BRISBANE’S West deanery has a youth ministry co-ordinator for the first time while North East deanery has appointed someone new.
Eloise Giraud began in Brisbane’s West just over a month ago.
She’s spent time visiting Corinda-Graceville, Toowong and Kenmore parishes to “introduce” herself to Mass goers and call for volunteers.
“I’ve been asking young adults if they would be interested in helping out and being trained as leaders,” Eloise said.
“I’ve been impressed by the amount of people at Mass with young people present at even seven in the morning.”
The 21-year-old said at least one young person has volunteered at each of the dozen or so Masses she’s attended.
Eloise served with NET (National Evangelisation Teams) in Canada for 10 months before World Youth Day last year.
Her mother is English and her father is from Mauritius while she was born in South Africa.
She with the deanery’s youth council recently, and she has definite plans.
“I’d like to help the young people learn to love their faith and love the sacraments,” she said, “… so they can go back to their parishes and participate more fully in their communities.”
The council is organising an evening of adoration, praise and worship on May 15 among other new events.
Narelle Guyder, a mother of three sons – Luke, 23, Nathan, 20, and Jake, 17 – began her youth ministry role on Brisbane’s northside at the beginning of the year.
She had previously helped on the youth scene in Darra-Jindalee and Loganholme parishes.
Commencing studies in theology last year, Narelle has a “passion” for working with and among young people.
“They aren’t as judgemental as adults,” she said.
“They accept you for who you are and it’s a privilege to be part of their faith journey.”
Narelle said she “has been made to feel very welcome” and is “learning things along the way”.
She also plans to “build on” the good work preceding her, encouraged by former youth ministry co-ordinator Gavin Duffy, who has returned to teaching at Padua College, Kedron.
To talk to Narelle phone (07) 3268 7731 or email narelle@nedym.net
For more information about the May 15 event or others contact Eloise on 0403 682 449 or email bwdyouth@gmail.com.
