Helping boys to be confident young disciples

Published: 3 July 2011

Meeting a need: Role models of faith and morality lead the charge within Conquest in Brisbane South Deanery

ANSWERING the question about what exists in the Church for boys from post-sacramental to youth-group age, members of Brisbane South Deanery came up with something new.

"After they (boys) celebrate the sacraments (of Confirmation and First Holy Communion) there's really not much exposure to Church," Nick Frassetto said.

"Even if their families are taking them to Mass regularly and they attend a Catholic school, sometimes boys miss out on keeping the connection with Church."

Nick and Sunnybank youth co-ordinator Steven Bird, along with Brisbane South Deanery youth co-ordinator Kristen Roe researched "Conquest" and began offering it to boys aged 10-16 years last year.

Conquest aims to "train boys to become self-disciplined and confident young men", and is based on Catholic principles and spiritual growth in activities that are athletic, educational and creative.

Nick and Steven, along with other older males who attend, are conscious boys follow the example of sporting stars, and "are passionate about offering other options".

"Conquest is like Scouts but with a Christian aspect," Nick said.

"We want to reinstate the good values they've learnt before they get to their teens."

Dozens of pre-teen and teenage boys have gone along to Conquest events, Nick saying the events are "social but with spiritual formation as well".

"We have different themes, like teamwork, accountability, brotherhood ... (and) the boys are responding," he said.

"There's no girls, no parents, no teachers - so they feel free to express themselves and drop their guard a bit."

The 27-year-old role model said "it would have been cool" to have something like Conquest offered in his teens and he is gaining greater insights into the Conquest age bracket.

"We've discovered two things about boys this age," Nick said.

"There are two definite aspects of their faith - they want to do the right thing in light of their faith and they want to start to involve themselves in the Church.
"Our goal is to build on this."

Conquest meetings are held monthly in Wishart, Upper Mt Gravatt and Sunnybank.

Some meetings are held at outdoor venues.

An initiative called "Challenge" is for a similar age bracket for girls.

In November, Conquest boys and Challenge girls attended a camp together and leaders are organising another for this year.

For details about either group contact Kristen Roe on (07) 3344 3393 or email bsd.youth@bne.catholic.net.au