AN estimated 30,000 students were “touched” this year by the ministry that is the National Evangelisation Teams (NET) and about 600,000 since its inception 22 years ago.
Director Shanelle Bennett said the ministry has also “formed the lives” of the 500 who have volunteered to the outreach, saying this was “marvellous”.
While donations were down this year and NET have had to be inventive with fundraising, their sights are set on future ministry.
“Yes the downturn has effected donations,” Shanelle said.
“I think that is fairly normal that people feel they need to ‘tighten the belt’ more when things look economically grim.
“We have managed to trust that God would take care of us through these times and, of course, He has.
“We have struggled more in the past while but I hope that people will continue to give in the good times and bad, as this is such an important ministry to the young of this nation and beyond.
“NET exists to speak God’s truth into the lives of many young people in this nation,” she said of the “privilege”.
This year NET sent out six teams – two in Cairns based in schools, one in Coffs Harbour, another in Lismore – both in parishes – one in Melbourne as an archdiocesan team and another as a “travelling team” around Australia.
Nine teams will be commissioned in 2010, including a new “university ministry team”, despite donations at this year’s fundraising dinner reflecting the economic downturn.
“Next year … we will have the two (teams) in Cairns again, one in Lismore, one in Melbourne, one in the Atherton region, our travelling team as usual and our new university team – this ministry called Freedom – an exciting new venture for NET Ministries,” Shanelle said.
One way Catholics can help is to attend the annual fundraising dinner.
“I would really like to encourage Catholics from every parish to come and give generously,” Shanelle said of the May 20, 2010, event.
“It’s a fabulous night filled with fun, good food and great company.
“Once again in 2010 we have Gerry Collins as MC and Tim Mander as our main speaker.
“Tim is the CEO of Scripture Union and a famous (NRL) rugby league referee.
“He is a wonderful man with such a heart for the Gospel and for the young people of this nation.”
Each year the “Netters” sent out raise about $5000 of the $20,000 needed to support them for the year.
NET raises the remainder and more needed for transportation, pastoral expenses, insurances and ministry development.
“We are extremely grateful to those who financially support our ministry,” Shanelle said.
“I know those people support us because they believe the same vision we have to bring the truth of Christ’s message to the next generation.
“They serve Christ in the same way we do by giving generously to this work.
“There is one body, many parts and many gifts, we are grateful to those who are gifted to give.”
With a “heart for our indigenous brothers and sisters”, a personal highlight this year for Shanelle was ministering in Broome – “meeting the people themselves and having the privilege to serve them”.
“The tribal elders were inspiring people of faith,” she said.
Looking forward, Shanelle said the future is somewhat unknown but it is faced with certain faith and trust in God.
“I know I want NET to be where God wants it to be and if we remain listening and faithful it will be,” she said.
“I hope we will still be reaching the young people of this nation with the truth of the Gospel, in every Catholic school in every diocese would be great.
“In this way we will effect the future leaders of Australia and that is a very important factor.”
