St Ignatius. Inspiring me to be a leader - Ministry Portfolio

Becoming the 2023 Ministry Captain has given me the opportunity to really become a part of the school community, as well as serve our community through liturgical experiences and youth ministry work.

In previous years the school has had a Liturgy Captain, and whilst the role of Ministry Captain is very similar to the Liturgy Captain, it has expanded and grown into a role that still maintains the involvement in creating liturgical experiences for staff and students but has shifted slightly to place a greater emphasis on all aspects of ministry and evangelisation, such as greater collaboration with Social Justice. What this means is that we shifted the portfolio to focus more on sharing the Good News rather than just celebrating the Good News.

This change reflects a new emphasis on Youth Ministry at our College as students are better engaged by other young people who can confidently articulate their faith through enthusiastic participation in school life. Whether it be joining the cast of the school musical, coaching a netball team or facilitating a Retreat Day, our senior student leaders demonstrate commitment to the faith and mission of our Catholic and Ignatian community by getting involved and encouraging others to do the same. So the Ministry Captain is first and foremost a role that leads by example. Certainly, leading prayer at liturgical celebrations is an important function of the Ministry Captain, but people are more likely to remember the warm, friendly smile of someone who is 'having a go' rather than simply performing an official duty at a school mass.

So far 2023 has been a busy year for many people within our community and already the College Ministry Team has run numerous Retreat Days, House Masses and Liturgies. There are many more events coming up to look out for including the fast approaching Feast Day on the 27th of July and the Patron Saint days for MacKillop house on the 8th of August and for Xavier house on the 15th of August. Finally, all remaining year-level Retreat Days are still being worked on and a friendly reminder for students in those respective year levels to keep an eye out for when their one is coming up.

Throughout my journey as Ministry Captain, I’ve been consistently supported and assisted by many wonderful mentors who are a part of the College Ministry Team, a big thanks to Mr Tod, Jarryd, Amelia and Mr Lewis who spend a generous amount of their time helping to plan and run many events around the school.

Madison Duncan - 2023 Ministry Captain

Maddy has been such a tremendous addition to our Ministry team, and has entered into her role with such grace and enthusiasm. Her invaluable contributions have enabled us to connect with students more regularly, and created a space for our young people to explore and encounter both faith and service in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their lived experience.

Amelia Watters - Youth Minister