This month the Youth Ministry Team provides updates on the Lourdes Pilgrimage by the Youth Section and the school festivals, including the art competition, primary and secondary festivals.
This month the Youth Ministry Team provides updates on the Lourdes Pilgrimage by the Youth Section and the school festivals, including the art competition, primary and secondary festivals.
Lourdes Pilgrimage, Youth Section:
This year, YMT led the Youth Section for the Lourdes Pilgrimage. The journey began with a residential retreat at Emmaus Village, where 36 young people and young adults prepared for the Pilgrimage. This time was crucial for team building and sharing reflections on being a “Pilgrim”. The retreat concluded with a Mass celebrated by Fr Marc Lyden-Smith. The next day, we embarked on a coach journey to Lourdes.
After a day of coach travel, the Lourdes Youth Section joined the whole Diocesan Pilgrimage, enriching it with their unique Lourdes moments. Their youthful presence was felt, and their hard work and openness to the prayerful experiences in Lourdes were widely appreciated, making the adult pilgrims proud and appreciative of their contribution.
As they participated in various activities, such as the candlelight procession, international and Diocesan Mass, or just being in the Acciel with a Pilgrim, they experienced a growing connection to their faith and to the stories of healing that permeate the air. They visited the Grotto, where Saint Bernadette encountered the Virgin Mary, and experienced a profound moment of reflection and prayer.
The Lourdes Youth Section also engaged with each other, sharing their gifts and talents with the whole Pilgrimage at the Garden Party, which everyone enjoyed.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the young pilgrims are immersed in the themes of being called to be Saints and signs of hope in our generation today. They develop their resilience and witness the strength of those who come to Lourdes seeking healing. By the end of their journey, they emerge with a renewed spirit, a deeper understanding of their faith, and lasting memories of connection and inspiration. The pilgrimage to Lourdes is not just a physical journey but a transformative experience that leaves them inspired and hopeful for the future.
Schools Festivals (Art Competition):
After receiving such an incredible response to this year’s Art Competition, we knew we had to celebrate somehow! This year’s festival banner was an ART GALLERY to showcase as many shortlisted entries as possible!
The fantastic artwork from our schools greeted all attendees!
RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW! Schools Festival Theme 2024:
Primary Festival:
We sang, danced and praised, we had film, drama, group activities, games and quiet reflection. We reflected on our gifts and talents, the people who encourage us and these reflections were folded into pieces of a puzzle, like pixels that came together to form a huge flame, a light for the world!
We reflected that, as St Paul wrote to the Romans, “The same Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you”, right here, right now! The same Spirit that spoke to Moses, that saved Daniel from the lions, that helped David defeat Goliath, that inspired Queen Esther to stand up for injustice! The same God who has inspired so many great saints and role models for us in faith, is the same God who loves and dwells and chooses you – even on the days when you don’t feel like it! Right here, right now!
Secondary Festival (also known as God Camp!) 2024:
A jam-packed program featuring:
Music and worship from Tara, Darren, Alex & Tom – our 2024 Festival Band, 8 Beatz Official, Adeniké.
Guvna B’ s Introducing Stage welcomed upcoming Christian artists, 678nath, Bliss & Tidez, to the North East. They shared their music, but also their WHY; why they do what they do, how their faith has inspired their lyrics and given them the confidence to use their music to share God’s word & love for others!
We know it has inspired many young aspiring artists of all genres at YMT Festival, so we can’t wait to see some homegrown talent coming soon.
Incredible talks and testimony from John O’Connor – Junction 42, Sarah Kime, Maria Westerhope, SVP’s Charlie Bennet, and Our Lady and St Bede’s drama group.
With thanks to all the clergy from across the Diocese who provided the opportunity for confession, the Brothers of St Francis Friary, Durham, Fr Marc Lyden-Smith who presided our Festival Mass, Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle Listening Service and The Road Centre.
With huge thanks to all the the incredible school staff, festival volunteers and YMT team who helped provide such an amazing program of both prayer, deep reflection and opportunities for conversation, as well as Festival Bonker’s Bingo, the infamous Fringe Tent and Festival Fayre, plus a Friday morning wake up (featuring everyone’s favourite Primary School Bangers!).
