Launceston Catholic student society back up and running

By Josh Low

A Catholic society for university students has recently been gaining traction in Launceston, aiming to bring young Catholics together to build fellowship and grow in faith.

The Catholic Student Fellowship of Tasmania (CSFT) was established in 2021 at the University of Tasmania, as a way for students to connect with new friends, learn and deepen their relationship with Christ.

Affiliated with the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA) and the Australian Catholic Student Association (ACSA), this year has seen the CSFT elect new committee members and more recently, hold their first talk and group outing.

CSFT President, Geethu Baby, said it was important to have a Catholic society at the University of Tasmania.

“It is crucial to have a society like this at the university in order to foster community, provide an avenue to deepen our faith and give students a place to grow and share in each other’s joys,” she said.

She added that there have been some challenges as a Catholic community of students along the way.

“One of the major challenges we faced was to find a place to gather and thankfully Archbishop Julian gave us access to St Finn Barr’s school auditorium and appointed Fr Chathura to support us.

“But we’re excited for the future and hope to promote and connect students with the Catholic faith, regardless of their religious background,” she said.

Launceston Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Chathura Silva, said there was a need for university students to feel connected to the Church amid their busy lives.

“It’s also generally the time young adults search for the meaning of life, asking fundamental questions like ‘Who am I?’

“Having this Catholic society will be helpful for them to come and freely discuss things, while finding meaningful friendships,” he said.

Catholic students have in the past been supported by Sr Elizabeth Vagg PBVM who served as Chaplain at the University of Tasmania for some 30 years, as well as the Palavra Viva Community and the Sisters of the Immaculata.