Youth Activities

The youth ministry team in St. Mary’s report directly to the youth ministry sub-committee who in turn report to the Parish Council. 

Main activities to date:-

Primary School Outreach – ongoing

Our work in the primary schools is focused on the candidates for Confirmation.  We assist the teachers in preparing the children for Confirmation through regular visitations to the school.  In February, we had pupils from Scoil Ursula, St. John’s and Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré participate in a very successful Confirmation retreat in our offices in Rockwood Parade.  The day focused on fun, art, working as community and culminated in guided prayer and worship in St. Bernadette’s chapel.  Feedback from the children and staff has been very positive.

Our relationship with the children is continued in secondary school by the teams involvement with the 1st year retreats.  It is the hope of the youth ministry team to further support and encourage the young people’s faith development by inviting them to participate in a post confirmation programme, the basis of which will build on their links with parish.  

John Paul II Award & Nazareth Home Visitations and Youth Liturgy – ongoing

The Pope John Paul II Awards enable young people to become more actively involved in the life of the parish and wider community.  Students from Summerhill college are enrolled for this award and are presently active in the liturgy and in visitations at Nazareth house.  As a youth ministry team, we fully support this great initiative. 

John Paul II Nazareth Visitation

Youth Prayer Group – ongoing

The youth prayer group takes place every Wednesday evening at 7 pm in St. Bernadette’s Chapel, Rockwood Parade.  It is linked to the Youth 2000 movement, a group that has the motto:- “Youth leading youth to the heart of the Church”.  There is Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary and Scripture reflection.  The youth are also encouraged and facilitated in taking part in the festivals and retreats around the country.  It is the desire of the youth ministry team that this meeting be a place where young people explore and engage with their faith on a deeper level.  There is a social immediately afterwards upstairs in the office.