MacYAC: a welcoming gathering place for young adults

As winter kicks in and the year is in full swing, it is hard to believe that four months have already passed since the launch of the second year of the MacKillop Young Adult Community (MacYAC) 

Once again in 2012, two young adults joined two Josephite Sisters, to commit to a year of friendship, prayer, service, reflection and personal growth as part of live-in community life. Of course the community extends beyond those people who call it their home for a year. Young adults from all parts of Melbourne and beyond have been able to drop into the MacYAC gathering place (located in Glenroy) to share company, a meal (there is always good home cooked food on offer!), participate in outreach work, and spend time in prayer and regular reflection.

For the two young adults, Emily and Catherine, who are living in the community this year, it has been a very positive and rewarding journey so far. Catherine has said: ‘With the support and encouragement of the two Josephite Sisters, Mary Ryan and Rita Malavisi, we have been able to learn and reflect on the life of Mary MacKillop while building on our understanding of the Josephite charism.'  Through regular prayer and reflection as part of our community life, and in engaging in community outreach activities (both Emily and Catherine are really involved with Young Vinnies), they both feel that they can better model their lives on that of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

For the second half of 2012 there will be an increasing emphasis on involving more young adults in community activities,  so that they too can have the opportunity to put their faith into action. Catherine reports that:  'It has been very encouraging to see a strong curiosity and interest from young adults who want to link in with MacYAC.' She says that ‘It’s hard to think of another program quite like it – because it’s a safe and welcoming place where young adults at all stages of their personal faith journey can come together to learn more about, and celebrate, their faith.’

So what will the rest of 2012 have in store for MacYAC?

Recently, the Year of Grace was welcomed in by  MacYAC with a three-week series of reflection nights – each week attracting an increasing number of young adults. These evenings will continue to take place until the end of the year. Starting at 6pm on the Third Sunday of each month,  there will be ‘Sundays@ 6’ spirituality evenings: young adults 18-35 are invited to the MacYAC gathering place for dinner, prayer and reflection. Then, on the First Friday of each month, starting in August, there will be ‘First Fridays with Mary MacKillop’ – where the structure will be similar, but the focus will be specifically on learning more about Mary’s life and spirit - and her relevance for us today.

There are also two weekend RRR retreats (Rest, Reflect, Relax) scheduled for September and November. MacYAC would love to see lots of young adults take part in these weekends which have inspired so many people over the years. More details will follow very soon.

• Reflection nights and retreats are open to all young adults aged 18-35yrs. All welcome!
• MacYAC is very centrally located – close to public transport, and only about 5 minutes’ drive from either the Tullarmarine Freeway and Western Ring Road