KCLA 2027

We saved you a spot.

For Catholics aged 18–25: a sponsored year of youth ministry training, paid youth ministry work in a parish to follow, and the Knights beside you all the way.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST NOW OPEN
First round closes 31 December 2026
A crowd of people standing together in the shape of a cross, with one empty space
YOURS
18–25
Catholic young adults
12 months
of sponsored learning
Sponsored
by the Knights of the Southern Cross
Paid work
in parish youth ministry to follow

What is KCLA?

KCLA students and mentors in KCLA polos

The Knights Catholic Leadership Academy (KCLA) is the Knights of the Southern Cross WA's leadership academy for young Catholics. Since 2016, KCLA has helped form more than 90 young Catholic leaders.

For 2027, KCLA keeps its name and its heart – Knights walking with young people – with a new pathway for young adults, delivered in partnership with Acts2CoME and 24:7 Youth Ministry.

Until 2026
  • Years 10–12 high school students
  • Workshops, mentoring and youth activities
  • KCLA graduation
New in 2027
  • Young adults aged 18–25
  • 12 months of sponsored learning with Acts2CoME
  • A KCLA commissioning Mass at the Cathedral
  • Paid youth ministry in a parish after your year of learning
KCLA 2027 is delivered in partnership with
Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation
Learning partner
Delivers the Catholic Youth Ministry Leadership Program
24:7 Youth Ministry
Employment partner
Paid youth ministry work in parishes
Sponsored by the Knights of the Southern Cross WA
How it works

The KCLA 2027 journey

  1. 01ApplyA short KCLA expression of interest on this website.KCLA
  2. 02SelectionActs2CoME's application and interview, with KCLA on the interview panel.Acts2CoME + KCLA
  3. 03Learn – 12 monthsA sponsored place in the Catholic Youth Ministry Leadership Program. Classes are usually on a Wednesday at Osborne Park.Delivered by Acts2CoME
  4. 04CommissioningA KCLA commissioning Mass at the Cathedral, where you share your story.KCLA
  5. 05EmploymentPaid youth ministry in a parish after your year of learning. Subject to assessment during your study, and not a fixed term – it may run for one or more years.With 24:7 Youth Ministry
What you'll learn

Catholic Youth Ministry Leadership Program

Delivered by Acts2CoME. Classes are usually held on a Wednesday at Osborne Park, with the odd extra session through the year, such as a weekend intensive or a visiting speaker.

TheologyScripture and the catechism
Ministry skillsDeep-dive sessions on leading youth ministry
Youth evangelisationSharing the faith with young people
Hands-on workshopsReal youth ministry scenarios
What you gain

More than a course

Targeted skillsDeep-dive sessions in theology, ministry skills and youth evangelisation.
Workplace applicationHands-on workshops using real youth ministry scenarios.
Professional recognitionA Certificate of Completion from Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation.
A paid pathwayPaid youth ministry in a parish after your year of learning, subject to assessment.
KCLA team members and Knights in KCLA polos
The Knights walk with you
Life with the Knights
  • A mentor – a Knight (or partner) for every 3–4 students, meeting about once a term
  • Events – an open invitation to the Knights' calendar of events, as a guest or volunteer
  • Local Knights – connected to the parish where you're placed
  • Commissioning – a commissioning Mass at the Cathedral, sharing your story
KCLA stories

Where KCLA has led

A few of the more than 90 young Catholic leaders KCLA has helped form since 2016.

KCLA graduates at a KCLA event
"My mentor Mario helped me learn and deepen my faith – we formed a great bond."
Aaron joined KCLA in 2019, only just baptised, and was paired with a mentor from 24:7 Youth Ministry.
AARON · KCLA 2019
The power of remembering someone's name.
Maddison went on to give a speech at her school "with passion and humour", with the confidence to run for more leadership roles.
MADDISON · KCLA 2019
Strengthened in faith, and taught how to lead.
One of KCLA's first graduates, Emily went on to represent Perth at the 2020 Plenary Council.
EMILY · KCLA 2016
The confidence to talk about faith with other young people.
Mark became comfortable with public speaking through Acts2CoME's speakers, and went on to join a Youth Mission Team in Sydney.
MARK · KCLA 2017
Key dates

When to apply

Now
Expressions of interest open
31 December 2026
First round closes
After 8 January 2027
Final round closes, after the Summer School of Evangelisation
1 February 2027
Orientation and program start
Good to know

Questions

Who can apply?

Catholics aged 18–25 who want to serve young people through parish youth ministry. Interested in young adult ministry? Talk to us – it's considered case by case.

Does it cost anything?

Places are sponsored by the Knights of the Southern Cross.

When and where are classes?

Classes are usually held in person on a Wednesday at Osborne Park, with the odd extra session through the year, such as a weekend intensive or a visiting speaker.

What do I receive at the end?

A Certificate of Completion from Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, tracking your professional learning and skill development.

Is paid work guaranteed?

Paid youth ministry work in a parish, through 24:7 Youth Ministry, follows your year of learning. It's subject to assessment during your study, and isn't a fixed term – it may run for one or more years.

Ready for your next step?

It takes a few minutes. First round closes 31 December 2026.

Express your interest → Questions? Contact KCLA at seo@kscwa.org.au