FAST24 Perth & Melbourne (2025)

FAST24 Perth – Lent 2025: Pilgrims Of Hope, Apostles For Today

Friday 14th March & Saturday 15th March, 2025.

On 14-15 March 2025, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of FAST24 Perth with a record attendance (post-pandemic record) of nearly 70 registered participants. Coinciding with the Parish Retreat, this year's event theme was Pilgrims of Hope, Apostles for Today, which calls us to holiness in today's world: discussing the challenges of being Catholic today; to rediscover and renew our Christian mission; and grow as a community of Hope.

FAST24 is more than just another retreat—it is an opportunity to deepen your faith through Lenten prayer, fasting, inspiring talks, and fellowship. Whether you are new to the experience or returning for another year, come and be part of this transformative journey that has been organised at the parish since 2016.

FAST24 Melbourne – Lent 2025: Renewed In Hope

Friday 4th April & Saturday 5th April, 2025.

2025 Perth Program Theme: PILGRIMS OF HOPE, APOSTLES FOR TODAY

Friday 14th March & Saturday 15th March, 2025.

Venue: Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, 55 Tudor Avenue South, Riverton, Western Australia.

PART ONE – Friday evening 14th March 2025

17.30PM

Participants start to Check-In at the Parish Hall.

18.00PM

Opening Prayer - Fr Paul Manickathan PP

Community dinner: a “last supper” together before the fast begins

19.00PM

Stations of the Cross – The fast begins

19.40PM

Be seated in the Parish Hall

19.45PM

Welcome & Introduction to FAST24 & theme Pilgrims Of Hope, Apostles For Today - by David Tham

20.15PM

Session 1 - Keynote by Fr Jason Yeap

21.15PM

Night Prayer

21.30PM

For Participants not taking part in overnight sleepout: return home to rest overnight.

21.45PM

For Registered Participants taking part in overnight sleepout: Overnight sleepout/campout activity. (Bring Your Own Sleeping Bags / Tent. And your own towel / essential toiletries).

PART TWO – Saturday morning 15th March 2025

07.15AM

Assemble in the Parish Hall and help with setting up chairs and tables

07.30AM

Centering Prayer Experience - by Robert Fisher

08.00AM

Circle of Grace - by David Tham

08.30AM

Session 2 - by Mary McLean

09.00AM

Group Discussion 2 for Session 2

09.30AM

Short break, then Praise & Worship

10.00AM

Session 3 - by Ivan Lazar

10.30AM

Group Discussion 3 for Session 3

11.00AM

Short break, then Praise & Worship

11.30AM

Session 4 - by Adam Phillips

12.00AM

Group Discussion 4 for Session 4

12.30PM

Testimony - by Penelope Watt

PART THREE – Saturday afternoon 15th March 2025

13.00PM

FAST24 Creative Workshop (FAST24 T-shirt design activity)

14.00PM

FAST24 Hunger Games (team-building activities)

15.00PM

Rest-break / Cooldown

15.15PM

Preparations for Sacrament of Reconciliation and Silent Adoration by Leeann Puckridge & Sr Pauline M.

16.00PM

Silent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament / Reconciliation

17.00PM

Preparation for Mass and Dinner / Choir practice

18.00PM

Evening Mass (Vigil Mass) - Sacrament of the Eucharist

19.00PM

FAST24 Group photo immediately after Mass, then proceed to Hall for FAST24 Dinner (to break fast together)

20.30PM

Conclusion: Acknowledgements & Closing Prayer

FAST24 Perth 2025 guest presenters

Fr Jason Yeap

Fr Jason Yeap’s path to the priesthood was anything but straightforward. Once a hydrologist in Perth with an engineering degree, he felt an unexpected call to discern the priesthood, leading him to St Charles' Seminary. Now an assistant priest at St Mary’s Cathedral, Fr Jason finds deep joy in ministry, especially supporting young adults in their faith journey.

His story is one of doubt, discovery, and ultimately, hope—hope found in life’s unexpected twists and turns. Fr Jason's experience reminds us that hope is more than a feeling; it is an invitation to a mission. Could God be calling you to be an apostle for today? Come and hear his inspiring story at FAST24.

Mary McLean

Mary McLean brings a wealth of experience in service and faith. Born in Ireland and having raised her family in Australia, Mary has dedicated much of her life to supporting the elderly and the incarcerated. A former parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish in Riverton, Mary currently resides in the Diocese of Bunbury where she has become one of Western Australia's first female acolytes.

With a background in Theology from Notre Dame University, Fremantle, and a lifelong love for Christ and the Church, Mary's journey is one of service, dedication, resilience, and hope. Her story, to be shared at FAST24, will inspire all who seek to deepen their faith and find purpose in volunteering.

Ivan Lazar

Ivan Lazar is a dedicated high school teacher and Dad to several youth leaders in the Catholic Youth Apostolate. Passionate about family and travel, Ivan has embraced his calling not only as an educator but as a friend and mentor to fellow parents in the parish community. He is a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Riverton.

At FAST24, Ivan will share how his journey as a parent and teacher, has shaped his understanding of hope and discipleship in daily life, inspiring others to embrace their own calling to be Apostles for Today in practical ways.

Adam Phillips

Adam Phillips, Director of Catholic Youth Ministry for the Perth Archdiocese, first encountered his calling to faith and youth ministry through Antioch. A long-time member of his parish’s music ministry and an active leader in Scouting, Adam has dedicated his life to walking alongside young people on their faith journeys.

Passionate about creating spaces where youth feel accepted and connected to the Church, Adam will speak at FAST24 on Pilgrims of Hope – The Pilgrimage of Life (Salvation) – reflecting on how life’s journey, with its challenges and joys, leads us closer to God’s purpose for us.

Penelope Watt

Raised in a faith-filled family, Penelope saw the impact of youth ministry through her parents’ dedication. As a teenager, she struggled with society’s misconceptions about Catholicism but found strength in music and encounters at Veritas and ACYF.

Now the Mission and Ministry Coordinator at Catholic Youth Ministry Perth, she is passionate about guiding others in their faith. At FAST24, Penelope will share her journey of embracing faith as her identity and living it with courage.

And more!

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