How to get your life in order so you can live out your John 10:10 mission

This seminar will help participants take honest stock of their life, clarify their mission, and build practical habits that support purposeful, long-term impact. Led by Joanna and James Howe—married over 15 years, parents of five, and leaders in their respective fields—the session will blend reflection with concrete, actionable strategies for structuring your days, goals, and priorities. James brings the perspective of a creative professional with a thriving design practice and online architectural presence, while Joanna offers insights from leading a movement of over 200,000 Australians committed to making abortion unthinkable. Attendees will leave with renewed focus, a clear plan, and the tools they need to live out their mission with strength and intention.

PRESENTER: Dr. Joanna Howe and James Howe

Dr Joanna Howe is a Professor of Law and former NSW Rhodes Scholar. She is the author and co-editor of 3 books, a former Board Member of Youth Mission Team Australia and leads Australia Life, an umbrella organisation that supports the work of three prolife organisations, Prolife Health Professionals Australia, Bird Flip and Tradies For Babies.

James Howe is a furniture designer and architecture critic. His purpose is to make the world more beautiful and through his online work, media engagement and design practice, he is a key thought leader and influencer, with his Instagram account @jameshowestudio reaching millions every month.

LET MY LIFE BE WORSHIP

The way we worship together can, and should, overflow into our whole lives. When we have a fuller understanding of what worship truly is we will start to see greater fruit from our times of worship, both personal and community. Whether you are an aspiring worship leader, or just wanting to go deeper in your own worship, this will be a time to learn something new about worship, as well as put it into practice.

PRESENTER: Matt Humphreys

Matt is a Sydney born Catholic man who has been involved in the Charismatic Renewal for over twenty years. A passionate musician, songwriter, and worship leader, Matt is currently working as the Pastoral Associate at his local parish of St John Bosco, Engadine, where he attends with his wife, Deborah, and four children.

Navigating the World of Christian Dating

Be empowered and equipped with the practical skills and strategies needed for successful Christian dating! Learn God’s plan for love and marriage and how to date with purpose and integrity. Be encouraged, come with your questions and dating dilemmas! Bring your friends, single or dating. This seminar is designed for 16-24 year olds.

PRESENTER: Candice and Brendan Lazaroo

Candice and Brendan have been married for 10 years, together for 16 years, and live in Sydney. They each have over 17 years of youth ministry experience and currently work as Catholic primary and secondary teachers respectively. Candice and Brendan share a passion for walking the journey with young people as they deepen their understanding of God’s plan for love and marriage and learn how to date with both purpose and integrity. Candice and Brendan are keen to share their journey with anyone who has the courage to ask the awkward questions about relationships!

Gospel Threads, Weaving Faith into Everyday Life

This seminar will be filled with real-life stories showcasing how God has used a flawed individual to share the Good News with those in crisis—whether in hospitals, prisons, parishes, aged care facilities, or in everyday life.

As a gifted storyteller, David will provide an opportunity to hear how God seeks to reach others through our authentic selves, inviting us to remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit within each of us.

PRESENTER: David Harrison

Describing himself as an ordinary man, David feels privileged to partner with God in extraordinary work. David Harrison is a devoted husband and father of five adult children, as well as a proud grandfather. He holds a Bachelor of Theology with a major in Pastoral Theology. For many years, David has served as a Chaplain and Pastoral Carer in various settings, including: The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Silverwater Prison, St. Mary MacKillop's Aged Care Facilities in Hunters Hill and Surry Hills, and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Fairfield. Additionally, he served in the Diocese of Wollongong, where he raised awareness about the Church's missionary activities in developing nations. David was instrumental in promoting numerous life-changing projects and fundraising initiatives that brought these efforts to fruition.

That's not quite right: understanding the things people get wrong about church history

This lecture series explores the story of the Catholic Church from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Living wholly in Christ’s Church includes understanding its origins and the sources of truth. Along the way, we’ll challenge common myths and misconceptions, uncover lesser-known stories, and learn why church history matters for understanding Scripture, tradition, and our own place as part of the broader Catholic Church.

PRESENTER: Edward Duffy

Edward is a prospective teacher, an avid history student, and an enjoyer of explaining things. While he wouldn’t necessarily consider himself an expert in history or the Church; Edward enjoys diving into understanding different topics and aspects to strengthen his knowledge and connection to the Church. He’s a Summer School regular, who’s always down for a conversation.

Christian Drama Rehearsal Workshop

Since the dawn of communication, theatre has revealed the deepest truths of the human heart. Even in our digital age, live performance still carries a rare power—the power to move, to challenge, and to transform. Why? Because storytelling doesn’t just entertain; it awakens faith, courage, and meaning.

In this practical, hands-on workshop, you’ll rehearse and bring to life powerful Christian dramas, with the opportunity to perform them during the evening sessions at Summer School. No experience is needed—only a willingness to step forward in faith and onto the stage.

PRESENTER: Jessica Laundy

Jessica Laundy studied Theology and Theatre at the University of Notre Dame and has a deep love for storytelling as a way of communicating truth, beauty, and faith. In 2024, she wrote and directed The Screwtape Letters in Sydney and is currently producing a new stage work, The Wonderful World of Reason, set to debut in 2026.

As well as her experience as a drama teacher, she also brings years of experience writing, directing, and performing dramas for a wide range of Christian outreach events. Working alongside her husband, Chris, they are joyfully outnumbered at home by four energetic children.