Children's/ Youth Groups - Youth Group

“One Sunday in every month, at 6.30pm, we have a Youth Mass in the Parish Centre. During the Mass we read the readings and the bidding prayers and Fr Joe does a sermon that is especially for younger people. After Mass we all have a chat with our friends and have a drink and a snack. Then we all sit round and talk about our religion and the Bible.

I enjoy youth mass because I get to see my friends who don’t go to the same school as me”

Some years ago we found that attendance at the Sunday School class for secondary school years 7 and 8 was very irregular. After 10am Sunday Mass wasn’t a time that suited that age group. Too early?

Monthly Mass
We replaced Sunday School for that age group by a ‘monthly Mass’ aimed primarily at the youth with a folk mass atmosphere held in the Parish Centre followed by a discussion group.

This discussion continues the religious education of the secondary school children up to Confirmation preparation and beyond.

The Youth Mass
The Youth Masses are sometimes lively, sometimes reflective. The theme of the Mass is often introduced visually, or through the hymns or short drama sketches. Music plays a big part with young people being encouraged to bring along their musical instruments and use their musical talents.

The discussion group looks at different issues about being a Catholic today, in today’s world. We often have different people to talk to us about their own lives and experiences. We also plan and take part in events with the Parish and wider Community.

Many of the young people who have been confirmed continue to attend both the Mass and discussion group. Many of the young people are happy to attend without their parents. We hope this gives them the confidence to attend Mass independently as they move on.