Courtney McGrailOne 150 delegates attended the recent Diocesan Youth Ministry Conference held in Thornhill College, Derry. Representatives from over 30 parishes, 10 schools and several youth groups came together with clergy, religious and young people to plan the way forward with regard to developing faith opportunities for young people at parish level.
John McAreavey was the keynote speaker and addressed the theme ‘How to make young people an integral part of their parish community’. He explained “God has given us all an abundance of skills, it’s up to us as leaders in our parishes and organisations to ensure that we gather the right mix of these skills to create a vibrant and energetic Church, one which people love to be engaged with and proud to be a member of”.
Speaking after the conference Bishop Donal McKeown said it was “a most encouraging event where young people and practitioners shared their enthusiasm and skills in the ministry of bringing good news to young people in a stressful world”.