There's lots coming up for young people and young adults in the Archdiocese - read on!

Firstly, and after the great success of the visit of the relics of St. John Bosco earlier in the month, a new initiative gets underway this Thursday, 31st January - his feast day.  The Don Bosco Teachers' Group is intended as support for teachers in Catholic schools.

The first meeting takes place in the Eyre Hall of the Diocesan Offices, Clyde Street (next to St. Andrew's cathedral) at 7.30pm. All interested teachers are welcome - email catward7@live.co.uk for more information.

Secondly, with this Friday being 1st February (already!), XPO is on at the Youth Pastoral Centre from 7.30-9pm.

Music, input, Eucharistic Adoration, a chance to meet other young Catholics... it's all good!  New and old faces always welcome.  For directions see here.

We're continuing our current Year of Faith series - trying to answer the questions other people ask about Catholicism!  This month: defending belief in the existence of God.

Thirdly, AGAP's annual Lentfest gets underway soon (at the beginning of Lent, in fact!) and with the programme just released, now's the time to book tickets!

See www.agap.org.uk for more information.  This year's Lentfest promises to be as brilliant and faith-filled as ever so whether you're into music, poetry, film, visual art, or drama, there's something for you.

(At least one member of the Youth Pastoral Team is delighted that this year kicks off with a whole lorra brass!)

Fourthly, our youth ministry colleagues south of the Border have extended an invitation to the annual CYMFed Congress on Saturday 16th March.

Congress 2013: The Faith Story takes place at The Sage, Gateshead, which is great for us as it means no long journey down to London!

This is going to be an excellent day for youth leaders, parents, catechists, teachers, priests... you? A volunteer in need of a boost, or just received the Caritas Award and taking the next step in sharing your faith: you're welcome!

Let us know ASAP if you're 16+ and would like to go.  We'll book tickets and transport as a group and cost is likely to be c.£40 for a day trip, or c.£75 with an overnight stay on Friday or Saturday (optional).

Fifthly, (and finally, because I'm not even sure "fifthly" is a real word!) it's now only 178 days until World Youth Day 2013: Scotland's Rio!

The good news is that the application deadline has been extended to 28th February. Don't twiddle your thumbs though - spaces are limited. More info on the World Youth Day tab, forms on the Downloads tab, event website coming soon at www.scotlandsrio.org.uk - get organised and get your name down pronto!

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!