Bettina
Bettina is a science graduate working at the Australian PlantBank in Mt Annan as part of the Rainforest Conservation Team. She came from St Agatha's parish in Pennant Hills and has been involved in youth groups there. She's helped co-lead an alpha course and is a part of the Broken Bay Glorious group bringing praise festivals to the youth of the diocese. She loves learning about Catholicism and enjoys sharing her faith with others. She believes Youth Ministry helps young people to form meaningful bonds within Catholic communities that they can lean on for support and encouragement as they grow and navigate life. Her favourite saint is St Francis who encourages everyone to love and appreciate God's creation around us. If you'd like to chat or have any questions please get in touch!
Joseph Liem
Joseph is a 2nd year medical science student. His interests centre around tennis and music. He is passionate about youth ministry as it provides an opportunity for him to help create a community which others can use to grow their faith while having an awesome time with people with similar interests. His favourite saint is St Mary MacKillop.
Riya Karkera
Riya is currently a full time student in her 2nd year of university. She is studying an economics and finance degree. Her interests include fashion, shopping and reading. She loves youth ministry as it provides great opportunities for people in the community to grow together in faith. Her favourite saint is St John Bosco.
Jen
Hi everyone! My name is Jenevieve but you all can call me Jen :) I’m a first year student at the University of Sydney studying Health Science and Management. My favourite saint is St Mary Mackillop because she was a major saint in my childhood. I’m involved in youth ministry because I want to help spread Jesus’ message to young children and it is a blessing to see them grow in their faith.
Sienna
Hello! My name is Sienna and I’m 18 years old. I'm currently in my last year of high school and I practise ballet and contemporary dance part time. I’ve recently joined foundation youth ministry as a leader because after participating in the youth group, I realised the importance of community for young catholics. I grew up in a small church with very few young people and so now I feel blessed to be able to help support other youth’s faith while strengthening my own. My favourite Saint has always been St Rita of Cascia, not only because of her beautiful story of forgiveness and love (which I highly recommend all to read about) but also because of her complete and consistent trust in God and His timing, a quality I think we all can appreciate. I’m very happy to be a youth leader and look forward to getting to know everyone better.
Monty
I'm Monty, a youth leader here at Our Lady of Dolours parish! I'm 20 years old and I'm in my second year of my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney. During my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar and swimming!
I started to become more conscious of my faith after joining a retreat in year 11 in the Philippines. Here, I learned that collective prayer creates a safe space for everyone to share and offer their triumphs and concerns to God. Other than my personal relationship with God, the communal aspect of faith has been a big part of my journey and I'm always keen to learn more about our faith with others!
Ever since my World Youth Day pilgrimage in Portugal, I've been even more curious about the lives of the saints, and my favourite saint right now is St. Rita of Cascia, the patroness of impossible causes. I wish to emulate her by trusting that anything is possible through faith and prayer!