Image credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane, REUTERS

AN EXTRAORDINARY ENCOUNTER

Reflections on Unity, Mission, and a New Pope

This past month, I had the distinct privilege of gathering with the directors of NET Ministries from around the world. With bases in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and Uganda, our time together covered vital topics including missionary formation, recruitment, team supervision, mental health, new mission opportunities, and the founding charisms that shape our identity. Each encounter reaffirmed that NET is truly an international reality, enriched by the diverse insights and shared mission of our global teams.

One particularly memorable moment came during our meetings in St. Paul, Minnesota, when a text alert announced white smoke rising from the Vatican — a new Pope had been elected. We quickly gathered with the NET USA staff at the NET Centre in eager anticipation. Imagine the joy and disbelief of being in the United States when an American-born Pope is announced! The room erupted in emotion as Cardinal Robert Prevost, from the Order of St Augustine, was introduced as Pope Leo XIV — the 267th successor of St Peter.

His election was deeply moving, and what followed was equally powerful. In his first homily as Pope, Leo XIV delivered words that spoke directly to the heart of our mission:

"Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent... Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure. These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied. Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society. Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed... we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus the Saviour... in our personal relationship with the Lord, in our commitment to a daily journey of conversion. Then, to do so as a Church, experiencing together our fidelity to the Lord and bringing the Good News to all."

– Pope Leo XIV - Link to full Homily

These words stirred something profound in us. We prayed with them, reflected on them, and allowed them to shape our heart for NET Ministries. Pope Leo’s message resonates deeply because it speaks to the daily reality our missionaries face in schools, parishes, and communities across the globe. Whether in Africa, Europe, or Oceania, the challenges may vary in form, but the call is the same — to bear joyful witness to Jesus in a world searching for truth, hope, and meaning.

Thank you for being part of this mission — for praying, supporting, and believing in the transformative work of evangelisation. Together, we are making a difference. NET Teams are making a difference. 

Peace,

Mark

Executive Director

TEAM UPDATES

Auckland NET Team - Upper Room

Joyful Witness in Every Corner of the Mission

As we journey through this mission year, our NET teams across Australia and New Zealand are radiating the joy of the Gospel. In classrooms, parishes, and over shared meals, their vibrant witness is making Christ known through presence, service, and authentic connection. In this edition, we’re delighted to share stories from Darwin, Auckland, Maroochydore, and Rockhampton—snapshots of how lives are being touched by the simple yet powerful witness of young people living for Jesus. These glimpses reveal a Church alive and a God who continues to move through joyful hearts on mission.

Auckland Team

As the weather cools down across New Zealand, the Spirit is still blazing! Over the past few weeks, our team has had the opportunity to lead several retreat days—this time, mostly with all-girls’ schools. We’ve witnessed an incredible hunger for God through optional prayer times, engaging lunchtime conversations, and heartfelt questions during our panel sessions.

Outside of ministry, we’ve been blessed to spend time with some amazing young adults—gathering over food, fireside chats, and the recent Upper Room Young Adults event. A special highlight was a visit from our supervisors, who surprised us with an escape room challenge (which we eventually escaped from!) and lots of laughs.

We’re so grateful for all that God is doing in and through us here. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Rockhampton Team

The Rockhampton NET Team has been joyfully journeying with youth across the Diocese, sharing the Gospel in vibrant and varied ways. In Rockhampton, our ministry has included retreats, youth groups, classroom sessions, prayer times with boarding students, support of the Alpha program, sacramental preparation, and school visits.

Beyond Rockhampton, we travelled to Gladstone and Tannum Sands, ministering in three schools and attending a women’s retreat. We also celebrated Mother’s Day with the Blackwater community and connected with young people in Yeppoon.

A standout moment was leading the high school and children’s streams at the Diocesan Jubilee of Families Camp—an incredible time of encounter and joy. We are deeply grateful for the many communities welcoming us and excited to continue witnessing the transformative love of Jesus throughout the Diocese.

Maroochydore Team

We had an absolute blast recently taking two vans full of youth to Ignite Launch at Dreamworld. From thrilling rides to powerful moments of worship, the day concluded with some of our younger students encountering Jesus in deeply personal ways—described by many as bringing "happy tears."

Back on campus, 'Life Essentials' at Siena College continues to flourish each week. We've seen great turnout and respectful, thoughtful engagement with the videos. Sundays have been buzzing with life: singing at Mass, the growing Youth Group, Children’s Church, and evening sessions for young adults.

In the parish, we’ve just begun weekly Confirmation small groups—walking with children as they prepare to be confirmed. Across all areas of our ministry, it’s been a joy to witness relationships deepening. Students and young adults are becoming more open to conversations about faith and how to live it authentically. Our open room at school has become a true hub of connection—with many even bringing friends!

Our growing relationship with the Year 12s at Siena, especially since their retreat, helped us launch our first Senior Catchup for Years 10–12. The room was packed, filled with laughter, sausage rolls, soft drink, and real conversation.

One beautiful reminder of our impact came unexpectedly. A woman walking past stopped us to ask, “Hey, what do you guys do?” She had noticed how happy we all looked—even though we weren’t wearing NET shirts or traveling as a group. She could sense the peace and joy we carried. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest witness is simply being present—and God continues to work through us in ways we don’t even expect.

Darwin Team

We’re falling more in love with the NT each day! A highlight has been our time on the Tiwi Islands, where we were deeply moved by the vibrant community and their warm hospitality. Every retreat ended with joyful dancing in the prayer garden—what a gift to witness and share in their beautiful culture.

Back in Darwin, we’ve been busy running over 20 retreats across the diocese for students of all year levels, as well as visiting classrooms and regularly supporting O’Loughlin College. It’s been a joy to journey with Year 11 and 12 youth ministry students as they prepare to lead their own retreats.

We also made a trip to Katherine to minister to the senior students at St Joseph’s and have continued to connect with the young adult community through formation nights, movie nights, and trips to the Mindle Beach Markets.

Recently, we provided music for an Ecumenical liturgy at the Cathedral—an incredible opportunity to unite with the wider Christian community in worship.

And yes, we’ve been having a lot of fun as a team! One highlight was a tour of the Adelaide River where we saw crocodiles leap out of the water—unforgettable!

We’re loving life and ministry here in the NT. Bring on next month!

APPLICATIONS OPEN

If you or anyone you know is interested, could be interested or you think they would make a great missionary serving with NET Ministries - let us know! 

More information can be found here

COMING UP

Ignite Conference - The Light

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 are proud to partner with the Ignite Conference. We highly recommend getting along to one of the conferences in 2025! 

MAKE FAITH POSSIBLE

At NET Ministries, we are committed to empowering young people to encounter Jesus Christ and embrace their faith. Your support—both financial and prayerful—ensures that this mission continues to transform lives. Here’s how make faith possible: