Archdiocese of Glasgow Youth Pastoral Team

...with the youth ministry consultation

It's all go with the Youth Pastoral Team these days, as we've been working our socks off on the youth ministry consultation which we hope will bear great fruit in the future!

Round and about the Archdiocese, from Cumbernauld to Carnwadric and Barlanark to Bearsden and beyond, we've been hearing from priests, parishioners, teachers, parents, and of course young people themselves, about the joys and struggles of being Catholic today.

Thank you if you've already participated and shared your views with us!  There's still time to send in your comments: email youth.pastoral@btconnect.com.

...on Facebook / Twitter

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and like us on Twitter for all the latest news, as they're often first to be updated.

...sharing inspirational images of Catholic life

Don't miss the Archdiocese's new Flickr page for albums that will continue to grow as a witness to the vibrancy of our Faith.

...and looking ahead to WORLD YOUTH DAY 2013 - in BRAZIL!

If you're aged 17 ish* and are thinking about participating in World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro (well, why wouldn't you be? - it's going to be awesome!) speak to your parish priest NOW to register interest.  All initial applications MUST be made through your parish or chaplaincy.  If you're not sure who to contact, check out our Google Map of the Archdiocese.  We can also point you in the right direction or give you more details about what's involved in being a WYD pilgrim.

* WYD pilgrims must be aged 18-30 on 1st July 2013

...

Well that's all for now.  Let's keep praying for one another!

[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.