News

The Southwark Catholic Youth Service held two youth days for children and young people across the Archdiocese

In May and June, the Southwark Catholic Youth Service ran events for children and young people in South London and Kent as part of their work to engage young people in the Church.

Over 70 children from 14 parishes across South London attended a youth day at St George’s Cathedral in May to hear from Deacon Frazer, who has since been ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese, on “why go to Church”.

After the talk, the children enjoyed crafts, sports and board games before hearing from three young adults about their unique experience of encountering the Lord. Hearing directly from other young people is a great way for children to better understand their own faith journeys as they relate with people who have had similar experiences to them.

The children then participated in a guided session of Eucharistic Adoration, led by Fr Joseph Gulliford. The day was concluded with pizza, ping pong and prayer.

The first youth day in Kent took place on 7 July at St John Fisher School, with around 100 children from parishes in Kent – including Rochester, Chatham, Rainham, Maidstone and Dover – along with some children from South London.

Rev Stephen Trafford, who was recently ordained to the Diaconate, spoke to the children about the Sacraments. More fun was had with sports, crafts and games with the children later led in Eucharistic Adoration. The day included a Question Box, where priests answered burning questions from children about their own faith.

These youth days are a part of the Southwark Catholic Youth Service’s wider work to engage young people and young adults in the Church. As part of that work, they also ran a summer series on “the Virtues” for young adults with engaging speakers on a range of topics from humility, the dangers of spiritual sloth and forgiveness. Speakers on this series included:

• Stephen Trafford, recently ordained to the Diaconate, explored the compatibility of self-worth and humility. He argued that, whilst a modern culture promotes a constant need for validation, justified pride, when not excessive, is acceptable.
• Fr Anthony Doe, Spiritual Director at Allen Hall seminary, discussed combating spiritual sloth through prayer and spiritual direction. He showed how spiritual direction is useful resource for a serious spiritual life, warning against the dangers of spiritual sloth leading to fear and resentment.
• Fiona Whitehead, founder of Pure in Heart England, presented chastity as a positive choice. She described it as a gift from God, guiding us towards authentic love and relationships, ultimately leading to God.
• Abbot Christopher Jamison, President of the English Benedictine Congregation, addressed fighting acedia with the rule of St Benedict. He highlighted that spiritual awareness helps counteract the tendency to drift from spiritual practices, promoting virtue.
• Margaret and Barry Mizen, founders of the Mizen Foundation, shared their tragic story. They emphasised that forgiveness, rather than anger, freed Margaret from hatred after their son's murder, allowing her to heal.

The Southwark Catholic Youth Service calendar is always action packed, so please check their website regularly to find out about the latest events. You can also follow their work on Facebook and Instagram.