AUGUSTINIAN VOLUNTEERS

An exciting new concept combining the spirit of self-giving and offering
benefits to the greater Church.

The Volunteer program has been successfully tried in other countries and we are
eager to offer such an opportunity to young men and women in Australia.

Aim: To be in the service of God's people, working in partnership with Augustinian and others such that hearts and minds are united with our God.

Work: Either with Augustinians in their ministries
South Yarra in Melbourne
Manly Vale / Brookvale in Sydney
Coorparoo in Brisbane are the most likely sites
or with diocesan agencies close by such houses.

The work may involve such tasks as teaching support, care of the elderly, ongoing maintenance of facilities, youth ministry, advocacy, social justice ministry, food
assistance and temporary accommodation

Communal Life: Volunteers live in a community situation with one another, in
accommodation provided by the Augustinians. It is hoped that by living in community the life if the Volunteers will be enriched as they enrich the lives of others

Duration: From mid-January to mid-December each year. Extended service opportunities may be possible. Linkages to similar overseas programs may also become a possibility.

Requirements: Volunteers must be between 21-35 years of age. You must have
completed, or will complete in the following year, a technical qualification or an undergraduate degree. Apprentices cannot be accepted until they have completed their training. We would need you to be able to identify your skills and your hopes for a placement in ministry, but to be flexible as we seek to arrange your placement. Volunteers need to be able to live with other people in harmony, to stand up for their rights and be ready to accept responsibility. We would be looking for people who wish to develop their spiritual and emotional selves.

Young people, just out of high school, in the Sydney region might consider the volunteer program, specific to that age group, at Somersby on the Central Coast, which will be operated by the Diocese of Broken Bay.

Finances: The Augustinian Volunteer program looks after
accommodation, costs of food, health insurance and transportation costs and
covers those costs that are consistent with a simple lifestyle. Each volunteer
will also receive a small monthly stipend.

Training: Begins in mid-January in Sydney with an orientation program and a retreat. There will be several reflection/retreat opportunities during the year. Other training will be on-site of the accommodation or the ministry placement.

Deadlines: Applications must be in by November 30 each year but it would be appreciated if contact was made much earlier.

Contact Fr Tony Banks osa
PO Box 679
Brookvale NSW 2100
Tel: 02 9938 0207
Email: tonybanks@augustinians.org.au

Click here to view the Young Adults Brochure... (pdf)