Do you want to learn from other youth leaders in the diocese and share ideas and projects?
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new online meetings for Youth Leaders
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new online meetings for Youth Leaders
Online Meetings
THESE CALLS WILL BE A CHANCE TO NETWORK, SHARE IN GROUPS, AND FIND OUT ABOUT YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FROM ACROSS THE DIOCESE.
Each session will involve someone sharing on a youth project or programme they are currently working on, sharing and prayer in groups on the youth work you are undertaking, and a discussion topic with resources. Each topic will be shared 2 weeks before the call.
Our next online meeting starts in
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Meeting one 16th October 2024
Our first meeting was about all things vision and strategy
In this session we heard from the wonderful Rose and Ingrid who work in Thomas Becket Catholic School, Northampton. They shared with us about the youth engagement they do in the school, the difficulties they have faced, the journey they've been on and their ideas for going forward.
We then heard from the amazing Pete Emmott, from Invitational Youth Ministry, about vision. He shared with us his experience of when vision has worked, when it's been less successful and the importance of having a vision. He also shared with us about how to create a vision for your own youth ministry.
If you don’t have a vision something else will take its place. If you don’t have a vision you will just be busy… Pete Emmott
Vision and Strategy Discussion Qs
- What do you love about your church and your ministry and your Parish environment? And what drives you crazy?
- What do you think the Holy Spirit is saying / leading / prompting you about the ministry / parish?
- What are your first steps going to be after this evening?
- And finally, what if we dreamed big – if we really believed God was in charge of the ministry and budget and resources – what could we see?
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Meeting two 15th January 2025
In our second session, we talked all things planning and programmes.
In this meeting, we heard from the amazing Yoofi who is involved with youth engagement at the Milton Keynes Hub group of parishes. He shared with us about the youth hangout initiative they run from Our Lady of Lourdes parish in St. Paul's School, the things they find most challenging, the history of their group and some of what they want to do this year.
We then went on to discuss how to find and plan content for youth programmes. Whether that's a youth group, a retreat, a confirmation programme, an event, or as part of ongoing discipleship. We looked at a 5 step process to follow to establish what the youth in your context needs, and then create a session or programme that meets them where they are. We also looked at resources to use to decide on the content to use in sessions.
Thanks for an enjoyable and hugely worthwhile training session. We took away lots of great ideas for planning for the Confirmation programme, and were really grateful.… Philip Allsop
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Meeting Three 23rd April 2025
In our session on the 23rd April, we discussed all things discipleship.
We looked at the levels of discipleship and how to take young people on a journey through initial contact all the way to young leaders who work with you, or even take over from you! We discussed the difficulties of that journey and some ideas and experiences of what has worked well.
In this meeting, we also heard from the wonderful Siobhan Denny on the youth engagements she leads in St Bernard's school in Slough and what her learnings have been. Holly from NYMO was our speaker on discipleship and how to accompany young people. And, as always, we had time in groups to discuss our own contexts and our current challenges and victories.
Accompaniment (Disicipleship) Qs
- Thinking of those young people you know / lead, which level are you on with each of them?
- Which level do you find the most difficult?
- Which level of accompaniment/discipleship comes easiest to you?
- How can you lead each of your young people to the next level?
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Meeting four 15th July 2025
This session was about all things Alpha Youth
In this session we heard from the wonderful Rose who has led Alpha Youth programmes in Thomas Becket Catholic School, Northampton for the past 2 years. She shared with us about the practicalities, the difficulties they have faced, the fruit and amazing things God has done through it, the baptism of one of the students as a result of the programme, and their plans for running the programme going forward.
Rebekah then shared with us an outline of the programme, its intentions, and aims. We looked at the difference of this new version, including a taste of some of the videos, and why it was updated. We talked about this newest generation of young people and how their needs and engagement is different from previous generations. The difficulties they face, their attitudes and openness. And as usual, we had time in groups to discuss and unpack all that had been presented.
Alpha Youth Discussion Qs
- What do you think of the idea that we currently ask children and youth to behave, believe, then belong when often meaningful journeys come from belonging, leading to beliefs and behaviours?
- Do you think we provide a way for young people to belong in our parishes?
- How did you go from a vague knowledge of God to a personal choice of faith?
- What has been your experience of trying to engage this newest generation?
- Have you ever been to an Alpha course?
- Have you ever run an Alpha youth course?
- What was your experience?
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Meeting Five 17th September 2025
This session was all about looking ahead.
In this session we talked through the vision for the learning community and all the available offerings for youth leaders. We looked at the coaching sessions we can offer, the proposed content for the online sessions for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. And we had a walk through of a proposed structured programme which would meet face-to-face twice a year to explore topics in greater depth and to provide practical support on new initiatives and projects the youth leaders are running.
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Meeting Six January 2026
This session was all about leading teens in prayer.
In this session we talked some of the challenges we find when leading teens in prayer. We discussed why it was important to do, how we need to create the right atmosphere and develop connection between the leaders and young people and between the teens themselves before attempting meaningful prayer. We looked at the types of prayer and what they're for, and some prayer resources which can be used with teens. Marielle from the Mission House in Northampton shared some of her experiences and insights, and the wonderful Julian from St Michael's, Aylesbury shared on his projects, challenges, and successes in ministry.
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Meeting Seven May 2026
This session was all about creating inputs.
In this session Vicky walked us through how to create inputs for teens. She talked us through her process and the key elements that need to be involved in every input. We explored some tools to help us plan inputs and the things we need to consider when it comes to making it engaging, relevant, and holding attention. We talked about where to find inspiration for inputs and how to keep focussed on what we're trying to achieve for that particular group so the input can be as impactful as possible. We also divided into groups to have a go at planning an input using Vicky's advice. It was a great session, and if you want more info on the content or would like to see recording of the session, then just reach out.
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