Youth Ministry Report

It has been a busy term in the Youth Ministry space! The following events have taken place with many staff and students involved across various year levels here at the College. The following events have enabled our students to have experiences where students have had opportunities to showcase servant leadership while providing invitational, faith-filled, formative experiences.

Our own Youth Ministry Coordinator, Jarryd Atkinson and Youth Ministry Trainee, Tara Lace, undertook a cross cultural mission to Suva, Fiji, through the ACU La Salle Academy. The Australian team facilitated teacher and Youth Ministry training events, an Oceania Evangelisation Training School as well as leading activities and retreat sessions in Primary and Secondary schools. Upon their return, Tara and Jarryd both addressed our College Staff, with Tara giving witness to the deep impact this event had on her. She discussed key moments in the program where God was made visible, in nurturing her faith and giving her endless gratitude for this experience. The Australian team are now back in their respective schools, feeling inspired and hopefully inspiring others to live each day with faith in action.

Kairos Retreat

Anglesea Kairos Retreat included Year 11 and 12 Students who took part in a Staff led experience that enabled them to grow and develop their faith. The following reflection was written by Year 12 student, Declan P,

“Karios was a retreat where we learnt how to grow closer with each other and God. Through conversations with big and small groups, the familiar and the unknown, and peers and teachers, we developed how we could express our true selves and bring the good out of ourselves and others. On Kairos I got to connect and share about myself and my beliefs knowing it was a safe space where I couldn’t be judged or criticised. Through the moments shared with others and the group activities, I grew closer with my peers and learnt things about myself that strengthened my spiritual connection with God.”

Year 10 Pilgrimage

On Friday 12th of September, the Year 10 Journey students went on a pilgrimage through Geelong to connect deeper with their faith and to strengthen their collective understanding of being Pilgrims of Hope within our respective communities. The pilgrimage was student-led whereby students had many opportunities to reflect as a class and present back their ideas. This allowed us to see God in our everyday lives in the city. We ended the day by reflecting in Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica. Year 10 student, Emily N, wrote the following in reflection of her experience on the pilgrimage.

“I myself connected personally, as a student in our Journey class shared about their personal faith. It was inspiring to see my classmate talk to 50 peers with confidence about such a personal topic. It allowed me to reflect on the journey I have taken so far and wonder what I can do in the future for others.”

Year 11 Youth Ministry Equipping School

The Year 11 Academy class attended a Youth Ministry Equipping School, along with Year 11’s from Loyola College Watsonia. Harriet S wrote the following reflection on her personal experience after attending the Youth Ministry Equipping School.

“On Tuesday the 9th of September, our Year 11 Religion Academy class welcomed the Youth Ministry students from Loyola College Watsonia to the (inaugural) annual ‘Equipping School’. This day was a collaboration of our Ignatian community, assisting our youth in their faith journeys. The day began with an experience organised by the Year 11 students, involving a performance of "Cinderella". This was performed for the Grade 2 students from St Thomas Primary School. We heard testimonies from students from both schools and worked together to enhance our servant leadership skills. A huge thank you to Jarryd, Tara and Mr Tod for making the day the success it was and for providing opportunities for all students to express themselves through faith.”

Community Service Update

At Saint Ignatius College, our students live out the Ignatian call to be “men and women for others” by generously giving their time and talents through volunteer work, both within our College and throughout the wider community. We are especially proud of Xavier C (Year 10), who has been honoured with the Volunteer Award at the Geelong Youth Awards. This recognition is a testament not only to the hours Xavier has devoted to helping others, but also to the spirit with which he serves, always with humility, kindness, and a genuine care for those most in need.

In his acceptance speech, Xavier thanked the Salvation Army and Major Di Hobbs for their guidance and for the remarkable work they do to support people experiencing homelessness in Geelong. Through this partnership, Xavier has embraced opportunities to serve, to listen, and to grow, developing both life skills and a deeper sense of empathy. Xavier’s dedication reminds us of the Ignatian call to seek the Magis, to strive for the greater good and to make a difference in the lives of others. His example inspires our whole College community. Congratulations, Xavier, on this well-deserved recognition. We are so proud of the way you are shaping your gifts into service for others.

The Ministry Team, through the support of the broader College Faith and Mission Team, look forward to another amazing term filled with many more moments of deep encounter, profound witness, and genuine companionship.

Tara Lace

College Youth Ministry Trainee