Training Seminar inspires youth ministry

Over 30 parishes took part in an inspiring Youth Training Seminar organised by the Southwark Catholic Youth Service

To help parishes connect and grow their youth ministry, the Southwark Catholic Youth Service ran a training seminar with inspiring guest speakers.

More than 30 representatives from parishes across the Archdiocese came together, to hear first-hand how to grow their youth ministry.

The four guest speakers were Lucy Treloar, Aseel Gilbert, Wilson Frimpong, and Mary-Jane Crowley who all delivered engaging sessions.

Drawing from her rich experience as a supervisor at NET Ministries, and her work with Youth 2000 and Faith Movement, Lucy shared practical insights into inter-relational youth ministry. She also provided a valuable glimpse into the dynamics of a youth group session or retreat. She underscored the importance of nurturing our own relationship with Christ, reminding us that ’We can’t give what we don’t have’.

Aseel, who has cultivated a thriving youth ministry in St. Joseph’s parish, Guildford, in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, shared ideas and resources for enriching faith input and practical skills for establishing comprehensive youth ministry in a parish setting, such as volunteer management and activities.

Before lunch, attendees were treated to a lively session on delivering sports and games, including icebreakers and team-building activities, instructed by sports coach Wilson. After a well-deserved lunch break, Mary-Jane, our Head of Safeguarding, gave us an informative session on creating a safe environment for young people to flourish.

Mary-Jane

Fr Dermott O’Gorman wrapped up the seminar, leading attendees to reflect on the skills they would like to develop through future sessions and guidance to thrive in their mission.

The event took place at Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral on Saturday 27 April.

The Southwark Catholic Youth Service put on regular events and training sessions, sign up to their network by hitting the button below.

For information on the upcoming training sessions, sign up here to our youth network.

Sign up