JESSICA Vivien experienced a life-changing week when she undertook work experience at Parish Youth Ministry Services (PYMS) in Brisbane recently.
The Year 12 student from Marymount College, Burleigh Waters said the experience from June 21-25 was full of insights into what youth ministry was all about and where PYMS fitted into the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
During the week she visited campus ministers at Australian Catholic University (ACU National) Banyo campus and was introduced to Darra-Jindalee Parish youth ministry co-ordinator Nina Crawford, who explained the requirements of working with young people at a parish level.
‘Listening to Nina, gave me a new perspective on parish youth ministry,’ Jessica said.
‘It certainly is not as easy as I first thought, but still something that gives me a lot of energy and inspires me to do great things.’
She said before the work experience, she had been unsure of her direction in life.
‘But after talking to my ‘awesome’ campus minister, Rebecca O’Connor, and reminiscing the amazing experience we both shared at Movers and Shakers this year, we agreed that working with the guys at PYMS would not only help me gain the knowledge I need but also the confidence to express my faith in a way that helps young people and makes me happy at the same time.
‘Prior to Movers and Shakers I had a faith that was forced through tradition, which became very distant to my heart, losing a lot of its depth and meaning, but now I have a faith that is bright and powerful.
‘My work experience at Parish Youth Ministry Services has helped my try to achieve the best I possibly can in life with God by my side,’ she said.
