Youth Ministers and Catechists . . .

Ever thought we need a day away with our group?...

Why not come to Lowe House? Come and lead the day yourself or we can lead it for you. The Animate Youth Team can help you plan what sort of day you would like and bring together the latest youth resources. ‘Away Days’ can be designed around your needs. A valuable part of any programme or Confirmation preparation is having a full day away as a group, as the following testifies:

St Mary’s & St John’s Parish - Wigan

This year saw the return of the parishes from Wigan to Lowe House to help the Confirmation candidates on their journey towards celebrating the sacrament. The day gave the group time and space out of busy lives to just chill and reflect on this next step in faith.

Comments

“The young people really enjoyed the games and activities. The Christmas labyrinth was very special.” Catechist.
“I wouldn’t change anything about the day . . . it was the cooooolest.”

St Mary’s Parish - Birchley

A further Confirmation retreat day the Team has led was with St Mary’s, Birchley. The day focussed on how we belong to the Church through Baptism and the gifts that are received at Confirmation. A great day was had by all with loads of input from St Mary’s young people, who really got involved in the role plays, sketches and discussions.

Comments

“I enjoyed the whole day, especially the singing, it helped me in lots of ways and was fun to do.”
“The best part for me was the drama and working together.”
“Everything was varied and was good to do.”
“I thought watching the DVD was good and that we talked about it.”
Catechist - “The best part of the day was the response of the young people to the Animate Team and the commitment of all those involved.”

St Marie and St John Fisher Parish - Widnes

For a second year the team worked with a large group of Confirmation candidates from Widnes. It was great to work with the group and to follow-up from their School Mission before the summer. The theme of the day was, ‘I am the true vine.’ The day ended with a time for reflection and the opportunity for confession and reconciliation, which was a very moving experience for adults and young people. The Confirmation day came at the end of the parish Confirmation preparation and helped the candidates on their final step towards celebrating the sacrament. The Confirmation Mass was fantastic and it was great to hear ‘Jesus is a Rock’ and ‘God is a Good God’ played there after they were such a hit at the Mission.

Comments

“I enjoyed the singing and having lots of fun.”
“For me the best bit was the community game.”
“I love the drama and getting involved.”
“It was more fun than I thought it was going to be.”

West Warrington Pastoral Area.

Young people preparing for confirmation in the West Warrington pastoral area came to Lowe House for away days. During these days we looked at the theme of the gifts of the spirit and how these gifts relate to our every day life. During the day there were many great role plays, discussions, games, time for reflection and the opportunity for reconciliation.

"This was a really good day"
"I wouldn't change anything. I was very impressed"
"I'm glad we got to do reconciliation. I feel a lot lighter and happier!"
"I liked the dramas about the different gifts of the spirit"

St Thomas of Canterbury Parish - St Helens

We have prepared a small group on a weekly basis on their journey to the Celebration of Confirmation at the Cathedral. It has been great to work week by week with the same people and see how they have grown in their faith.

Check it Out Retreat

The Check it Out retreat took place at the end of the February half term. Twenty six young people travelled with the Animate team to Savio House in Bollington. It was a fantastic weekend when we spent time thinking about Lent, what it menas and the things that we can do during Lent. There was time for fun and games, socialising, making new friends, prayer and reflection and even a walk up a hill!!! The weekend ended with Sunday Mass when everyone did something to be part of themass from role play to music to movement and writing prayers. Over all it was a fantastic weekend and many new friendships were made. Everyone went away feeling that they had much to take from the weekend.

"It was a good opportunity to learn more about my faith and to meet new people"
"I particularly found the reconciliation service special and Mass a real celebration"
"It was a chance to get to know new people and to become closer to God and strengthen in faith"
"The closing Mass was good because we all did something"

Do you need a Confirmation Programme makeover?

You've just been told the Confirmation Mass is three months away! Going through your mind is: Is it that time of year again; where do I go to for help?  How many people can I persuade to get involved this year? Where are our young people anyway? Can I face a group like last year? Animate can help support Confirmation catechists by resourcing you as ministers doing a vital role in the Church. You could take a 'gap year' from Confirmation preparation to prayerfully, carefully and practically look at the meaning of the sacrament, what you are trying to do in the programme and what you would like to see come afterwards.

REVIEW | REFRESH | RESOURCE is a three-session programme to help you and your fellow catechists or potential catechists to reflect and pray about your preparation of young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the theology of the Sacrament, and look to preparation in the future.

We can facilitate days in Lowe House, your parish or elsewhere. Just give us a ring for more details.

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The diocese has four part-time Youth Ministers. They are Frank Meehan (Ormskirk and Lydiate), Clare Lawson (St Margaret Mary’s-Knotty Ash), Steve McBride (St Mary’s-Leyland) and Katy McGunigle (Formby). They are an invaluable resource to the diocese working in local communities developing and strengthening youth ministry in parishes and keeping strong links with the local High Schools.

Frank Meehan is the Youth Minister for the parishes of St Anne (Ormskirk), St Elizabeth (Scarisbrick), St Gregory & Our Lady (Lydiate). Frank and his team have a dynamic programme of worship and social activities throughout the year.

Weekly meetings
Monday 7.30-9.00 pm St Gregory’s/Our Lady’s in the parish meeting room at St Gregory’s.
Tuesday 7.45-9.15 St Elzabeth’s Parish Centre.
Wednesday 7.30-9.00 St Anne’s Parish Centre.

Once a month the young people take an active part the mass of one of the 3 parishes.
November 2007 ‘Youth Mass’ Solemnity of Christ the King at St Gregory’s.
December 2007 Advent presentation.
January 20078 Children’s liturgy at St Elizabeth’s.
February 2008 Readings/Reflection at St Gregory’s.
March 2008 Holy Week Reflection
May 2008 Children’s Liturgy
June Readings/Reflections at St Anne’s.

Parish Social Events
New Year’s Eve Party at St Elizabeth’s.
February Family Night at St Gregory’s.
March ‘Battle of the Sexes’ (Quiz/Party games)