Maroochydore & Rockhampton teams with NET Staff at Ignite Conference (Brisbane)

September has felt like a doorway—opening into spring, into new beginnings and into the very heart of our mission: inspiring young people to follow Jesus and find a home in the Church. “Home Free” is more than a headline this month; it’s a picture of what God is doing among us. Home is where you are known, loved, and sent. Free is who you become when you know to whom you belong.

At Ignite Conference in Brisbane, we saw that vision come alive. Thousands gathered to be formed, and to say yes to Jesus again. Our Maroochydore and Rockhampton NET teams served with joy—leading small groups, praying with young people, and creating those little moments of welcome that say, “you belong here.” I heard stories of first confessions in years, of friendships beginning in a simple conversation over lunch, and of hearts stirred to serve in their parishes and schools. That’s the fruit we long for: not just a great event, but young people discovering that the Church is home—and that following Jesus sets them truly free.

We also launched the 10X Leadership Program at Ignite—a joint initiative with Ignite Youth to form young Catholic leaders who multiply leaders. 10X is designed to shape servant-hearted disciples with practical skills for mission, community, and evangelisation. If a young leader comes to mind, please invite them to connect with us about 10X.

“Home Free” challenges us, too. A home in the Church isn’t a finish line; it’s a launching pad. The Lord calls us to make space—at the retreat, in the pew, on the train or bus ride to school—for those who haven’t yet found their way in. Freedom in Christ isn’t just freedom from; it’s freedom for—for love, for mission, for the daily ‘yes’.

As we look ahead, here’s how you can help extend this home:

• Pray for our missionaries and the young people they’re accompanying.

• Invite: If your school or parish wants a retreat or support for youth ministry, we’re ready to serve.

• Nominate a young leader for 10X Leadership or encourage them to get in touch.

• Support: Your generosity sustains real people and real mission.

• Discern: If God is stirring your heart—or someone you know—to serve as a NET missionary, let’s talk.

Thank you for every prayer, introduction, donation, and word of encouragement. Together, we’re helping young people discover that the Church is not a distant institution but a living family—and that in Jesus Christ, they are home and free.

Peace

Mark Lysaght

Executive Director

TEAM UPDATES

Rockhampton & Maroochydore NET Teams at Ignite Conference (Brisbane)

NET Missionaries - Inspiring their generation!

This month we’re leaning into home free—the deep truth that wherever Jesus is welcomed, people belong. Our missionaries are seeking the Spirit daily, building real relationships, proclaiming Jesus with courage, and forming communities that feel like family. Across Australia and New Zealand, we’re inspiring young people to follow Jesus and find a home in the Church—because freedom finds its fullness where we are known, loved, and sent.

Auckland Team

This past month we were honoured to serve with the Indian Syro-Malabar community at their Faith Festival, running sessions for Years 4–12 around the Jubilee theme Pilgrims of Hope. We were also privileged to join Youth for Christ (YFC) for their Leaders’ Summit, praying with their leaders before they headed to their annual conference. It’s been a gift to walk alongside other leaders and encourage them in their service.

September also gave us the joy of celebrating the rich diversity of New Zealand as we helped with the Catholic Diocese of Auckland (CDA) Ethnic Festival—sampling foods from many cultures and enjoying vibrant dance. We can’t wait for what’s next!

Rockhampton Team

The team has had an incredible month of ministry, travel, and community life! Since our last update we’ve once again hit the road, travelling across the diocese—to Mackay for primary school retreat days; Bundaberg for retreats and school ministry; Blackwater to join community celebrations; and Gladstone to be with the youth group and lead a Life in the Spirit retreat.

A standout of September was camp ministry. We joined Year 9 students from TCC for two Survivor camps in Byfield National Park, and Year 10s from across the diocese for their ACTS camp in Yeppoon—helping young people grow in connection with themselves, others, and God. Camps gave us space to share our stories of faith, encourage young people, and lead prayer, reflections, and liturgies—plus plenty of adventure! We loved canoeing, swimming in the river, beach activities, and scavenger hunts through the rainforest.

We also had the privilege of serving at the recent Ignite Conference in Brisbane. It was a joy to bring a group of 23 young people from the diocese—many experienced God’s grace in life-changing ways over the four days.

We can’t wait to see what God has in store for our final six weeks of mission in the diocese. God bless you all!

Maroochydore Team

September was a whirlwind of ministry highlights! We ran sessions for Years 8 and 10 at Siena College, and in the final session a steady stream of students asked for prayer. We also joined the Year 10 Adventure Camp—riding and hiking with the students while engaging them in conversations about life and faith. Finally, we took a 50-person group to Ignite Conference—woohoo! No heart was left untouched by God’s grace, and it was a privilege to walk with our young people as the peace of Christ washed over them—some for the first time.

Darwin Team

September has been packed! We began with a return to the Tiwi Islands, reconnecting with students and staff, leading senior retreats, and immersing more deeply in their beautiful culture. Some of our team even joined students fishing on Country—a real highlight.

We then travelled to Wadeye, another Aboriginal community, where we ran activities, prayer sessions, and classroom ministry. We were blessed to learn more of their culture; one day overflowed with hours of singing and dancing. As it was our first visit, we’re especially grateful to the staff and locals for their warm welcome—we already love this community.

Between community visits we also ran retreats at St John’s College, and have now delivered retreat days for every year level. During the school holidays we’ve loved connecting with Darwin young adults—hosting a ladies’ trivia night, a men’s pool night, an open house, and a praise-and-worship night. It’s been a joy to journey with these young adults, and we can’t wait to see where the Lord leads us 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

10X LEADERSHIP LAUNCH

Step into a bold new season of leadership with 10X, a 10-month journey from NET & Ignite Youth. Starting this January, 10X will equip you with formation, coaching, and community to multiply your impact and lead with faith. Don’t miss the chance to grow and be part of shaping the Church’s future.

What does it mean to live with a mission mindset? For NET, this means helping young people see that mission isn’t something reserved for a select few—it’s the call of every Christian. To live with a mission mindset is to understand that faith is not only a gift to receive, but also a responsibility to share. It is a daily choice to allow the love of Christ to shape our words, our actions, and our vision for the world around us.

JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 5

Every dollar counts — even your ticket purchase goes straight to supporting NET Ministries’ and Ignite Youth's visions of inspiring young people to follow Jesus and find a home in the Church and not just changed for a day but transformed for life. 

Alongside Ignite Youth, we’re building a future filled with faith, courage, and hope. Join us and be part of the impact.

Since 2002, NET’s Annual Fundraising Dinner has invited supporters in sustaining the ministry of evangelisation across Australia & New Zealand. This year, NET Ministries has expanded the invitation to Ignite Youth to join in a spirit of collaboration to multiply the impact and unite in mission.

Our ministries are founded upon the generosity of so many who share the vision of evangelising the youth of Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you on the evening and/or receiving your donation of support.

MAKE FAITH POSSIBLE

At NET Ministries, we are committed to inspiring young people to encounter Jesus, follow him and find a home in the Church. Your support—both financial and prayerful—ensures that this mission continues to transform lives. Here’s how make faith possible: