NETworks 2011 Issue 4

NETworks Issue 4, 2011 - 1

NET Ministries AustraliaPO Box 889PaddingtonQLD 4064Ph: +61 7 3217 5299Fax: +61 7 3217 [email protected]

“To reach the indigenous

young people... ...is, finally, becoming a

reality”

From the Director’s Desk:

Inside This Issue:Ministry FeedbackThanksgiving Mass and Banquet2011 Statistics NET Alumni NoticeboardFarewell / Thank You

Reaching mi lestones.. .

Also, as we featured in our last NETworks, we visited the Islands of Northern Queensland in September. We are looking at future training of indigenous students already attending High School in Herberton in how to facilitate youth groups for younger students in their Island communities. We also envision sending the NET team to run events and RE Classes for younger students on the Islands. This would help them to make a more peaceful and secure transition from Island life to high school. It has been a personal vision and desire of mine to reach the indigenous young people and it is, finally, becoming a reality.

Another wonderful year at NET Ministries comes to a close! This year has been an extraordinary year, as we fielded 9 teams in very different ministries. Teams were placed in two schools, each with different emphasis on their ministry. Our Mazenod College team in Melbourne was specifically there to support another Youth Program called CSYMA. This program was founded by Fr Ken Barker and Peter Woods. It is a specific program which is used by teachers for Religious Education Classes within the context of the school curriculum. It also forms older students throughout their senior years to facilitate retreats for younger students. This is an excellent program which NET is currently suggesting to schools, as a way of follow up when a team leaves after two years of ministry students. Mark Doyle and I attended the CSYMA National Conference this year in Sydney. I was invited to address a large number of teachers from around the Nation on the topic of youth evangelization in schools. This was a wonderful privilege for both Mark and me.

Issue 4, 2011

NETworks

(Continued inside on page 2)

Just recently we took our 51 fabulous ‘Netters’ of 2011 to the Sunshine Coast for a week of debriefing and celebration of work well done. The week is always filled with sadness, joy, pain and laughter, as the separation of friendships forged while on mission together begins. The NET year is filled with formation and learning which can be applied to the rest of their lives. All of our team members will go on to serve their Lord through many different expressions. Some through priesthood and religious vocations, and many will marry and be a witness of Christian family. All will choose careers or be placed in areas of service in the Church and society, where they will have a

chance to put into practice daily, the values they chose and were further formed in on their NET year. We pray for each and every ‘Netter’ that they will courageously fulfill their role in the world.

One year ends and another soon begins, it seems, sometimes, that there is hardly a chance for a breather. We will return, with your generous help, in 2012 to field 10 teams and reach even more young lives with the news that they are loved and cherished by Jesus Christ. We need recruits for our teams so if you know any young people who could serve others with the gift of their lives for a year, please let us know or ask them yourselves whether they would be willing to join this noble cause. Please pray for us as we ready ourselves for yet another year. I pray that you will all have a very safe, happy and peaceful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord with our families.

God bless

The day included: Some old familiar faces, goody bags, signing the Wall of Fame, and the Members Annual General Meeting (AGM). We welcome back Mark Lysaght as the Members Director on the Board of Directors.

We invite all NET Alumni to join us on facebook, check in, catch up or prayer requests. facebook.com/groups/NETAustraliaAlumni.

“The i r f a i th i s s t rong . . . ”

After a delicious lunch, the entire group attending the conference walked to the esplanade for time that quickly and easily became a highlight for many. The time at the esplanade began with time for sport, playing music, grabbing an ice cream or coffee, or just hanging out with new friends. The whole group eventually regrouped and NET team members put on skits, dramas, danced, told personal testimonies of their encounters with Jesus. The group played live Christian music in an attempt to reach out and share about their relationships with Jesus, with all those around on the esplanade. Sure enough, the attention of many was successfully had which opened the door for members of the Breakthrough group to engage them in casual faith discussions.

Day 2 ended with a powerful and touching prayer experience that included a personal sharing from a NET team member, a NET drama, a talk from Bishop Julian Porteus, prayer teams, and praise and worship music.

The excitement and passion all participants gained from the previous two days poured out on the final day, especially during prayer time. Sister Therese Mills delivered the last inspiring talk, which left all

more excited to be Catholic and to share the Good News.

The conference ended on a own Bishop James Foley.

A Breakthrough reunion was held after Sunday Mass on the 26th of September at St. the feedbac

paths that we go down, and because of Breakthrougagreed with one teen that t was B Overall, general consensus

...recognising all who have served on NET Australia

Hey again guys I just feel the need to tell you how impacting your day with us was, before this day I wasn’t a full believer but after this I am 100%. You taught me so much about life and choices and being a man, you have changed my life, I cannot thankyou enough. Student

From the Director. . .(Continued from front page)

Shanelle BennettExecutive Director

“We need recruits for our teams

so if you know any young people who could serve others

with the gift of their lives for a year, please let us know

or ask them yourselves whether

they would be willing to join this noble cause... ”

Over seas News

One of the serious needs of the NET team in Uganda is to purchase a “new” used van. This will cost in the order of $15,000. Your support for the team in this project would be greatly appreciated.

Contact the office on (07) 3217 5288 for more info.

Earlier this year, I invited Mark Berchem (Executive Director and Founder of NET USA) to come to Uganda with me and to experience first hand what God was doing among the young people of that nation. In a particular way, I wanted Mark to see that NET could be adapted to a totally different culture and still be very effective. The experience was overwhelming as we joined the team on retreat, heard their own testimonies, attended a Ugandan “NET wedding” and finished with a day of NET Reunion.

Reflecting on his experience, Mark Berchem says, “One highlight of my trip was spending a ‘team day’ with the Ugandan team. Each one has a passion to help others – some as priests, some working with orphans, and some working with people suffering from HIV infection. I was seeing the future leaders of Uganda!

Of course, NET Uganda has many challenges … they lack resources; team members are unable to raise sponsorship; parishes and schools

cannot afford to pay suggested retreat fees. Another huge challenge is travel. The roads leave a lot to be desired, and the NET van, even with four wheel drive, takes a beating. Most of the roads are dirt and deeply rutted, even in the main cities. Their faith is strong; they want to share that faith with others, and they want to change the world for the better. I have no doubt many of them will.

by Shayne Bennett

L-R:Shayne Bennett ,

Fred Mawanda Mark Berchem

Recruits needed...Who can

YOU ask?

who can fill these shoes?

NET Uganda Comes of Age

It’s so breathtaking how loving and courageous you guys all are, the strength in you guys is really inspiring I had the most amazing experience. Student

Students from Breakthrough Event:

Students from Townsvi l le WYD Event:

Happy World Youth Day to a group of amazing youth! Thank you very much for the energy and hospitality offered last night. The girls all had a truly awesome evening - I’m sure you have just confirmed the faith of those who attended - they are now certain that God is indeed good. They were truly grateful to see the Aboriginal dancers there as it allows them to see that Jesus is in their culture, not separate from it, as they sometimes experience by the attitudes of some of their elders. It can be very confusing for them.I think we are given amazing opportunities to glimpse the heart of God. Last night was like that. He prepares an amazing banquet for each of us - all we have to do is come and everything is there for us. We shall continue to pray for those who just don’t know of the love He has for us - they don’t know to come and receive! May the blessings you give, invite God to enwrap you all in His tender love today and always. Thank you. Townsville.

Thank you so much for coming to Ryan Catholic College Townsville Team it was one of the most greatest days which opened my eyes to God. A huge thank you to Nathan for being our small group leader and thank you to the other leaders as you guys/girls did an amazing job today. Year 9 Student

I would just like to say that it was an absolute pleasure to host Mel Henry and Jen Colmer when they were in Hervey Bay last week. They are very special people doing a very special thing. Host Home Parent

Host Family:

School Staff:

NET ALUMNI OPEN DAY 2011

NETworks Issue 4, 2011 - 2 NETworks Issue 4, 2011 - 3

Ministry FeedbackWords of appreciation and impact

Hey guys, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to experience Breakthrough :) I’m going to see a bishop on Friday morning about possibly being recieved by the Catholic church :) Life is looking so good. Student

Thank you for a wonderful experience on Saturday night. While the numbers were small the emotion and message was HUGE. It was a wonderfully powerful session. Ryan Catholic College, Townsville.

On Saturday 12th November, family and friends gathered to celebrate the closing of another NET

year. We began with our Thanksgiving Mass, with Fr Morgan Batt, Fr Bavin Clark, Fr Gerald Musa,

and Fr Joseph Guinea as the concelebrating priests. The Netters concluded the Eucharist

with the stirring NET Drama, ‘Thank You’ that aptly summed up their year of service.

A special note of thanks also goes out to all who contributed to NET in 2011

and made this ministry possible.

Fr Morgan Batt (Homily exerpt): “What is the definition of love? To give until it hurts. To respond to the call to give to others so that they may know. To give until it hurts. You have hurt. In body, mind and spirit. But you have endured and won the race. Endured with all your heart, body, mind and soul for the prize that is Jesus Christ. To have given until it hurts.”

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to

proclaim good news to the poor. Luke 4:18-19

“cont inue . . . to l ove deeply and tenderly...”

Skits, dramas and many sharings throughout the day.

TOGETHER... with the dedication of Staff, the hard work of Netters and the faithful backing of NET’s supporters, many lives have been reached in 2011.

2011Banquet

Than ksgiving Mass

NETand

The Net ters o f 2011 wi th Fr Morgan Bat t

Special recognition of Cathy and Matt Ransom’s support.

* If you have an announcement for this

section please email us :)

SEMINARY NEWS:

David Hood (2007/08)

heads off to seminary in

Brisbane Archdiocese.

Sam Stanford (2010/11)

is accepted to the

Corpus Christi Seminary

in Melbourne.

May the LORD give you increase, you and your children!

Psalms 115:14

ENGAGEMENT Congratulations to:Lauren Lawrence (2008/09) and Isaac Weickert (2009).

Karlee Williams (2009) engaged to Damon. Mel Baker (2006/07) engaged to Patrick Haworth.

Rachel Plummer (2009) engaged to Andrew Fredericks.Ciara Macdonald (2001/02 ) engaged to Drew.Angela McCormick (2000) engaged to Brian Hubacek.

Nicky Garland (2003) engaged to Simon Ashley and upcoming wedding in December!

BIRTH NOTICES

Hannah (nee Harris, 1998, 2000/03)

and Max Vickerson (2004) on the arrival of Zoe Grace.

Jacinta (2006 nee Sullivan) and

Tim Malone (2000) on the arrival of their son Daniel Brian.

Caroline (1995, nee McVeigh) and

husband Nathan on the arrival of Siena Rose.

Paul Ninnes (2007) and wife Emma

on the arrival of Ruby Chiara. EXPECTANT PARENTS:

NET Staff members, Laura (2007/08 nee Moore) and Michael Otto (2008/09) expecting their first baby in June 2012 Caitlyn (2005, 2007, Staff 2008-09, nee Ray), and Mark Bennett (Canada 03/04, Australia 08, Staff 2006-2009) are expecting their second baby.

NoticeboardNET Alumni

WEDDINGS:

Ben Baker (2005/06) and

Eva Pangestu on 26th June 2011.

Daniel Pyke (2006/07,

Staff 2008-10) and

Aneta Graczyk (2009) on

26th November 2011.

“Looking back over the past few years I can hardly recognise who I was in 2009. I went from a man

who often told God what I would be doing to a man who totally turned my life over to Christ and decided to let Him lead me, instead of dragging Him along my path. I have had the privilege and honour of working with the best people in the world and have been able to help and be a part of strengthening the Kingdom of God on a

daily basis. My experiences on NET staff have helped me recognise the call Christ has placed on my life but also to recognise and become the man HE has called me to be. Thank you NET for all that I have received.

I only hope that one day I can give back as much as I have received from you. God Bless You All.”

It is with great sadness yet with great expectation in our hearts for his future that we say goodbye to Michael Whitney from NET staff. Michael Whitney has done a marvellous job

supervising both the Townsville and St Andrews Teams this year and the Melbourne team in 2010. Michael brings many gifts and talents to the office but what will be sorely missed is his servant heart. For two years Michael has served in big and little ways always working to enhance his roles and make life easier for his colleagues. Michael we congratulate you in your new role as Vocations Officer for the Brisbane Archdiocese.

The Road Travelled Statistics of NET in Australia 2011

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NET Ministr ies Austral ia then LIKE us to stay updated with news

and events!

Michael Whitney

Emerald NET Team Youth Reached: 9,319 Encounter Days: 54

Rallies: 75Overnight Encounters: 3

School Edays: 50Parish Edays: 3

Schools visited: 8 Parishes visited: 5 Diocese visited: 1Host Homes: 11 Talks given: 98

Testimonies given: 97Dramas Performed: 138

Townsville NET Team Youth Reached: 2,441 Encounter Days: 17


School Edays: 17 Schools visited: 12 Parishes visited: 10 Diocese visited: 2

Host Homes: 9Talks given: 29


National NET Team Youth Reached: 7,810 Encounter Days: 116


School Edays: 105 Parish Edays: 2

Schools visited: 67 Diocese visited: 16



Cairns NET Team (St Andrews)

Youth Reached: 5,184 Encounter Days: 4



Schools visited: 4 Parishes visited: 1

MSB NET Team(Tablelands)

Youth Reached: 3,256 Encounter Days: 20


School Edays: 20Schools visited: 10 Parishes visited: 6 Diocese visited: 2

Sydney NET Team Youth Reached: 6,300 Encounter Days: 60



Schools visited: 58 Parishes visited: 3 Diocese visited: 3

Talks given: 65 Testimonies given: 76

Dramas Performed: 114

Port Macquarie NET Team Youth Reached: 6,655 Encounter Days: 10


School Edays: 10Parish Edays: 1


Talks given: 36 Testimonies given: 56

Dramas Performed: 117

Melbourne NET Team Youth Reached: 5,698 Encounter Days: 109


School Edays: 1 Parish Edays: 73Schools visited: 1

Parishes visited: 28 Diocese visited: 1



Mazenod NET Team Youth Reached: 2,089

Encounter Days: 8Rallies: 16

Overnight Encounters: 2School Edays: 8




2011 Australia NET Ministries

Youth Reached: 48,752

Encounter Days: 398 Rallies: 438Overnight Encounters: 56

2011 Australia NET Ministries

School Edays: 273 Parish Edays: 85 Parishes visited: 55 Diocese visited: 27

Schools visited: 175

impacting

austral ia

Thank YouFarewell to Staff:

NEWSAs for me and my house

we will serve the Lord...

Joshua 24:15

NETworks Issue 4, 2011 - 7NETworks Issue 4, 2011 - 6

My Gift Today: $1000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $______

I want to assist the NET teams in this valuable ministry!

Please send me more information: Including NET in my will

Method of payment: Cheque or Credit Card Please debit the above amount from my: Bankcard MasterCard Visa American Express once only monthly quarterly yearly _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry: _ _ / _ _ Signature: ____________________

YES

Making a tax-free gift using my family trust

Name: Address:

City:Ph Work:

Email:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State:____________________ Postcode: ______________________________________ Home: ___________________ Fax: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Hosting a NET team

Supporting NET Ministries Australia

There are many ways to help NET Ministries Australia

positively impact the lives of young people every year.

If you are interested in

supporting NET with a tax-free contribution from a

or if you want information on how to include NET in

a Will by making a

please contact us on [email protected]

Make an

IMPACT?

FAMILY TRUST

BEQUEST

If undeliverable return to:NET Ministries Australia

PO Box 889PaddingtonQLD 4064 NETworks Issue 4, 2011

Do YOU know anyone who can f i l l these shoes?

NET Min is t r ies Aust ra l ia wishes you a very B lessed Chris tmasand a happy new year fo r 2012. . .

In 2012, NET has 10 teams, requiring

61 young people to give a year of

their life to serve the

Church.

Contact us on (07) 3217 5299 or

[email protected]

Documents

NETworks 2011 Issue 4