.
Robert J Stove
Robert is a much sought after writer, editor and musician. He regularly contributes to magazines including The American Conservative, and has written numerous books about historical figures. He is a recent convert to the Catholic Faith.
Rocky Mimmo
Rocky is the Founder and Chairman of the Ambrose Centre for Religious Liberty. An organisation established to defend religious freedom as one of the foundations of human rights and a strong, democratic and pluralistic society. He has a Masters in International Law, and studies development in anti-discrimination laws in Australia and the effects on individuals and organisations who wish to manifest their religious beliefs and practices.
Sophie York
Sophie is a barrister at the NSW Bar, legal officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserves, Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She has lectured at various law schools, including the University of Notre Dame, Sydney University and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
'State of Origin Match'
Last year saw the introduction of an exhilarating part of the ACSA Conference with the inaugural 'ACSA State of Origin' match. The anticipation and enthusiasm for the event was unprecedented; the Victorians had not only learned a new sport, but had invested in team uniforms. Their hard work played off as they battered the tenacious team from New South Wales, led by Dan Hill. The grand final between Queensland and Victoria (with a selection of star players from the NSW team) showed that there was no beating the maroons on their home turf, as QLD sailed in to take the prize.
The 'ACSA State of Origin 2010' promises to show a fierce competition, as a local Albury/Wagga team takes up the challenge.
Details on how to get involved will follow shortly, stay posted!
State Contacts:
Albury/Wagga
John Burton 0400 574 958
Victoria
Christopher Restall 0433 057 403
New South Wales
Norbert Neville 0421 560 127
Queensland
Matthew Lanzon 0421974750
