Become a Youth Minister

Block Builder

Animated by faith in God, love for others, and an affinity for the Mission and spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Lasallian Youth Ministers serve throughout the District of ANZPPNG (Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea). Currently, there are 25 Youth Ministers placed within 18 schools in the four Sectors of our District.

Each Youth Minister spends his or her time building relationships with students and staff members - in the classroom and in the school grounds, on retreats and immersion trips, through one-on-one conversations and in gatherings with the whole community. They are part of the Young Lasallians Team, and together with other Lasallian Youth Ministers, they help bring the Gospel adventure to life across our District. The entire team work together and support one another, from a distance and in person.

Serving as a Lasallian Youth Minister provides young people with the opportunity to develop numerous skills, including public speaking, organisation, event planning, leadership and volunteer management. They take on the role of big brothers and sisters to the students entrusted to their care, as well as learning how to serve as a member of staff within a school Context.

As young professionals, Lasallian Youth Ministers are given on-site mentorship and support by school staff, including a supervisor who is assigned to them for the year. An intensive training session is offered by the Young Lasallians Team before the start of the school year, and a mid-year follow up session is provided during the July school holidays.

In addition, a member of the Young Lasallians Team is assigned to each Youth Minister as a mentor and supervisor who will check in on a regular basis with both the Youth Minister and their site supervisor. Most Lasallian Youth Ministers serve part-time (1 to 3 days per week) while studying at university, though some serve their school or Sector full-time.

Below is an interview with Youth Minister Jake

Why did you become a Lasallian Youth Minister?

After completing school at De La Salle Caringbah and Cronulla, I was blessed with the opportunity to return to my old high school working in Youth Ministry. Being a Lasallian has always been a part of my life, from playing Rugby League for De La Salle from the age of six, to having family members also attend Lasallian schools. My first experience of the greater Lasallian community began with a Lasallian Youth Leadership program, which I implemented in Year 10. This was a perfect chance to advance my Lasallian journey. I was honoured when I was elected by my classmates and teachers as College Vice Captain in Year 12. This enabled me to attend the Lasallian Student Leadership Seminar in 2015. The chance to give back to my college and the Lasallian charism, was an offer impossible to refuse.

What do you enjoy most about the role?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the role is helping to facilitate District events, such as the Lasallian Youth Gathering (LYG) and Lasallian Student Leadership Seminar (LSLS). Being involved in these events, makes you appreciate and cherish the job that you have. One enjoyable aspect of the role is that you never have the same day twice. The new experiences and the people you meet are endless.

How has the role challenged you and whathave your learnt?

The role has allowed me to grow as a Youth Minister and as a person. Not only has it challenged me mentally, but it has also helped me to step out of my comfort zone. I have grown in the role professionally and its certainly improved my public speaking. One of the biggest challenges would be having the increase of responsibilities and the transition from being a student. The life skills developed for future employment are extremely valuable.