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…
Chocolate Making Workshop – Saturday 17th October
This is the first of 2 chocolate making workshops being offered this Autumn. This one will be in Turo. The workshop offers young people to explore the Catholic Social Teaching around growing coco, how its made into chocolate and how the chocolate industry operates. A local chocolatier will talk the young people though the process to make some chocolate from cocoa and creating Florentines, whilst having a chance to talk through the ethics behind how farming and producing chocolate.
For more information, contact Saskia (youth@prcdtr.org.uk).
Online Safeguarding Training
Online Safeguarding Sessions for those working with Youth in parishes and in the Diocese.
Rob Kingdom from the safeguarding office is running 3 sessions to enhance the level 3 essential training. Session cover: child exploitation (Session 1); The impact of domestic abuse on children (session 2) and the final session is, young people and the online world. The sessions will include a chance to hear guidance on increasing awareness on these issues, hearing some scenarios and to share thoughts and experiences. There is no charge for this training but we do recommend you sign up to get the online link.
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
Quick links
© Diocese of Plymouth 2019. All rights reserved
© Diocese of Plymouth 2019. All rights reserved