The young
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 in 2025
The 2025 diary is still in the planning stages but look out for:
- 24th – 26th January, Exploring your Faith – a residential for 13 – 17 year olds at East Shallowford Farm
- 15th March, Flame; Wembley Stadium, London
- April 2025, Promoting Catholic life, through social media
- 23rd – 25th May 2025, Heatree Residential – 10 – 12 year olds.
- 20th – 22nd June 2025; Proclaim, Sclerder Abbey
- 20th September, Youth Rally; St Rita’s Honiton 7-16 year olds
– Bless Youth Ministry.
13-17 Residential
Friday 24th – 26th January 2025, East Shallowford Farm, TQ13 7PW
This is a great opportunity for young people aged 13-17 to gather to explore their faith and meet other similar aged Christian from across the Diocese. During the week end we will explore Job 12: 7-10 through dance, drama, music, filming and photography
Flame 2025
Saturday 15th March 2025, Wembley Stadium, London
Young people aged 13 upwards are invited to join us at Flame. There will be a coach provided from Plymouth and Poole. Contact Youth Events for further information
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
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.
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© Diocese of Plymouth 2019. All rights reserved
© Diocese of Plymouth 2019. All rights reserved