On Sunday 19 May we celebrated Pentecost and were reminded of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, a gift bestowed upon the apostles, enabling them to spread the Gospel with boldness and unity. This sacred event underscores the essence of trust—trust in God's plan, in the message of salvation, and in each other as the body of Christ.

Our theme scripture from Romans 15:13 captures this beautifully: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

For the NET missionaries, this scripture is a cornerstone. Trust is not merely given; it must be earned and built through consistent actions and faithfulness.

The NET Missionaries, as modern-day apostles, face the challenge of cultivating trust in diverse communities.

This involves genuine engagement, respect for local cultures, and unwavering integrity. Trust is built through service, listening, and embodying the love that Jesus taught us. It is earned through patience, humility, and the persistent sharing of the Gospel.

The NET Missionaries draw inspiration from Romans 15:13, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in fostering trust.

May their efforts as missionaries be blessed, leading to communities overflowing with joy, peace, and hope, reflecting the true essence of God's kingdom on Earth.

NET Hamilton with guest speakers

Renee & Mark Doyle. Renee, Xavier, Elle, Ruby, Michael, Tess, Jess & Mark (L-R)

Jess sharing her story.

Set Free Youth Camp

MX MISSION - TEAM HAMILTON

Recently we had the opportunity to attend ‘Set Free’ and ‘Heaven Come’. ‘Set Free’, a youth festival for students in year levels 10-13, consisted of times of prayer, praise music, adoration and fellowship. ‘Heaven Come’, a young adult retreat, had guest speakers Mark and Renee Doyle, as well as popular internet personality,  Fr Frankie Cicero from Arizona TX, exhorting everyone to take on a relationship with Jesus in a new way and the amazing wonder that comes with a life with Jesus. 

We had the privilege to serve in numerous ways at both events and meet 200+ young people exploring what it means to live in relationship with Jesus. Although we served throughout, we were moved by the grace that was granted over our team to receive powerfully from each of the input sessions and times of prayer.

During our time at Set Free, there were numerous amazing stories of young people being moved by Jesus. One was of a Year 13 student, she had been to adoration a few times, but this time was different than any other.

When Jesus was exposed and presented in the monstrance, she immediately started crying and kept praying that he would reveal himself to her. She was looking at the candles on the altar and she noticed how still they were. Jesus was placed on the altar, and she immediately saw one candle flicker and she knew that He was truly present. It happened again when He was returned to the altar after personal benediction. She felt much closer to Jesus and felt so loved throughout the entire retreat.

It is hard to put into words the incredible privilege it is to not only speak into each young person's life, but to simply journey with them where they’re at. We are ready and excited to continue this opportunity to minister to and with the young people of New Zealand.

God Bless, Jess, Xavier, Tess, Ruby, Elle & Michael (NET Hamilton).

Hamilton Team kitchen; Xavier & Ruby (L-R)

Hamilton Sisterhood; Jess, Tess, Ruby & Elle (L-R)

Tess on panel at Heaven Come Young Adult Conference

Sr Anastasia, OP

I can’t believe it’s over 25 years since I served on a parish NET team in suburban Brisbane. Fr Dom Murphy O.P. was on the Gold Coast team. During afternoon volleyball at team training he started talking about a community of Dominican sisters in America who played all sorts of sports while wearing their habits. I couldn’t figure out why he was saying this to a little gaggle of NET gals!

Fast forward 10 years, I felt a strong call, courtesy of Bishop Joe Grech’s preaching at Ignite Conference, to leave my job and work on World Youth Day, where it just so happened that I met some American Dominican Sisters who played sports – and did everything – in their habits.

So off I went to enter the convent in Nashville in 2010, where I soon found that all the best bits of NET were embedded in a life I could live permanently: structured prayer, talking about Jesus, and intentional friendships, all amid an itinerant lifestyle that has me crossing the country and the Pacific Ocean frequently.

Thanks be to God that He has guided me from NET into the joy and peace I have found in this vocation.

Sr Anastasia, OP

PRAY FOR THEM

We have put together a poster of the 2024 NET Missionaries so that you can pray for them and the ministry they are doing.

“The greatest gift that we can give to each other, is to pray for one another”

If you would like a copy for your home, Church or workplace please click the link below and we will send you a PDF copy to print off.

The NET Missionaries will be so grateful for your prayer support as they pray for you.

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.

Gabby Brennan

Gabby is 22 years old from Brisbane, Australia. She has a heart of mission and of encountering others and listening to their stories. Gabby enjoys spending time in nature and is so excited to be Jesus' hands and feet in Maroochydore this year. 

To sponsor Gabby click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24GabB

Grace Tsartoglou

Grace is 21 years old from Brisbane, she has taken a gap year from studying education at Australian Catholic University (ACU). She loves the beach and a good book. Grace is excited to share the gospel with young people and share her testimony on Jesus’ life-changing love.   

To sponsor Grace click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24GraT

Sam Harman

Sam is 18 years old and lives in the south of Brisbane, Australia. He loves footy and watching the Broncos play and dabbles in a bit of guitar. He is keen to serve with NET Ministries and to help others build a closer relationship with God.  

To sponsor Sam click the link below and use Donation Reference: 24SamH

In Remembrance

It's with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that NET alumnus, David O'Neill (2005), passed away on May 22nd, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

Our prayers are with his wife, Saeward, also a NET Alumnus (2003-2005) and NET Staff (2007), and his family and friends at this difficult time.

Eternal rest grant unto David, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May David’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ~Amen~

Save the Date

Join us for our annual fundraising dinner at Victoria Park, Brisbane QLD on October 24. Always a great night and all proceeds go to the work of NET Ministries, including the cost of your ticket.

Get ready for a great night and we look forward to seeing you there!  

Ignite Conference - RISE UP!

Brisbane & Sydney

Since 2001, Ignite Conference has been the passion project of a small group of people who carried a vision for what a gathering of faithful Catholics and the unchurched would look like.

NET Ministries Australia & New Zealand are proud to partner with the Ignite Conference.

Early Bird tickets are now available.  

Mark Lysaght 

Executive Director

NET Ministries

Australia & New Zealand