News
NETworks Issue 1, 2024
In this issue: Meet the New Teams, New Staff Member & Alumni Watch
OVERFLOWING WITH HOPE
NET Ministries Australia and New Zealand recently finished our intensive training period for four dynamic teams ready to embrace their transformative missions. As these passionate young missionaries embark on their journeys, they carry with them the spirit of faith, ignited and nurtured during their comprehensive training for this life changing mission.
Our commitment to empowering these teams reflects our dedication to shaping young minds and hearts through the transformative power of Christ's love.
The initial training has equipped them with the tools to engage and connect with diverse communities, fostering a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.
Join us in prayer and support as we witness this new chapter unfold, embodying the essence of NET Ministries' mission to ignite the flame of faith in the hearts of the next generation. Together, let us anticipate the countless lives that will be touched and transformed by the light these teams carry into a world hungering for an overflow of hope.
COMMISSIONING MASS
On Thursday the 15th of February the 2024 NET teams were commissioned by Archbishop Mark Coleridge, at The Church of Twelve Apostles, Darra Jindalee Parish.
NET Missionaries with Archbishop Mark Coleridge, 15 February 2024
Darwin Team
Chris Dougherty, Marlee Bigsby, Josh Foxon, Kaiya Lysaght, Grace Tsartoglou (left to right).
Hamilton Team
Ruby Prichard, Michael Rayner, Elle Reid, Tess Brennan, Jess Samaila, Xavier Foxon (left to right).
Maroochydore Team
Alaina Thachuck, Sam Mead, Maddie Lucas, Noah Tabone, Gabby Brennan, Nathan Sachse (left to right).
Auckland Team
Sam Harman, Georgia Farrugia, Caitlyn Lucas, Kate Plant, Ellen McCormack, Frank Simone (left to right).
Our Theme Scripture.
Our theme scripture for 2024 comes from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, and we experience it daily as we witness our NET teams living lives that are quite simply overflowing with the Hope of the Gospel message. Please join us in prayer, that the young people of Darwin, Hamilton, Auckland and Maroochydore would experience the Hope our teams bring in their own lives.
ALUMNI WATCH
Fr Isaac Falzon
Fr Isaac Falzon is a man of God who has also experienced what it means to overflow with hope. NET has been especially privileged to share a very close journey with Fr Isaac, and continues to do so in the local area of Maroochydore.
As I embarked on my journey with NET Ministries in 2016, I had no idea how pivotal this moment, and NET Ministries, would be in my life. It was, and has been ever since, a divine gift from heaven that continues to reshape my life. As a troubled young man, I came to realize that God was my only answer, and I found this answer within NET. It wasn't just a program; it was a lifeline that ignited within me a fire to serve.
I eventually realised this calling was to serve as a Catholic Priest.
Today, I am humbled to partner with NET Ministries as the primary contact for the Maroochydore parish team, where I am currently the Associate Pastor.
It is a role that fills me with joy and honour because I get to continue to witness the transformational power of God within the young men and women of the Maroochydore team and witness how God uses us to continue to save souls.
What an honour!
NET Ministries is a gift from heaven—a spring of grace that continues to enrich and sustain us on our journey towards sainthood.
- Father Isaac Falzon
New Staff Member
Welcome, Darcy!
My name is Darcy Rogers. I have worked in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Brisbane and Brisbane Catholic Education for the last 7 years.
My interests include spending lots of time with my wife (Stephanie) and 2 children (Ruah, and Pius), worship leading, leadership, and sport. This year marks my first year on NET Staff! I served with NET in 2017 on the National Team, and 2019 on the Cape Town (RSA) Pilot team.
My call to staff has been one of complete trust in God. I felt a particular calling for my family to be missionary, and the wisdom of staff and the witness of unashamed faith of the netters was the piece I was looking for. My hope for 2024 is to be someone that is full of joy, and for the netters to rip in and be Jesus to everyone they meet.
Peace be with you!
Get to know our 2024 NET Missionaries
Our 2024 NET Teams spent six weeks on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, training to go out on 10 months of mission.
Now their mission is underway, we wanted you to hear from our missionaries directly about what it looks like to live out their theme scripture as they enter their local areas,
Jessica Samaila
Jess is from Brisbane and is 23 years old serving her first year with NET. She is one of 11 siblings (with her sitting at number 6) and has a huge passion for youth ministry.
She also loves to play sports, read books and loves Friends (the TV show).
To sponsor Jessica click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24JesSA
Ruby Prichard
Ruby is 18 and from Tasmania, she will be serving her first year of NET, and has two years experience establishing and leading a parish youth group. Her hobbies include reading, swimming and hiking with friends and family. Ruby has a passion for spending time in Eucharistic adoration, and is excited to share God's love.
To sponsor Ruby click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24RubP
Nathan Sachse
Nathan is 18 years old and was raised in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. He is a keen cricket player who also loves the beach and playing guitar. He is super keen to serve with NET this year, grow in his faith and share the love of Jesus.
To sponsor Nathan click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24NatS
Can You Help?
I am hoping you may be in a position to help provide fundamental support for NET Ministries Australia & New Zealand in the mission to encourage young people to encounter Jesus and embrace the Church.
Your generous contribution will directly help us drive this mission in Australia and New Zealand in the following ways:
- Reach more young people: With your support, we can expand our reach to a greater number of schools, parishes, and communities, providing young people with the opportunity to encounter faith, experience personal growth, and develop strong moral values.
- Enhance program quality: Your contribution will enable us to improve and innovate our retreats, school programs, and parish missions, ensuring they remain relevant, impactful, and transformative in the lives of young people. We will invest in the development of resources, training materials, and engaging activities that resonate with the ever-evolving needs and interests of today's young people.
- Support our dedicated team: Our staff and missionary volunteers are the driving force behind NET Ministries. With your support, we can provide them with the necessary resources, ongoing formation, and support to continue their crucial work of mentoring, guiding, and inspiring young people on their faith journey.
Thank you so much for the consideration of this need.
Mark Lysaght Executive Director NET Ministries Australia & New Zealand