Youth Ministry accreditation will equip those called to mission

By Veronika Cox

New courses offered by a Catholic Bible College are the next step in building the church community in Tasmania, says Caretaker for the Director of Office of Youth Evangelisation Sam Clear.

Perth-based Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation is set to deliver a range of accredited courses in Tasmania via correspondence, including youth ministry, parish ministries, Catholic faith formation, and Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care.

The studies will run in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Hobart’s Office of Youth Evangelisation, who will facilitate the practical elements of the course.

“These courses are available for Year 10 students right through to adults working in our schools and parishes, or who may wish to, given the opportunity,” Mr Clear said.

“The aim is to build the local church and equip those called to this mission.”

 Mr Clear said there was a solid number of young adults already serving the church through ministry across schools and parishes. 

“The opportunity to provide accredited training for those who are passionate about evangelisation and mentoring, whilst building the community amongst those involved in youth ministry, is nothing new – the likes of Leanne Prichard and Daniel del a Motte have been doing this for years,” he explained.

“We often ask people to step into roles of ministry leadership, but providing practical assistance, the long-term tools specific for that ministry, and a solid community, can be difficult at times. It is improving due to the efforts of so many. The new courses are a continued step towards equipping and building the church community here at a grass-roots level.” 

Mr Clear said accredited youth ministers would be in Tasmania for a few years to walk alongside those who are studying, or who simply wish to learn how to serve their parish or school at a deeper level.

“If you are aged between 18 and 35 and would like to study one of the courses we can also assist in providing subsidised accommodation alongside the youth ministers, where you will be able to both study and serve alongside them for the year,” he said.

“And finally, we’d love to put these youth ministers to work, so if you believe your parish could do with a weekly youth outreach we’d be very happy to chat about what might be possible.”

Course details are available at www.acts2come.wa.edu.au. Those wishing to apply can contact Acts2CoME directly or Sam Clear at the Office of Youth Evangelisation on 0450 625 472.