ACYMC 2018 Theme
ACYMC utilises the WYD theme of the year of youth.

Open new horizons for spreading joy: Young people, faith and vocational discernment.

The significance of the two elements of the theme is explained below.

At World Youth Day 2016, Pope Francis called young people and the Church to ‘open new horizons for spreading joy’.

‘My friends, Jesus is the Lord of risk, he is the Lord of the eternal “more”. Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths. To blaze trails that open up new horizons capable of spreading joy, born of God’s love and wells up in your hearts with every act of mercy. To take the path of the “craziness” of our God, who teaches us to encounter him in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the friend in trouble, the prisoner, the refugee and the migrant, and our neighbours who feel abandoned. To take the path of our God, who encourages us to be politicians, thinkers, social activists.”
Pope Francis, World Youth Day Vigil with Young People, 30 July 2016

These words of the Holy Father challenge us to welcome new opportunities for sharing the joy and hope of the Risen Christ. You have dreams for your future. Jesus also has dreams for you and your future. We want to accompany you as you discern the path that God has for you. To better understand the context of the Year of Youth theme take a moment to read the inspiring address given by Pope Francis to the young people of the world during the prayer vigil at World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow. Read full vigil address here.

The second dimension to the theme hails from the announcement From Pope Francis to hold a synod for young people on the theme, "Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment". In a happy synergy, this synod takes place in the Australian Churchs Year of Youth. The ACYMC will be just prior to Bishops from across the world gather in Rome to discuss the theme.