LONG-SERVING Rockhampton Diocesan Youth Ministries co-ordinator Joy Philippi is leaving after 12 years in the job to take up a new role as campus minister at her old school.
The position is part of a new ministry team at Emmaus College, working with the assistant principal – mission, the religious education co-ordinator and other members of the school community.
Joy said the position would give her a chance to establish more fully school-parish links, something she has a great passion for.
‘I think that my ‘bigger picture’ view will also help in being able to look outside the school and to the whole Church.’
Joy said she was excited to take on the challenge that came with the new position.
‘It will be a challenge, for sure, but I thrive on that and very much look forward to my new adventure.’
She said the decision to leave was not easy.
‘It is edged with a little sadness. (But) I am looking forward to putting into place the things I have been training others in for years.
‘It is also the only full-time campus ministry position in this diocese, so once again I become a pioneer in another avenue of the youth ministry field.’
Emmaus College has about 1100 students and staff.
‘I will be working with them all,’ Joy said.
‘The good thing is it’s not like it’s foreign to me. I have a lot of friends there already.
‘My goal is to get out there and learn everbody’s name.’
Her last day with Diocesan Youth Ministries is expected to be December 13. She will start in her new position in January.
