Youth
Let the little children come to me, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.
Matthew 19:14
The young are not just the church of tomorrow they are the church of today – through baptism they belong and as vulnerable members of the Body of Christ they need the care and attention of all members of the church. Jesus had a particular appreciation of the young and called all his followers to be like them, so they are a great treasure and the church takes its responsibility to them very seriously.
All parishes try to cultivate and encourage children and young people in their faith, and most do this through helping them appreciate the Mass (liturgy of the word for children), through forming them in faith (catechetic), through helping them belong (youth clubs and social activities) and helping them take responsibility in their faith (through ministry). If you have children and what to know what happens in your local parish – do make enquiries.
As a Diocese support for children and young people happens through catechetical camps, youth gatherings and pilgrimage. For details of what might be happening enquire in your parish.
Youth Events
Youth Events aims to accompany young people on their journey to take ownership of their faith from their childhood faith. It also aims to create a sense of fraternity amongst the youth. There are 4 strategies to it’s mission; Come and see; explore; connect and become a disciple. This is not meant as a linier process but aims to recognise the different stages people go through.
Youth Events offers a series of events and activities for those living or connected with the diocese. Each event has a different strategic focus in hope to reach all young people at the varying stages of their faith journey. In addition Youth Events works with parishes and groups to support them with their mission to work with young people.
The Youth Events team is largely made up of volunteers. If you feel you would like to support youth ministry in your parish or wider please click on the button below. Bless Youth Ministry.
What’s Coming Up…
15th – 17th May 2026
Heatree Residential, for those aged 10-12.
Heatree Activity Centre, Dartmoor
19th-21st June 2026
Young Adult Retreat.18-30 years.
Sclerder Abbey, Cornwall
11th July 2026
Youth Rally. For ages 7-14, a day filled with fun challenges and activities.
St Rita’s, Honiton
26th- 30th July 2026
Summer Camp, for ages 8-12.
Grange Hurst, Buckfast Abbey
23rd September
Online Volunteer Training
24th October 2026
Volunteers Training Day for 18+ Years
Exeter University, Devon
Heatree Residential May 2026
This residential is aimed at young people aged 9-12 years old (academic years 5 – 7). Participants do not have to be engaging in the Catholic church but must be interested in it and want to explore their faith.
Over the week-end young people will have the chance to meet people from parishes across the Diocese of Plymouth. Young people will be encouraged to follow to explore the scripture Matthew 28:19 through activities including music, drama, art and crafts. During the weekend the Heatree staff plan to offer our young people activities such as high ropes, raft building and tag archery. There will be songs and games around the open fire and maybe a chance to make s ‘mores. It is a faith filled week-end where young people have a chance to explore their faith and meet others of similar age from across the Diocese.
Young Adults Retreat 2026
The Young Adults Retreat is a weekend opportunity for young adults across the Diocese of Plymouth to come together for prayer, reflection, and community at Sclerder Abbey. Inspired by Genesis 2:15, the retreat will explore our shared calling to care for creation and be good stewards of the earth.
Open to young adults aged 18–30 who live in or are connected to the Diocese of Plymouth, the weekend will include talks, prayer, and reflections led by Fr Jude, Bishop Nicholas, and the Chemin Neuf Community, alongside time to rest, connect, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the abbey. Arrival is from 7.00pm on Friday 19th June, with the retreat ending at 2.30pm on Sunday 21st June. For those unable to arrive on Friday evening, there is also the option to join on Saturday morning.
For more information, please contact Saskia Hogbin at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.
Youth Fun Day 2026
The cost is £5 per participant (group leaders attend free). Some parishes may cover this cost. Payments can be made via Givealittle or by contacting Anne Burden (01364 645373). If cost is a concern, please contact Saskia or Patrick. Please bring a packed lunch and a refillable water bottle- drinks will be provided. A BBQ will also be available. While we aim to cater for allergies, we cannot monitor individual food intake.
For more information, contact Saskia (youth@prcdtr.org.uk) or Patrick Morris (07880 734088).
Summer camps
The Summer Catechetical Camps provide young Catholics of the Diocese of Plymouth opportunities to learn about their faith within a holiday atmosphere. Originally the vision of the Catholic Women’s League, who organised and ran them for many years, they are now run by a dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom have experienced camp for themselves. For our youngsters this experience of ‘Church’ changes their attitudes and influences their choices in life. It has fostered vocations to the priesthood and encourages a deeper engagement with the challenges and opportunities of being a young Catholic in today’s world.
Youth Volunteers Training Days 2026
If you are currently working with young people in the Diocese of Plymouth, or are considering volunteering, you are warmly invited to take part in our upcoming training opportunities designed to support and inspire your ministry. These sessions aim to help you develop your skills in working with young people, while also providing a valuable opportunity to share experiences with others involved in youth ministry and learn from one another. Together, we will explore how to accompany young people as they transition from childhood faith to taking ownership of their own faith journey.
Our programme includes a Training Day on Saturday 24th October at the University of Exeter Catholic Chaplaincy, focusing on reaching out to young people in parishes and across the Diocese, as well as a residential weekend from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th February at St Rita’s, Honiton.
In addition, a series of online safeguarding sessions led by Rob Kingdon will take place from 7–8pm: on Wednesday 23rd September (child exploitation), Wednesday 28th October (the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people), and Wednesday 18th November (young people and their online world).
These sessions are open to all who wish to grow in confidence, knowledge, and understanding when supporting young people in their faith.
Our Catholic schools
The foundation of our Catholic schools is our primary mission, that each child should be able to encounter the living God, who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth. This mission rests on three interdependent objectives: to provide an environment in which children are enabled to build and deepen their relationship with God; to foster a rigorous academic culture aimed at the pursuit of truth; and to actively promote the development and growth of virtue in each child.
– Bishop Mark O’Toole.
Catholic Children’s Society
Offering crisis grants and family guidance across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, the Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth) helps children and their families irrespective of whether they are Catholic or not. The services we provide include: individual grants and bursaries for families and children in need, parenting courses through diocesan schools, programmes on social concern for school groups. The Society is committed to working with and for all families and children, whatever their belief. But it takes inspiration for its work from a commitment to putting the Christian gospel into action.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men” – Frederick Douglas
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© Diocese of Plymouth 2019. All rights reserved
© Diocese of Plymouth 2019. All rights reserved