The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago.

Run over three days, the Festival provides young people from all across Australia with the opportunity to come together to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to live their faith in the world and experience the breadth of the Church in Australia. 

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is excited to be hosting ACYF from 30 November – 2 December 2025 and has welcomed thousands of young people to Melbourne.

Clonard’s Living Justly and Liturgy and Identity Leaders at years 9 and 10 have been attending ACYF and are enjoying the high energy and connection that the festival offers. Music has been a highlight as well as interactive workshops with challenging ideas presented around being a Catholic and what this means in today’s world.

Here are some comments from our students.

“Going to ACYF was really cool. Being around so many young people who were excited about their faith made the whole event feel alive. The music was great, the talks made me think, and the quiet prayer moments helped me slow down. What I liked most was how everyone was just being real. Hearing other people’s stories made me feel less alone in my own struggles. I left feeling lighter, more hopeful, and a bit closer to God.”

“Something I felt that was a highlight for me was learning that people like us come from pretty much everywhere and that made me feel nice to know I was welcome, the pilgrimage walk on Sunday, although it was raining terribly halfway through and my legs were hurting, I had so much fun and everybody there was really nice, I feel like I am now part of a loving and welcoming community now. If I had the choice to go to ACYF again, I would.”

“Attending ACYF was one of the best decisions I have made this year, I can’t explain how grateful I am to have been a part of this experience which has taught me to take risks, open up to my religion and become more social with those around me. ACYF didn’t just bring me closer to God but to my personal ideals, fellow pilgrims and the importance of connection. At ACYF we as young people danced and sung together wholeheartedly to express both our genuine care for each other and our religion, accepting peace and light into our lives.”