By Michael Soh
A ceremony to farewell Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation’s four graduands and commission its 2016 students was held on Sunday, 28 February at the College’s Osborne Park venue.
The ceremony began with the graduands processing in, led by Perth Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, who presided over the Liturgy of The Word and ensuing graduation.
Also present were family and friends of the graduands, as well as members of the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community.
In his homily, Emeritus Archbishop emphasised the importance of evangelisation in the Church, and how the College is a clear example of what it means to bring the Gospel to the far away.
“Their major work is evangelising, not just teaching people about their faith, but going out to people of no faith, out in various ways through their graduates,” Emeritus Archbishop Hickey said.
“I think that is the priority of the Church today, to reach out to people who do not know Christ. One thing to say is ‘yes, let’s deepen our faith’; another thing is ‘let’s tell the world the Good News’.
“And that’s why it’s so important. Not many are doing that, but Acts 2 College is doing it. I’m happy about that and I want them to keep on focusing on the Bible and evangelisation because that is essential to the mission of the Church and number one priority.”
Archbishop Hickey also encouraged the graduates and new students to continue to be witnesses to those around them.
“Because the young people go out, contact all sorts of young people out there, both online and in person, they often get hostile remarks from the public. But they stand their ground and they offer them a solution to their problems and the world’s problems – Jesus Christ and the knowledge of love of Him,” he said.
“As long as they’re still doing that, they are evangelising, and they do it with courage. I therefore think that it’s so important in the Church to have these people out the front.”
Acts 2 College’s principal, Jane Borg, then delivered her address before three certificates and one diploma were presented to the graduates. She spoke about the year that was, and highlighted the impact of College graduates within various youth ministries across Perth.
“In terms of ministry, the Middle School Ministry (now called 24:7 Schools Ministry) continues to grow under the leadership of Mario Borg and a team of our youth ministry graduates. This team runs retreats for the middle-school grades and has now expanded into running sacramental programs in Catholic primary schools,” Mrs Borg said.
“This school ministry team provides excellent on-the-ground training for our students, who serve on it as part of their practical experience. Having only started in 2012, this team has over 40 days booked for this year.”
Mrs Borg also spoke of the expansion of the 24:7 Youth Ministry, highlighting the Ministry’s contribution to the formation of quality graduates at the College.
“Our graduates lead youth ministry here in Osborne Park. They are involved in youth ministry in some Catholic colleges; and they run youth groups in Morley, Greenwood, Ocean Reed and Bassendean parishes, with a number of other parishes watching with interest.
“The quality of training we provide, within the sustainable youth ministry structure established and maintained by Mario Borg, means we are providing a significant and lasting contribution to Catholic youth ministry in Perth. That is something we can be very proud of.”
The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the Class of 2016’s College lecturers and ten students.
Newly graduated Ming Yan Thong spoke of her plans to make use of her new qualification and youth ministry skills.
“After getting my degree, I will be joining the staff of 24:7 youth ministry, involved with the 24:7 school ministry team and continuing with parish youth ministry. I’m also looking into becoming a school chaplain, and will start some extra training towards that next month,” she said.
“I’m just being rather passionate about sharing the faith that I’ve learned and sharing that joy and hopefully passing it on to other youths and other people around me.”