Go, Therefore Make Disciples.

The Discipleship Team is dedicated to sharing the hope and joy of the gospel with the youth, young adults and university students of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In imitation of Jesus' own way of forming His disciples, we have been commissioned by our Archbishop to go out, into the parishes, communities and onto the university campuses of Melbourne and invest in our next generation of leaders, inviting them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Jesus calls each one us, by virtue of our baptism and confirmation, to follow him and become his disciples in the world, making the Gospel known by our words and actions. Like the Apostle Paul, Jesus sees deep within our hearts and emboldens us to engage in a life in service to him and others. Each of us is sent as a missionary disciple, to embark on the Gospel mission using our own gifts in the service of God’s kingdom. It is his Spirit that urges us on. - Archbishop Peter A Comensoli

Through small-group Bible studies, opportunities for prayer and formation, and one-on-one discipleship and mentoring, we seek to inspire the young people of Melbourne to embark on the life-long journey of discipleship and equip them to put their gifts and talents at the service of Jesus and others.

Meet the Team

Fr Nicholas Pearce

Senior Chaplain Youth, Young Adults, and Campus Ministry.

Fr Nicholas is a priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In addition to his work on campus, he is completing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counselling through Divine Mercy University in Washington DC and is Parish Priest of St Michael’s Parish in North Melbourne.

Silvana Scarfe

Young Adults and University Discipleship

Originally a Melburnian, Silvana holds a degree in the Liberal Arts from Campion College and has completed postgraduate studies in theology from the John Paul II Institute and canon law studies from St Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.

Maria Michieli

WYD Coordinator

Maria has over 30 years of experience in Catholic Education and in leading groups of young people on exciting adventures around the World. She joins the Discipleship Team to lead up our Pilgrimage from Melbourne to Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023

Emma Bakker

Youth Discipleship

Emma is a mother of four and has a wealth of experience designing and delivering discipleship-based programs with young people and families for 20 years. Emma specialises in supporting parishes and movements, families and young people in developing their skills as leaders and to be evangelists and making disciples in their communities.

Andrew Lemalu

University Discipleship

Andrew is a Melbourne local from the Southeast suburbs, he frequents the Oakleigh parishes of Christ Our Holy Redeemer and Sacred Heart and returns to Melbourne after six years of experience working in campus ministry in the Sydney Archdiocese.