Parishes...

There is no standard approach to parish Youth Ministry. Each parish seeks to identify its own provision in response to the need of the faith community. What works in one parish may not work another. The emphasis is not just about having a Youth Club/Group but is much broader, developing appropriate ways for young people to be involved in every aspect of parish life and in a safe and supportive environment. This requires a holistic approach by addressing every aspect of the development and formation of young people. The process for developing a realistic Youth Ministry also encourages a collaborative approach.

In supporting the provision of a Youth Ministry, Animate offers training, information, resources, encouragement and promotion of good practice:

It should be our aim to work with young people in such a way that their every concern is explored and examined under the searchlight of the Gospel of Christ.
By this process young people may come to realise for themselves their part in God’s mission.

What people have said...

The young people enjoyed a relaxing and rewarding day at Lowe House which helped them in their preparation for Confirmation. The team of young leaders were friendly and welcoming, sharing themselves and their faith in an open and unthreatening way. The cost was met by the Parish and I think was great value for money.
Fr Steve Cooper,
Parish Priest  of St Richard’s and Sacred Heart, Atherton, and St Ambrose Barlow, Astley; Dean of Leigh Deanery

"Animated" and "Inspiring"! My simple yet honest evaluation and experience of working alongside the animate team during our parish confirmation away day. 'Inspired young people, inspiring young people!' A privilege to witness. May I also commend the whole team for the support, encouragement and welcome they offered to the catechist team.
Cathy Jones,
Parish Catechist, St Benedict’s, Warrington

The ideas and enthusiasm of the animate team worked with our young people, who were led through group and shared work in an enjoyable way, which also led into deeper thought and times of prayer and reflection… The team have also offered to support and develop the catechists for a parish programme in the coming years. Thank you animate for your input and for your continuing work in the diocese.
Fr Sean Kirwin,
Parish Priest St Paul’s and St Timothy’s, West Derby,
and Episcopal Vicar for Finance

Life and Soul - The Summer Festival Saturday 30th of June and Sunday 1st of July It was great to have our first ever summer festival at Lowe house.  Although the weather wasn’t as good as we hoped it didn’t dampen our spirits, both days were very successful in the Church Hall.  It was really fantastic to see so many people we have worked with throughout the year coming together for Life and Soul.  Both days started with ice breakers where, on Saturday, we had a very scary walking mummy!!! As well as some towers made out of jelly babies and spaghetti – I’m still wondering how many of the jelly babies never lived long enough to be part of a tower!! Also we had some amazing Mexican waves from both of the Saturday and Sunday groups, I think we should send them to the world cup and show the Mexicans how its done. We were led in reflecting on what the theme Life and Soul means for us in our lives today by Rise (a Catholic drama group) and some great talks on Saturday from our very own Pete Jones and Luke Turner and on Sunday from Anna Cowell who joined us from the Leeds Diocese. Everyone had the opportunity to be creative in our workshops.  There were music workshops, which I might add sounded beautiful. Some great dramas were prepared for Mass and two banners were made by the graffiti workshop. Each day ended with Mass, a disco BBQ and evening prayer. It was gr8 It was a very good day I wouldn’t change anything.  Thanks for a great day guys!

Introduction to Praise and Worship with St Bedes Youth Prayer Group, Widnes
January 20th 2008

In January, we had the opportunity to help out a brand new Youth Prayer Group from St Bede’s in Widnes. We explored what a prayer group really is and the different styles of prayer that might be involved, under the theme ‘Praise and Worship’.  Once we had discussed the normal structure, we went on to lead their first ever Prayer Group meeting, which was really spirit filled and people commented on really feeling the presence of God.

Other Comments…
“Thank you for a really enjoyable day, the team were friendly and it was very relaxed”

“I really enjoyed today, I think it has opened our eyes more to the many different ways to pray…”

“A great day, which really helped me to further my faith”

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Easter Triduum

The Easter Triduum was greatly enjoyed by those who attended the retreats here at Lowe House over the three days. Over these three days the young people looked at and explored different themes, such as on Maundy Thursday  ‘making sense of it all’ and thinking about how Jesus breathed the same air that we breathe, and how we use our other senses such as taste, smell and touch, to try and remember and reflect upon, what Jesus and the disciples, must have experienced on that day and night of the Passover. We too had our own experience of a Passover meal, cooked by our very own Maria and Rick.
On Good Friday, the young people reflected upon the significance of the cross in their lives, what the cross means to them and they even designed their own cross, which best represented them.

Then on Holy Saturday, the group of young people, journeyed back over past few days and looked at the events of Holy week in the eyes of the disciples and how there was such contrast between the celebrations of Palm Sunday to the strange events of Thursday Evening!

Then at the Easter Vigil the congregation witnessed 7 young people take that next step in their faith journey, and make their confirmation. We heard great testimonies from four of the confirmation candidates stating why they wished to be confirmed.

Thank you to everyone who was in involved in the Triduum, each one of your contributions made it the great success it was.