Matt Woodford (right) said studying at Acts2COME allowed him to gain a deep insight into his Catholic faith and teachings of the Church. Photo: Josh Low.
By Josh Low
The 13th year and largest group to date have last month graduated from Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation (Acts2COME).
Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton celebrated Mass for the occasion on 25 February, assisted by concelebrant Fr Doug Harris, before presenting awards to the 21 graduates.
The 21 graduates included six receiving a Certificate II in Active Volunteering, 13 receiving a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and two receiving a Diploma of Youth Ministry.
Bishop Sproxton encouraged the graduates to reflect the image of God the loving Father to all they will minister to in the future. Photo: Josh Low.
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Sproxton said people are thirsting for the truth and a message of hope, and encouraged the graduates to reflect the image of God the loving Father to all they will minister to in the future.
“From what they’ve discovered in the Word of God found in scripture for themselves, and what they have discovered as they’ve been able to discern in their lives, I think that is one of the testimonies of faith these young people will learn to give.
“That is the principle way in which they will be able to minister to people in the future; by being able to demonstrate to them the power of the loving Father and His goodness in their lives,” Bishop Sproxton said.
Graduate Matthew Woodford said studying at Acts2COME allowed him to gain a deep insight into his Catholic faith and the Church, along with practical skills and ways by which to evangelise and bring the Gospel message to others.
“I learnt how active and living the scriptures are, and that made me take my faith more seriously.
“Hearing the words Jesus spoke to us through the Gospels strengthened my resolve to live those words out in my life,” he said.
“Something that stood out for me was how practical and relevant the studies are.
“For example, two hours after a lecture for my evangelisation unit, I ended up being physically present with someone who was struggling to deal with issues in their life, and praying with them in the way I had just learnt from the lecture itself.”
This year’s cohort was the 13th year group and largest ever to graduate from the Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation. Photo: Josh Low.
Having spent the past three years completing a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry at the College on a part time basis, while working and volunteering in youth ministry, Mr Woodford said being properly equipped to minister is essential.
“Whether full or part time, studying at Acts2COME can change the way that you see and live the Catholic faith.
“Through my experiences in dealing with the kids in the youth ministry, I can see how God wants to use us as instruments to reach out to those who do not know Him and bring peace, joy and hope through the works that we do.
“So being equipped with the skills and knowledge to minister to young people, is therefore so important,” he concluded.