Meet Jonas Helgesson – The Church of Sweden's New Pastor in Sydney
“I Never Dreamed I'd End Up Working in Australia – I Was Headed for Northern Sweden!”
In mid-August, priest Jonas Helgesson from Landskrona, Sweden, will arrive in Melbourne. There, he will spend time getting to know the ministry before taking on the task of helping rebuild the Church of Sweden congregation in Sydney.
“I had actually been thinking about leaving Malmö for Stockholm or Gothenburg. Before the position in Australia was advertised, I had even booked a trip to northern Sweden to see if it might be a place where I could live and work. Australia wasn't even on my radar, but when the opportunity came up, I felt I had to take the chance. Looking back now, I'm actually quite proud that I was brave enough to do it.”
Jonas grew up in Landskrona and has lived there all his life.
“Landskrona is home. My family still lives there, and many of my closest friends do too. Those roots mean a great deal to me. My family and friends are excited to follow my journey to Australia.”
In recent years, Jonas has served as a youth priest in Malmö while also working as an on-call emergency chaplain as part of the city's crisis response team. Working alongside the police and other authorities, he has supported people facing traumatic events and provided pastoral care to both those directly affected and their families.
“Nothing can truly prepare you for those encounters. You can study crisis management and practise different scenarios, but every situation is unique. At the same time, working with children and young people has been an important balance. A priest's ministry involves a great deal of grief and trauma, but it is also filled with joy, energy and hope. That balance has been very important to me.”
When did you decide to become a priest?
“Becoming a priest was never part of the plan. I worked as a pharmacy technician and skincare therapist, but I longed to do something more meaningful. At first, I set my sights on becoming a police officer and was accepted into the training programme. But just then, I felt drawn in a different direction – to give the priesthood a try. I began studying theology and immediately thought, This is right.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“I love working with children and young people. They challenge us to think in new ways, and it's wonderful to watch them grow. I also love officiating at weddings. I'm a romantic, and it's a privilege to hear each couple's love story and to be part of one of the most important days of their lives.”
Jonas has also helped establish a new church community in one of Malmö's newly developed neighbourhoods.
“Over time, we created a real spiritual heartbeat in the congregation. I was given the freedom to be creative and help shape worship with plenty of music, strong volunteer involvement and a vibrant liturgy. That has been incredibly inspiring.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I enjoy cold-water swimming all year round. I also like swimming, working out, watching films, playing video games, spending time in the forest, reading and fishing. And, of course, spending time with family and friends.”
It has taken almost a year for Jonas's visa to be approved, making patience an important part of the journey. Now, only the final preparations remain before he moves to Australia.
“I'm really looking forward to meeting people and building something together in Sydney. My hope is to help create a vibrant congregation where everyone feels welcome. It's an exciting opportunity, and I can't wait to get started.”
