Mary Madziva works in Youth Ministry full-time with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, developing the retreat program, training the international volunteer team and helping to coordinate youth events. She has been researching and reflecting on the relevance of the Jubilee year for young people and is looking forward to discussing and sharing ideas and opportunities with chaplains and catechists in Brentwood. Mary is also part of the planning teams for the national resources for World Youth Funday Livestream and World Youth Sunday, the Flame Youth Congress at Wembley Arena, and the digital legacy for the 2025 Jubilee, “Minutes of Hope”.

Pope Francis has asked us to make 2024 a year of prayer and preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Jubilee years in the Church mark a time to actively re-establish our relationship with God and one another.

Pope Francis could have called this jubilee a “year of hope”, but to be a “pilgrim of hope” recognises that finding hope in today’s world is indeed “a journey to a Holy place”. Hope is not just a fluffy nicety. For young people to have hope, dreams and aspirations is entirely transformative for their lives, and is scientifically researched to increase resilience. To have hope is to seek first the Kingdom of God; a fairer, more just and compassionate society and be actively involved in constructing this vision for our future.

 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE DAY?

10:00am Arrivals

You are very welcome to arrive at Brentwood Ursuline Convent School any time from 10am – there is parking on site, or it is just a short walk from public transport stops and Brentwood station.

A member of the BCYS and Walsingham House staff and volunteer team will be ready to sign you in and welcome you with teas, coffees, cakes and pastries.

There will then be the opportunity to sign up for 2 of the exciting workshops available for the afternoon (these will be filled on a first come, first served basis).

 

10:30am Welcome

The day will open with a time of prayer, followed by a welcome and introductions to the team running the day. 

 

10:45am Speakers

There will be introductions and updates from the staff of the BCYS, Walsingham House and Caritas, with news on our events and resources to share with you all.

We will then hear from our guest speaker Mary Madziva.

 

12:15pm Lunch

We do ask that you bring a packed lunch, which you are very welcome to sit and enjoy together, whilst having the opportunity to meet fellow catechists.

 

13:00pm Workshop 1

We will break out into smaller rooms for the first of the workshops you have signed up for in the morning.

This will be a fabulous chance to find out about new resources, courses, campaigns, opportunities for you and your young people and much more, as well as discussing and sharing your own practices with fellow catechists. You can see more about the workshops available as we confirm them nearer the time.

 

14:00pm Workshop 2 

You will be guided to the second of the workshops you have selected for the day.

 

15:00pm Closing Prayer 

We will invite you all to gather back in the main hall for a closing prayer as we end the day.

WHO IS THIS OPEN TO?

This training and resources day is open to anyone working with young people in the Diocese of Brentwood, including all First Holy Communion and Confirmation Catechists, Parish Partnership Youth Coordinators and Youth Leaders as well as those who look after the children’s liturgy . It will be an opportunity to hear about fresh resources, as well as receiving input to assist you in your First Holy Communion and Confirmation programmes.

We would particularly like to welcome any young people (16+) who already are or may be interested in working as young leaders and catechists in the parish, and wish to develop their faith further post-confirmation.

 

 

HOW TO BOOK

To reserve your place for this FREE event, please email [email protected] or complete the form below with the following information of each person attending;

Full Name

Role (First Holy Communion Catechist / Young Catechist / Confirmation Catechist / etc)

Parish

Email Address

Contact

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