The meeting of 121 young student leaders from nine schools in the diocese of Bathurst may be the first of many such meeting according to the Catholic Bishop of Bathurst Michael McKenna.

“We have senior secondary schools all across the diocese and each one has good Christian leadership programs but we haven’t had many opportunities to get them all together,” he said.

“I think it will be good for them to understand they’re part of something bigger than just their schools.”

Bishop McKenna said at the get- together the students will have the opportunity to grapple with some of life’s big questions including “what is the meaning of life? and what is the meaning of my life”?

He said the students will also talk about leadership and the important role they each have to play as school leaders.

“You couldn’t get a better example of leadership than the current pope,” he said.

“He has shown how important it is to lead for the good of the people you are leading, and not for your own glory and profit.”

Bishop McKenna said the leadership style of Pope Francis has become a worldwide phenomenon after he asked all leaders to serve others rather than being served.

On the day students will take part in a range of workshops entitled joyful noise, faith in action, indigenous spirituality and leadership, scripture and the Jesus mix.

Bishop McKenna and the dioceses executive director of schools Jenny Allen will be attending the meeting along with students from: La Salle Academy Lithgow, St Stanislaus’ College Bathurst, MacKilllop College Bathurst, St Raphael’s Catholic School Cowra, James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange, St Joseph’s Catholic School Oberon, St Matthew’s Catholic School Mudgee, St John’s College Dubbo and St Mary’s Catholic School Wellington.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au