Recently I commenced a new job role of Catholic Chaplaincy Assistant at a university. My journey towards this profession of spiritual care and healing ministry has come after many years of life experience, encompassing initial studies and experience in the fields of Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Administration, followed in the last several years of my life by further studies and work in theology, chaplaincy, communications, education and church ministry.
Through my journey of life I have always believed that God has called each of us to a purpose. For me having a dream and entrusting it to God gives my life purpose, direction, and meaning. Through many years of living, learning, and working, I discerned that at the heart of my purpose is a desire to reach out and help others. My dream to attend the Emmanuel School of Mission in Rome was realised in 2011-12 when through the great support and prayers of my sponsors I had the privilege of living and studying in the Eternal City with a community of young people from all over the world. This experience helped nurture my gifts and gave me a heart for adoration, compassion and evangelisation.
My subsequent work in youth ministry whetted my appetite for further theological studies, and I decided to discern the role of chaplain by undertaking an MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work. Throughout my journey I have come to realise that no way of life is plain sailing or perfect. The journey of life encompasses many struggles. At times I have made mistakes, have fallen on the journey and sometimes was burdened by circumstances outside of my own control. However despite these challenges, my faith in Jesus Christ has given me the strength to get back up again. I believe in the power of the Cross to save. With God we can always make a fresh start.
Through the gift of faith we each can find something to be grateful for and dare to dream. Dreams encompass goals and much more. They shape your life choices, help you build toward the future, and give you a sense of control and hope. They’re an expression of your potential and give voice to your talents. As an adolescent I discovered I had a talent for the sport of athletics and I dreamed of having success in the disciplines of cross country, track & field and road running. Later on in my thirties, when I took on the challenge of the marathon, I dreamed again of running fast and reaching for improvement. I was disciplined and made many sacrifices in preparing for the thrill of competition. But my dream also encompassed the joy of encountering others, building friendships and giving something back to the athletics community which has given me so much.
My faith in God has given me great spiritual and personal strength, and has guided my journey to chaplaincy. It has prompted my heart to be in gratitude for what God has accomplished in my life and given me the resolve to trust in the invisible presence of the Holy Spirit and hope for the future. As Pope Francis remarked shortly after the beginning of his papacy “To remember what God has done and continues to do for me, for us, to remember the road we have travelled; this is what opens our hearts to hope for the future. May we learn to remember everything that God has done in our lives.”
