Rachael Kama wears several hats to support the faith development of youth in Lismore Diocese. She is the Parish Youth Coordinator for St Agnes’ Parish, Youth Ministry Development Officer for the southern part of Lismore Diocese, and is Music Ministry Liaison Officer for the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office. Rachael is a gifted musician who finds joy in helping others thrive in their faith.

Rachael, who was appointed to the role of Parish Youth Coordinator a few months before the pandemic brought extraordinary changes to our lives, says she first started working in the Diocese nine years ago with the St Augustine’s Parish in Coffs Harbour.

“I love my new home in Port Macquarie and my roles within the diocese,” says Rachael.

“My approach to youth ministry is straightforward – I aim to share my gifts and story with others in an authentic way. Jesus calls each of us into a deeper relationship with Him.”

“I am really impressed that even during these uncertain times, our local youth have adapted to the evolving social distancing guidelines to ensure that they’re still able to connect with Jesus and one another through ‘Encounter’ on Sunday.”

When I’m not participating in “Encounter” on Sundays, or supporting the development of our local Youth Ministry Officers, I manage and perform with the Diocesan Worship Band, ‘Proclaim Lismore Wildfire’.

Rachael says, many studies outline the positive impact of music towards mental health issues, especially among young people.

“Music is its own language and is a unique opportunity to experience the Mass and experience God’s love.”

Over the coming months, Rachael and the Youth Ministry team will be letting us know about some of the projects they’re working on and sharing worship through song and word.

Praying through art and song

Rachael collaborated with Daniel Saban, who is also a Youth Ministry Development Officer in Lismore Diocese, to write and release a song called ‘Without You’ for the Feast of Pentecost (Sunday 31 May) this year.

“We felt a strong call to write a worship song that speaks to the transformative experience of Jesus’ love for us,” says Rachael.

“In this time of isolation we have been looking for creative ways to help young people engage with their faith, so we asked students from various schools within the Lismore Diocese to pray and reflect on “Without You” and then to express their prayers and thoughts through art,” she added.