As I am sure you are aware, the culture our young people find themselves in can contradict and undermine our Christian faith. For this reason it is important that there is an age appropriate, Christ centred place for them to grow and learn together in order to help equip them for the challenges ahead. It is for this very reason that the parish decided to facilitate the young people’s day which took place yesterday. We invited Ruth and Joe White from the Metanoia Project to run this day with Fr Darren.
About 30 of our young people gathered in the school hall. A program of activities had been arranged that aimed to help them think a little bit more about what we believe in as Catholics and the way we apply this to our daily lives. After the usual ice-breakers there were games that not only were great fun but also encouraged the young people to demonstrate good Christian behaviour towards one another.
The rain held off just long enough for a BBQ lunch before the afternoon's activities commenced, which included some team challenges and some quiet time in prayerful adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in church as part of the parish's Quarant Ore.
Finally it was time for the Crowning of Champions where team points were totted up, prizes given and crowns of glory distributed! It was clear from the feedback from the day that the young people found this a valuable and fun experience and one which they would like to get involved in more often. These young people are the future of our parish and so it's really wonderful to see their enthusiasm and commitment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNLdAN3ejxc
All in all this day was very successful, but the best people to tell you if it was a success are your children. Your children are important to St. Clare’s parish as they play an important role in our community, therefore we would like to support your children in their faith journey.
To be able to support your children in this journey we have decided to create a safe, fun and engaging environment in which your children can explore their relationship with God. A place where they can discuss issues they face as young Catholics and enjoy the company of others who share the same faith as they do.
To this end we propose to run two groups of different ages as follows:
Years 4-6 Meeting every other Tuesday 6pm – 730pm
Years 7-11 meeting every other Tuesday 7pm – 830pm
The first Tuesday evening will be over the coming weeks as follows: (Year 6 should join the older group now, as in September they will be in this group)
Years 7-11 meeting Tuesday the 3rd July and Tuesday the 17th July 2012
Years 4-6 meeting on Tuesday the 10th July 2012
These groups will be run by Fr. Darren, in partnership with Ruth and Joe from the Metanoia Project. We look forward to accompanying your children on their journey of faith. Both of these groups will break up for the summer and re-start in September, dates will be advised in due course.
These groups are specifically faith based and here to help our young people to grow in faith, so please be assured that these groups are in no way to interfere with existing groups in the parish.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 01772 719604, also if your children did not enjoy the day please let me known.
Young People's day Letter 3
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