Chris Docherty, who has been youth officer at the Archdiocese of Glasgow since October 1995, leaves his post this week to retrain as a teacher of Religious Education.

During his time at the Archdiocese, Chris has contributed greatly to the shape of youth ministry in Glasgow and is well known to many young people through retreat work in secondary schools and a great number of initiatives throughout the Archdiocese to engage young adults.

As we approach the 26th World Youth Day in Spain, it is with some sadness that Chris will not journey with us, since he has become a bit of a veteran at these events leading pilgrimages to Paris (1997), Rome (2000); Toronto (2002); Cologne (2005) and latterly Sydney in 2008.

Some of the highlights of his work at the Archdiocese have included the procession of the World Youth Day Cross through Glasgow and his involvement in uniting young people at Bellahouston for Pope Benedict’s visit in 2010.

As well as his work in the Archdiocese, Chris has served as secretary to Catholic Youth Services Scotland, organising among other things, the National Youth Event which takes place in November each year.

Chris is a pleasure to work with and his presence will be missed by his colleagues at the Youth Office. However, we are delighted that Chris is moving just a side step into Catholic Education and wish him well in his studies and the continuing influence he will have on young people!

[Photo credit: Paul McSherry]

Four young adults from the World Youth Day 2011 pilgrimage group represented the Archdiocese of Glasgow at Catholic Youth Service Scotland's annual National Youth Event which took place last weekend.

One of them, Martin Ramage, shares his thoughts on the event:

Having never been to the National Youth Event, I approached it with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Despite my initial scepticism about making the journey to the remote location of Gartmore in Stirlingshire, on arrival I found Gartmore House, the 18th Century country mansion-cum-conference centre, to be the perfect setting for a short break centred on peaceful prayer and reflection.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘Finding Life’s Purpose’, and after sitting down to a sumptuous three course dinner, we listened to the first of a series of speakers at the event, Father Alex Davie, who reflected on his (often colourful) path to the priesthood. This was followed by a general knowledge quiz which turned out to be a fun and relaxed way of socialising. The evening ended with Eucharistic Adoration and Night Prayer in one of the most comfortable and hospitable rooms in the conference centre.

At daybreak the next morning, we were able to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the grounds, before heading downstairs for breakfast and Morning Prayer. We then listened to the biographic presentations of a vocations panel comprised of six Catholics from different walks of life, after which Cardinal O’Brien, the Episcopal President of CYSS, addressed the gathering, challenging us to further ponder in our hearts God’s vocation for us. Lunch was preceded by a time for reflection, both individual and group, and a group activity on what it means to be a Catholic in the 21st Century. After lunch, the final Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal O’Brien and several priests with the assistance of some deacons.

In conclusion, I would describe the National Youth Event as memorable and spiritually-nourishing, the highlight being meeting other young Catholics from around the country. My only regret is that it ended so soon!