PLAN TO PUT CLERICAL CAREERS IN THE LOOP
The Courier Mail, 2/10/06 (p18)
Youth attractor… Mark Lysaght
with one of the red wristbands.
Picture: Peter Wallis
Brisbane’s Catholic archdiocese has appointed a young family man to market the priesthood to southeast Queensland youth.
Mark Lysaght started work in January and has already developed some innovative ways to tap into youth culture.
For example, the archdiocese has developed a Lance Armstrong-style wristband to get people thinking about a possible role in the church.
Instead of Armstrong’s Live Strong message, the red bands have been imprinted with the Latin phrase “Quo Vadis”, or: “Where are you going?”
The bands were given out with a prayer card at a Brisbane careers expo this year – the first time in years the archdiocese has gone to “the marketplace” to promote careers in the church. Already, 3000 wristbands have been handed out.
“We’re trying to use the best skills of the modern world in communication and marketing to get at the hearts and minds of young people,” archdiocesan moderator Father Peter Meneely said.
“You’ve got to learn that language that they speak.
“That’s why we’ve gone for things like wristbands. It appeals to young people.”
Mr Lysaght said his main role was to provoke thought in young people about the possibility of a religious vocation.
“It’s to provoke an interest,” he said.
“Sometimes it’s not even on the radar.
“We’ve been received very well. We’re seeing quite a renewed interest.”
Janelle Miles |
