NET RETURNS TO HAMILTON DIOCESE Written by Brigid Conroy, Editor.
Two decades since the diocese last had a NET team, the Pastoral Services Team is pleased to announce that 2020 marks the return of National Evangelisation Teams (NET). A team of five enthusiastic, hearts-onfire-for-Jesus young adults have arrived
in our Diocese to share their passion for Jesus and personal testimonies with the young people of our diocese at schools and youth groups near you! The last time NET was here in Hamilton Diocese they were based in Rotorua and I was in my last years of primary school. I have wonderful memories of having a bunch of joy-filled older brothers and sisters, as my parents ensured we visited the team’s house regularly (smart move, Mum and Dad!).
Their genuine interest and aroha for me (and my family) has left a lasting impression. I am certain they are part of the reason I still hold firm to the faith today. I encourage all parents, teachers, parishes to make the most of this opportunity that presents you to support the faith of our future generations. Here are labourers for the harvest and that harvest will be rich in rewards in the years to come.
HOW DOES NET WORK? National Evangelisation Teams (NET) has been pursuing their mission of evangelising young people in hundreds of schools and parishes since 1988. NET teams have contributed to revitalising the faith life of schools, parishes and university communities in more than 40 locations. This missionary pursuit has allowed NET to spread the message of the Gospel to more than 500,000 young people. NET is a peer to peer ministry that believes in the ability of authentic witness to transmit our faith to young people in generations to come!
EQUIP THE CALLED
PURSUE THE MISSION
MEETING YOUNG PEOPLE
Each year NET accepts 4050 spirit-filled young adults who have heard a strong call in their lives to proclaim the Gospel to the next generation. They are trained for six weeks and mentored by NET staff throughout the year. These missionaries, known by many as ‘Netters’, experience community life in teams, a deepening of their personal faith, and the joy of ministering to other young people.
Young people need to be pursued and know they are an important part of the Church! NET make an impact through three key missions, all of which occur in a unique context. They offer “Encounter Events” like retreats, youth groups and more, for schools and parishes to book throughout the year. NET also offer long-term missions where a team will serve your school, parish and university communities for 2-6 years.
Young people need to be met where they are at, without judgement or expectation. No longer can we wait for them to come to us, but we need to go out to meet them. NET Teams are trained to do this through the three areas that form the core of NET’s ministry tools. This includes fellowship, proclamation, and invitation, and together they lay the foundation for the effectiveness of our teams in their mission fields.
25
