Youth events for the Year of Faith

02/10/2012

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There are a number of diocesan and national events coming up for young people to mark the Year of Faith.

Firstly, XPO returns this Friday (5th) at Our Lady of Consolation with Adoration, music, and pizza (although not at the same time!).  Come along to meet other young adults from across the Archdiocese to discuss ideas for the coming year.  More info on the OLOC tab above.  If you've not been along before, why not make our monthly event for young adults your "new year's resolution" for the Year of Faith?
Secondly, the National Youth Event takes place at Gartmore House, near Stirling, from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November.  This year's theme is "Rejoice in the Lord always" from Pope Benedict's World Youth Day letter.  We have a number of spaces for delegates from the Archdiocese aged 16-35.  The cost is £50 - for that you get to share great speakers, great liturgy, and great food with lots of lovely people!  We end with joining the Bishops' Conference Mass for the opening of the Year of Faith at Motherwell Cathedral on Sunday afternoon.  Get in touch with the Youth Pastoral Team as soon as possible for an application form.
Thirdly, and further in the distance, we're now taking initial bookings for WYD: Scotland's Rio which takes place at Stirling University from 25th - 28th July 2013.  This event is for young people aged 14-25 and includes a taste of the World Youth Day experience right here in Scotland!  There's more info on the WYD tab and you can get a form under the download tab (click "more") - send it in to us when you're done, or call if you've got any questions.

That's all for now - hope to see you at one, some, or all of these events so we can grow in faith together!
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CYSS National Youth Event 2011: Finding Life's Purpose

17/11/2011

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[Photo credit: Paul McSherry]

Four young adults from the 2011 World Youth Day pilgrimage group represented the Archdiocese of Glasgow at this year's National Youth Event organised by Catholic Youth Service Scotland, which took place at the start of November.

One participant, Martin Ramage, reports back about his experience:

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!

Find out more about Catholic Youth Service Scotland at www.cyss.org.uk.
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