Young People
The Parish of the Nativity of the Lord offers a variety of
opportunities and activities for young people.
Particularly central to this, is the Sacrament of Confirmation
and during this programme we hope that the young people of the
Parish are able to share and develop their faith. The
Youth Ministry Team works to provide opportunities for young
people to do this prior to and after their Confirmation.
If you would like more information on any of the events or
opportunities for young people in the Parish, or would like to
become involved, then please contact the Parish Office for the
Youth Ministry Team.
Youth Groups:
C-Squad
The C-Squad is a Youth Group for Years 7+
encompassing the motto of “Faith, Fun & Friendship”.
Meetings take place on the 3rd Sunday of the month
following the 5:30pm Mass, between 6:30-8pm at St
Joseph’s Parish Centre. All meetings contain social
elements, reflections and faith sharing. There is
a small charge of £2 per session to cover the cost of
refreshments and materials used.
Hope
“Young people are the church of
today and the hope of tomorrow” Pope John Paul II. The
new ‘hope’ youth group is for anyone interested in
exploring their faith a bit more deeply. It is open to
those in year 9, 10 and 11. It will be informal, good
fun, not too stuffy and hopefully fairly informative!
We will meet on the first Friday of every month starting
on the 1st October for discussion, games, prayer and
food! We will meet at the parish centre at the Holy
Family from 7.30 to 9.30. Everyone welcome!
Lizzie Wakeling (Parish and Diocesan Youth Minister)
FLAME 2012: NATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS
We are planning to get a group together to travel to the Flame Congress in Wembley Arena, on the 24th March. Aimed at people in year 10 and above, with a number a guest speakers, worship music, and a chance to meet young Catholics from all over Britian. A great opportunity to inspire and ignite the young people in their Faith. More info on: www.cymfed.org/congress/flame/2012. To book contact Debs Puttick, dsp2q2@hotmail.com by 14th February.
‘FAITH 2012’ for Young People
Faith 2012 is a new initiative for young Catholics. Every third Sunday of the month we gather at the Friary Church in Crawley, meeting at around 4.30pm. There is an opening prayer at 4.45, followed by 20 minutes of engaging, interesting Catechesis at 5.00pm. Then, at 5.30 there is a vibrant youth Mass, after which we all go over to the parish hall for some refreshments and a chance to get to know each other. It's a great chance for young Catholics (Confirmation age to young adults) to come together, enjoy their faith, and get to know other Catholics of a similar age from the area. There is a Facebook event page here: http://www.facebook.com/events/383178068363736/
Lourdes Redshirts
The Diocesan Youth Service Group (Lourdes) is now inviting applications from young people from within the diocese to join the Redshirts 2012. Applicants should be in yrs 10 or 11 (or equivalent age) and available for the duration of the pilgrimage - 25th July to 3rd August 2012. Anyone interested should email Ray Mooney (ray.mooney@dabnet.org). Please provide applicant’s full name, address, home phone number, school year, name of school and parish. Also include applicant’s reasons for wanting to be a Redshirt next year. This is the first stage of the selection process; an Application Pack will then be sent to all applicants in the New Year. For more information go to www.yaab.co.uk or www.ablourdes.org. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the above contact Ray Mooney on 01293 651158. Those interested can also apply to the parish for assistance with funding.
Moral dilemma of the week/month
Some questions to discuss with your friends.....
Q: Which of the following items would you least be able to live without for a year? The Internet, your car, your mobile phone, your ipod?
Q: You enter a quiz and the winning team will be awarded £1,000 for the charity of their choice. You find a copy of the questions before the quiz. Is it okay to cheat for the benefit of a charity?
Q: It's a new year, if you could have just one wish for the year to come true, what would it be? Choices are, (1) The end of world famine (2) A £1,000,000 Lottery win (3) To live an extra 10 years.
Q: If you had the ability to change just one fundamental event or decision in your life so far, what would you change and why?
Q: Which would you prefer, to be 100% emotionally content or 100% financially content for the rest of your life?
Q: If you could change your life, would you rather be a film star, a rock star, a famous sports person or prefer to just remain yourself?
Prayers
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Have you got a minute Lord?
Its about, well, I’m a bit confused.
Everything and nothing is happening all at the same
time.
Decisions to be made, work to be done, problems to be
solved.
Do you understand Lord?
I’m not really lost, just at a very confusing junction.
Where do I go Lord?
Where are the signposts?
Which road do I follow?
There is so much I could do;
Sometimes I despair.
Its at times like these that I need you most Lord... yet
I get no answer.
I don’t mean to be rude Lord, but could you not make it
obvious?
Help me to untangle the lines of my thoughts,
To see your purpose for me ahead.I don’t want to be
confused anymore Lord – its Confusing! Amen.
Quotes
Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step
out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no
harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in
complete faith and confidence.
Pope John Paul II
“My dear young friends, if you take part frequently in
the Eucharistic celebration, if you dedicate some of
your time to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the
Source of love which is the Eucharist, you will acquire
that joyful determination to dedicate your lives to
following the Gospel”. (Message for WYD, 2008) Pope
Benedict XVI
