Archbishop John Sherrington has asked for a review of youth ministry across our archdiocese.  

There are so many wonderful things happening; the work of Animate (in our schools, the Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes, and over a thousand young people who take part in the Faith in Action project), the thriving chaplaincy in our secondary schools, our Justice and Peace youth group, our multitude of faithful altar servers, and the Young Adult groups that are beginning to emerge, just to name a few. We need to celebrate the successes and invite more people to participate.  

But we also need to identify gaps, obstacles and challenges. There is still so much to be done, so many more opportunities that we can offer to young people to get involved in the life of the Church, to reach out to others in loving service, to get to know Jesus Christ in a more profound way and take their place fully within our community.

In order to explore these areas, we are holding two open meetings for you to come and share your views. We need your creativity, faith, enthusiasm, and desire to help to guide and shape the future of your local Church. Whether you are young or old, lay or ordained, a parent, carer or grandparent, have experience of working with young people or not, we want to hear what you have to say. We particularly welcome teenagers and young people (if you’re under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult). Everyone’s voice is valued.

All your opinions will be carefully listened to and will feed into a vision of youth ministry that will take us into the next decade, a vision that will enable the young people in our care to flourish in faith and fellowship.  

This process will be facilitated by Danny Curtin, co-founder of a Million Minutes and the former President of Young Christian Workers. Danny has a vast experience of youth work and youth ministry within the Church and now works full time as a facilitator for charities and Church organisations to help them fulfil their mission.  

Danny says, “I work across the Church day in, day out and I constantly hear how young people should be our priority. We always say that we want young people to live life to the full and to know that they are cherished by God and the Church. This review shows that the archdiocese is committed to explore how we make that a reality. Everybody’s voice is crucial.”

I hope by the summer we will have the beginnings of a strong youth synodal council: young people coming together to discuss their hopes, struggles and ideas about the church, informing Archbishop John of their views, and listening to his responses.  

Come along to ONE of our open meetings - 

Monday 20^th April 7- 9.30pm - St Joseph's Crow Orchard Rd, Wrightington, Wigan WN6 9PA

Tuesday 21^st April 7 - 9.30pm - St Monica's Fernhill Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 9GA

For more information, contact Sarah McGeehan on s.mcgeehan@rcaol.org.uk or 07415099048