DIOCESE OF DERRY VISION FOR YOUTH MINISTRY 2018-2021 DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION OCTOBER 2018
FOREWORD One of the ideas that regularly occurs in the teachings of Pope Francis is discernment. That involves looking at reality, interpreting it in the light of the scriptures, and then choosing what the Lord is calling us to do in the concrete circumstances in which we find ourselves. This document is the product of such a discernment process. The journey began in 2016 with a survey of teenagers. They were asked to indicate their attitude to areas such as Faith in Christ, the Church, Mass and Sacraments. The Youth Commission then reflected on the new reality where our young people are living. And they made decisions about what needs to be done and what is feasible. All of this was done in parallel with the drafting of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan God is Love. The Youth Ministry Plan is intended to support parishes in implementing the youth outreach elements of the Plan (1.2.3). If all our parishes are not actively working to help young people become disciples of Jesus, we are failing to let them hear the Good News of God s love, mercy and healing. We will be held accountable for any such failure on our part. I thank all involved in the Youth Commission for their work that has borne fruit in this plan. They have a passion for the welfare of our wonderful young people. Thanks to them and their predecessors, we have many great youth outreaches in the Diocese. This plan builds on them and moves us to the next stage. Jesus said, Go, make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) This document is just words on paper. But it can help us to put flesh on our response to Jesus command in our time and in our place. I invite the whole diocese to embrace the plan with energy and creativity. Most Reverend Bishop Donal McKeown + Bishop of Diocese of Derry 1 P age
INTRODUCTION Since 2010, Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Derry has been guided by the Vision 2020 document. In 2016 the Diocesan Youth Commission felt that it was time to revise this document as we look to the future. As part of this revision process, we, in consultation with parishes, undertook to ascertain how much of the Vision 2020 document was being implemented (See Appendix 1). Conscious that our renewed vision was young people centred, we realised how vitally important it was to consult with the young people of the diocese in this process. (See Appendix 2). While this was ongoing, the interim Diocesan Pastoral Council was creating a Diocesan Pastoral Plan. This plan has now been launched by Bishop Donal McKeown and sets the course for the Diocese of Derry moving towards 2021. Our strategic vision for Youth Ministry fits into the broader Diocesan Pastoral Plan and supports parishes as they continue to develop Youth Ministry. Fr Paul Farren Director, Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre 2 P age
RATIONALE To carry out its role in implementing Youth Ministry priorities and to drive the Diocese of Derry towards its Vision 2021 aspirations, the Derry Diocesan Youth Commission has prepared a strategic plan that should direct its operations and activities in relation to Youth Ministry. Development of this strategic plan involved leadership from a variety of stakeholders in relation to Youth Ministry. In October 2016, the Youth Commission conducted a survey with young people across the whole of the Diocese of Derry. The survey sought to involve and engage young people in thinking about what the Church should look like in the future and to ascertain their views on matters of faith. The survey was completed by almost 1300 young people in Year 10 (Junior Cert.) and Year 14 (Leaving Cert.). We, as a Commission, wanted to explore the Church through their eyes. Before the survey was released for completion, it was presented to Religious Education Heads of Department at the annual RE In-service Day and to the priests of the Diocese for consultation. Before going to publication, this strategic plan was presented to the clergy of the diocese for discussion about its future implications. The Youth Commission is clear that past success does not ensure success in the future. Therefore, it requires challenging the status quo, reviewing Youth Ministry and policy, influencing attitudes, strengthening current youth programmes/networks and implementing new programmes to deliver on strategies that impact youth positively. 3 P age
STRUCTURE This strategy is organised into four areas. These are referred to as Ministries as referenced in Called Together: Making the Difference (A Framework Document for Youth Ministry in Ireland) (2009) Ministry of Leadership and Development Ministry of Pastoral Care and Community Life Ministry of Catechesis and Evangelisation Ministry of Advocacy, Justice and Service 4 P age
MISSION AND GOALS Mission Statement: To help young people grow in their relationship with Jesus Our goals are to: Foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person Invite and empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today Encourage young people to participate responsibly in the life, mission and work of the Catholic Faith Community Call the Catholic Faith Community to continually renew its affective and effective option for young people 5 P age
MINISTRIES (Adapted from a Framework Document for Youth Ministry in Ireland) The Ministry of Leadership and Development The aim of the ministry of leadership and development is to call forth, affirm and empower the gifts and abilities of adults and young people in our faith communities. Leadership development is a theme as well as an element of a well-balanced Youth Ministry. Youth ministers work towards redundancy and while the aim is to help young people discover their own giftedness, they themselves can learn from these young people. Listening attentively and patiently to young people, and building appropriate relationships with them, is essential in this ministry. It is through respectful and real relationships that young people will gain confidence in their own leadership abilities. Youth Ministers are challenged to consider better planned and connected moments of Youth Ministry where young people are afforded opportunities to become involved in new Youth Ministry initiatives throughout their teenage and young adult years. Youth Ministers challenge young people to use their gifts but they also raise awareness within the whole community of its responsibility towards young people. The Ministry of Pastoral Care The ministry of pastoral care ensures that special attention is directed to those who are lost in any way. It is a sharing in the ministry of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who came so that all might have life and life in abundance (John 10:10). Pastoral care is a relationship in imitation of Jesus' care for people - a ministry of compassionate presence, especially to those who are hurting and in need. It enables healing and growth to take place within individuals and their relationships. It nurtures growth towards wholeness, provides guidance in decision making and challenges obstacles to positive development. It also involves the promotion of healthy development of young people, the prevention of crisis behaviour, care for young people in crisis, and advocacy. Special concern is shown for young people who engage in high-risk behaviours and who may have multiple problems that can severely limit their futures. The Church is called to work with the wider community to address their needs. Ministry to these young people may be the most important way they will ever come to know and feel the love of God - through people who love them and care for them just at the point when they themselves feel least worthy and loveable. 6 P age
The Ministry of Community Life God's reign was proclaimed through the relationships Jesus initiated. The community life and actions of the first Christians were a sign to everyone that Christ was in their midst (see Acts 2:42-47). Therefore, today, the ministry of community life is not only what we do (activity), but who we are (identity) and how we interact (relationships). It is about welcome and a sense of belonging. When the atmosphere is welcoming, safe and predictable, then young people will know that their presence is appreciated. Community life is enhanced when leaders promote an attitude that is authentic, positive, accepting and understanding - assuring all young people that they are valued and cared for. Community life is encouraged when our actions are inviting, supportive and Gospel-based. In a world of virtual communities on the internet, the ministry of community life will find ways of maximising the potential of such communities and of minimising any associated risks. The Ministry of Catechesis Catechesis prepares the Christian to live in community and to be actively involved in the life and mission of the Church. It nourishes the faith of young people and it leads them into greater communion and intimacy with Jesus. Developing a deeper relationship with Jesus and the Christian community involves learning more about the scriptures and the rich tradition of the Catholic faith. This deeper relationship challenges all young people to live more faithfully as disciples of Christ in their daily lives, especially through prayer, justice and loving service. Genuine faith requires the total response of the whole person - mind, heart and will. The ministry of catechesis fosters growth in faith in all three dimensions - trusting (heart), knowing and believing (head) and doing (hands). A well-balanced Youth Ministry will include programmes of catechesis. To be most effective these should be related to the needs and life experiences of young people Recent studies in Ireland and internationally have identified the lack of understanding by Catholic young people (and sometimes their parents and other Catholic adults) of what it means to be Catholic. participation in good catechetical programmes is part of the ministry of catechesis. 7 P age
The Ministry of Evangelisation The ministry of evangelisation is about being captivated by the Good News. It is about becoming aware of God's extravagant, passionate, relentless, stubborn, tender love made known in the person of Jesus. It is about hearing and responding positively to the Lord's call to 'Come follow me'. Faith is a 'yes' to a 'yes': our response of 'yes' to God's first 'yes' to us. The strength of the love experienced compels us to make this love known and manifest in the world; to invite others to say 'yes'. Evangelisation enables young people to discover and recognise the experience of God already active and present in their lives. The challenge is to ensure that all relationships and programmes are proclamations of Good News. The ministry of evangelisation initiates a journey whereby a young person comes to recognise his/her own giftedness and calling in life. The ministry of catechesis nourishes this journey. The Ministry of Prayer and Worship There is great joy and happiness to be found in giving praise and glory to God. The ministry of prayer and worship celebrates and deepens young people's relationships with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal prayer and liturgical experiences. It awakens their awareness of the spirit at work in their lives and it incorporates them more fully into the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharist. It nurtures their personal prayer life and it fosters family rituals and prayer. In the Young Church, in 1985, the Irish Bishops spoke to young people and youth ministers about the ancient gifts of sacraments, Sunday Mass, scripture and silence. The Ministry of Advocacy Advocacy is about crying out on behalf of another. The Christian community needs to provide strong moral leadership, to stand up for young people, especially those who are voiceless and powerless in society. Young people are also challenged to cry out on behalf of those in need. The ministry of advocacy works to overcome poverty, provide decent jobs and promote equal opportunity. Those who are poor, vulnerable and at risk take priority. Advocacy involves developing partnerships and initiatives with leaders and concerned citizens from all sectors of the wider community, with the aim of arriving at a shared vision and agreed practical strategies. The ministry of advocacy encourages the Church to examine its own practice of fully integrating young people into the life of the Church. How are their voices heard in the Irish Church? How are their gifts, talents and energy welcomed, respected and enabled? The Church must model what it advocates for society. 8 P age
The Ministry of Justice and Service Christian faith calls us to work for justice, to serve those in need, to pursue peace and to defend the life, dignity and rights of all our sisters and brothers. It also calls us to be responsible stewards of God's creation. Christian service is linked to the ministry of evangelisation. Many young people are generous in their service of others and find that in giving they receive. As channels of God's abundant love, they can discover that the one to whom they give service is Jesus. Our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, console the bereaved, welcome the stranger and serve the poor must be accompanied by concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering and injustice. The ministry of justice and service also includes committing oneself to peace-building in situations of conflict. With the prayer and commitment of peacemakers, Ireland is slowly beginning to heal but there is a continuing opportunity for young people to contribute to repairing the damage caused by years of division on our island. A further challenge of peace-making is to embrace a consistent Christian commitment to life in all situations where life is under threat. One of the greatest challenges of our age is the care of the Earth. This includes not only the world's inhabitants and the natural environment, but also the animals who share our planet. Today's young people will almost certainly have to suffer the ever more destructive effects of human neglect and abuse of the Earth. We are called to renew the face of the Earth. Both previous and present generations have left the youth of today and tomorrow with a lot of work to do. Abbreviations NDJP & C JPIIC JPIIAL P Derry Diocesan Youth Commission Derry Youth Community National Director of the John Paul II Award Youth Ministry Coordinator Parish Priests & Parish Pastoral Council John Paul II Award Committee John Paul II Award Leaders Parish Youth Ministry Committees Parish Youth Ministry Leaders 9 P age
Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Derry Youth Ministry Coordinator Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre Bishop Parishes Priests Parish Youth Ministry Committee Parish Youth Ministry Leader John Paul II Award Leaders Parish Pastoral Council Youth Groups Young People of Derry Diocese John Paull II Award Committe National Director JP II Award Mr Emmet Thompson Fr Paul Farren Miss Ann Marie Hickey Mrs Jennifer Kearney Miss Catherine McGonigle Mr Sean Mullan (Chair) Dr Charlie Mullan Mrs Yvonne Rooney Mr Padraig Delargy Derry Diocesan Youth Commission Schools Derry Youth Community 10 P age
Ministry of Leadership & Development Inspiring young people to recognise and use their own gifts so that they can in turn help others around them. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. (Mt 20:26) Issue Task Personnel Completion Impact Continue to work with the John Paul II Award committee to encourage and highlight the John Paul II participants Increase those participating in John Paul II Award by 5% John Paul II Award Decrease the dropout rate of John Paul II participants by 5% through meaningful engagement in schools and parishes Continue to ensure ongoing parish involvement Papal Cross Highlight to parishes and schools the Papal Cross as a means for continued parish commitment Increase Papal Cross participants by 5% Youth Liturgy Provide meaningful youth liturgy resources for parishes to use as a foundation for liturgical events Family Ministry Increase opportunities, at both diocesan and parish level, for family ministry activities NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P P September 2021 September 2021 Higher profile of the John Paul II Award Increased participation in the JPII Award Increase in Awardees Greater involvement by schools and parishes Higher profile of the Papal Cross Increased participation in the Papal Cross Greater commitment to parishes by young people Liturgy more meaningful to the life and experiences of young people Family coming together in faith and nourishing each other in their faith journey 11 P age
Youth Link Utilise Youth Link as a form of professional development for Youth Ministry volunteers in parishes Signpost relevant Youth Link courses and/or qualifications for Youth Ministry volunteers/committees Parish Youth Ministry Continue to support parishes as they grow towards becoming more youth friendly Workshops Develop programmes/workshops to support parishes and volunteers in Youth Ministry programmes Provide every parish with at least one Youth Ministry support visit per year (this may be individually or as part of a cluster group of parishes) Music Ministry Develop resources to create greater opportunities for Music Ministry with parishes September 2021 Accreditation by Youth Link Better prepared, more experienced and greater confidence in Youth Ministry leaders Greater interaction with parishes of the diocese Heightened profile of Open communication links between neighbouring/similar parishes An enriched faith experience for young people An enriched faith experience for other parish members Development of Youth Ministry for 7-11 year olds Diocesan Ambassadors Youth Commission As a priority, develop resources, opportunities and events that engage this age group Seek the views of this age group to gauge their opinions on what they currently do in matters of faith, what they would like to be more involved in and what we need to provide Development of Diocesan Ambassador Programme 2 pupils from each of the post-primary schools selected to sit on Youth Ministry Forum Raise profile of the Diocesan Youth Commission with clergy and laity both at diocesan and parish level Increase Youth Commission Membership to 10 Ensure the implementation of Strategic Plan through yearly Monitoring and Evaluation September 2021 Dec 2018 Greater engagement of this age group Development of future leaders in parishes and diocese Development of links with diocesan schools Giving young people a voice at diocesan level Enhanced role of within diocese Wider range of personnel with greater variety of ideas, skills and experiences 12 P age
Communication with Clergy and Religious Youth Ministry Website/Social Media Youth Ministry Groups Increase Youth Commission input at all priests conferences (where possible) Development of Youth Ministry website Development of Youth Ministry Social Media platform Use of online platforms to provide resources Use of online platforms as a communicative tool for Youth Ministry committees and volunteers Seek advice and expertise of established youth groups to further develop faith network June 2019 Improved strategic monitoring and evaluation Greater communicative links with clergy Greater support for diocesan strategy and vision through promoted activities Greater presence of youth ministry in parish, diocese and on a national level Ease of communication Enhanced provision of resources for Youth Ministry volunteers Greater cohesion between diocese, youth commission and youth groups Youth ministry Committee Develop and establish a Youth Ministry management group in each parish or cluster of parishes Sept 2021 Greater focus and presence of Youth Ministry activities in parish or cluster parishes 13 P age
Ministry of Pastoral Care & Community Life Promoting healthy development, giving special attention to those young people who feel lost, and celebrating and strengthening young people s relationship with Jesus. Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Mt 19:14) Issue Task Personnel Completion Impact Provide opportunities for John Paul II Award participants to be more visible within the community Encourage John Paul II Award participants to see their role as not just Church oriented but parish wide John Paul II Award Fun Based Events/ Activities/Camps Use of local groups/individuals as examples of good practice for combination of Faith and Fun activities to increase engagement with parish and faith Liturgical Roles Put in place structures to ensure that parishes feel confident in their recruitment of young people as Ministers of the Word, Altar Servers and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Signpost the necessary Safeguarding Policies and Procedures for parishes Seasonal Drama Provide parishes with resources, templates and examples of Nativity Play, Passion Play, Stations of the Cross etc to engage young people at key times of Church s year Sacramental Preparation Encourage parishes to use and follow the Do this in Memory Programme for First Holy Communion children Increase the use of the Do this in Memory Programme to 30% of parishes in the diocese NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P JPIIC JPIIAL P P Expanded role of the John Paul II participants within parishes More valued young persons within parish and diocese A greater engagement of young people through fun faith filled activities Greater usage of church facilities for varied activities Increased presence of young people within leadership roles in the liturgy Greater understanding of Safeguarding Policies and Procedures Enhanced opportunities to utilise the talents of all young people Increased community cohesion through community-based events Parents and young people better prepared for the sacrament Greater appreciation of the importance of sacraments 14 P age
Introduce new Confirmation programmes including God s Confidence Music Ministry Seek an individual who can lead the area of Music Ministry Develop a Diocesan Youth Choir Develop resources for parishes to form parish choirs Liturgy Develop and provide meaningful resources and opportunities for young people to plan and partake in a variety of liturgy throughout the Church year Derry Youth Community Encourage the use of the Derry Youth Community in schools and parishes for Youth Ministry and development Increase Derry Youth Community presence in schools by 15% Increase Derry Youth Community presence in parishes by 10% Support Derry Youth Community in all activities through encouraging parishes/schools involvement Pilgrimages Continue to provide opportunities for local, national and global pilgrimages Utilise schools as a means of promoting pilgrimage activities Seek views of young people on pilgrimages Seek to develop follow up programmes for Lourdes Youth Team Workers Prayer Provide opportunities and resources both at diocesan and parish level for Personal Prayer Utilise technology and social media to guide personal prayer P P September 2020 September 2021 June 2019 Thriving Diocesan Youth Choir Parishes more engaged in Music Ministry Greater engagement of young people before, during and after liturgy with a more meaningful faith experience Greater presence of in parishes, schools and diocese Increased role of young people as leaders within the Church Greater pilgrimage opportunities Increase in young people involved in parish and diocesan pilgrimages Increased meaningful prayer experiences Greater engagement involved in prayer at both a personal and community level Enhanced technology usage to support prayer 15 P age
Inter Church Faith Provide opportunities and resources both at diocesan and parish level for Community Prayer in varying formats that encourage young people to attend Provide opportunities for young people to engage with those from other denominations and faiths Youth Groups Seek opportunities for youth groups to establish links with parish coordinators and NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P P September 2021 Increased awareness of other denominations and faiths Enhanced Christian identity Developed opportunities for shared faith experiences with parishes and established youth groups 16 P age
Ministry of Catechesis & Evangelisation Teaching young people about the scriptures, Catholic traditions and a life of faith to deepen their relationship with Jesus and experience God in their lives And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone (Mk16:15) Issue Task Personnel Completion Outcomes John Paul II Award Children s Liturgy Social Media Sacramental Preparation Youth Alpha Utilise John Paul II students to spread the word of God through their actions and activities Explore greater opportunities and parish role for John Paul II participants with parish and wider diocese Train parish volunteers to deliver Children s Liturgy Promote Children s Liturgy as means of evangelisation Develop links and partnerships with parishes currently using Children s Liturgy format Develop social media platforms to promote work of to promote activities and events to promote evangelisation among young people Provide training for parish volunteers in the delivery of the Do this in Memory Programme to engage young children in a more meaningful way Provide training for parishes and parish volunteers in the delivery of the Youth Alpha programme to engage teenagers in a more meaningful way NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P P Dec 2019 Greater use of JPII Students in an evangelisation role JPII Students become leaders within their parish and the diocese Increased Children s Liturgy group, volunteers and participants A more prominent role for Children s Liturgy in parishes and diocese Individual responsible for social media platforms Increased interaction with young people Increased awareness of the and their role within the diocese Increased Do this in Memory of Me Programmes in parishes Trained Do this n Memory of Me leaders Greater family intergenerational opportunities Increased Youth Alpha groups More confident adults to facilitate Youth Alpha group 17 P age
Faith Friends Help provide format and opportunities for development of faith friends in parishes and schools Greater opportunities for teenagers to take leadership in faith development of younger children Children confident to talk about their faith Intergenerational Family Events Provide training, resources and events that can be used to encourage intergenerational faith activities Encourage parishes to organise one intergenerational event per year A Church of all ages Increased family faith experiences at both parish and diocesan level Seasonal Drama Nativity Plays Passion Plays Stations of the Cross Young people confident as teachers of faith Young people with greater self-esteem and self confidence Sacrament of Reconciliation Personal Invitations Youth Groups Develop resources to promote an increase in young people attending confession more frequently Utilise parish volunteers, John Paul II participants to offer, develop, design and deliver personal invitations to young people at various times in the Church year Seek support and guidance from established youth groups on methods of evangelisation NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P June 2019 June 2019 Increased awareness of the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Increased opportunities for young people to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation Young people who feel welcome, comfortable and have a sense of belonging in their parish and diocese A more enriched faith experience based on ongoing youth group interactions 18 P age
Ministry of Advocacy, Justice & Service Encouraging young people to stand up for others in need, protect the life and rights of others and to be people of service in the world we live in. Serve one another humbly in love. (Gal 5:13) Issue Task Personnel Completion Outcomes John Paul II Award Charitable Participation Community Outreach Assist John Paul II participants through signposting opportunities to complete social hours within parishes Create formal partnerships with organisations that promote justice and service Encourage parishes to engage young people through charitable work e.g. Trócaire, Children in Crossfire Parishes to make links with youth conferences of St Vincent de Paul and youth coordinator to enhance profile of society Encourage young people to visit Nursing Homes/Fold Living and establish relationships with older members of the community Encourage young people to become involved in working with individuals with Special Educational Needs and disabilities Encourage and develop opportunities to work with young people at risk NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P P NDJP JPIIC JPIIAL P JPII Students who actively engage in social justice activities Young people who are engaged in social justice activities for the betterment of all Increased social justice awareness for young people and parishioners Greater opportunities to engage young people in faith-based activities Young people who cherish and value the contribution of older members of their parish Young people who are enriched through work with those with Special Educational Needs Young people at risk have a sense of belonging and safety 19 P age
Appendix 1
Survey Results Diocese of Derry - Parishes September 2017 (39 Respondents) Activity No. of Parishes Children s Liturgy 12 John Paul II Award 37 Youth Choir 28 Do this in Memory 18 Altar Servers 39 Youth Eucharistic Ministers/Readers 36 1 P age
Appendix 2 2 P age
Survey Results The Voice of Young People in the Diocese of Derry Total Respondents: 1280 What is your gender? Male 52.34% Female 47.66% What year are you? Year 10 66.49% Year 12 33.51% Which of the following statements apply to you? (Please select all answers that apply) I am baptised Catholic 97.85% I have made my first Holy Communion 91.40% I have been confirmed into the Catholic Church 90.32% I consider myself to be a practising Catholic 66.67% I consider myself to be a person of faith 66.67% I consider myself to be a religious / spiritual person 50.54% I do not consider myself to be a religious / spiritual person 25.81% If you are a person of faith, how do you express your faith? (Please select all answers that apply) By going to Mass 65.52% By praying on your own 44.83% By praying with your family 22.99% By praying at school 60.92% By helping others 63.22% 3 P age
Select the option that suits you I go to Mass most weekends PLEASE GO TO PART A 32.61% I go to Mass at least once a month PLEASE GO TO PART A 20.65% I used to go to Mass at least once a month but not any more PLEASE GO TO PART B 18.48% I have never regularly attended Mass PLEASE GO TO PART B 19.57% I never go to Mass PLEASE GO TO PART B 8.70% Why do you go to Church? (Please select all answers that apply) To pray 81.63% To ask for something 18.37% I enjoy the Mass 20.41% To meet Jesus 30.61% I go because my family goes 44.90% I like being part of a Catholic Community 57.14% I am made to go 20.41% I feel welcome there 48.98% I feel uplifted by the experience 20.41% I like to worship with other people 20.41% I feel that it is a duty or obligation 20.41% I worry about what will happen if I don t attend 18.37% To encourage my friends and family to join me 16.33% I go because I do the Pope John Paul II Award 0.00% How involved would you say you are in the life of your parish? (Rate between 1 [least involved] and 5 [most involved]) Average response rate of 3 How much do you feel valued in your parish? (Rate between 1 [not at all] and 5 [very much]) Average response rate of 3 4 P age
How could your parish be more welcoming? People want to see more activities in the parish. Fun days for children or a night dedicated once a week or once a month for the Youth of the Parish. Lots of references to more music or better music need at Mass. More youth music needed at some Masses. People want to have more time to talk together after Mass. More social activities needed to include people who feel left out. Days of Retreat or Fun Days for younger children. Breakfast mornings also. People feeling proud of their parish and very pleased with the priest and his work. A lot of comments on the strength of their parish as it is. References to the priest having a big influence on the parish and how welcoming it can or cannot be. People wanting the priest/clergy to be at the door of the Church for more face to face time. Not just saying the Mass. No opportunity to talk with the priest otherwise. Reference to the building itself. More heat needed, more comfort needed. People referred to making the Church more comfortable for younger children. Perhaps having tea/coffee after Mass for people to talk together. Perhaps advertising the parish more was mentioned also. Why do you go to Church? (Please select all answers that apply) Eucharist Minister 2.08% Collection 8.33% Reading 8.33% Cleaning 10.42% Social Events 12.50% Choir 8.33% None 62.50% 5 P age
Would you like to be more involved in your parish? Yes 65.96% No 34.04% When do you feel closest to God? When praying 77.08% With family 27.08% With friends 10.42% At Church 79.17% At school 12.50% Doing voluntary work 14.58% With Nature 22.92% Do you go to confession? Yes 97.96% No 2.04% If Yes, how often? Once a month 14.29% Once a school term 28.57% Only when confessions are available in school 51.02% Christmas 4.08% Easter 2.04% Why do you not go to Mass? Few people of my age attend 5.00% I found it boring 22.50% I was concerned about what my friends would think 2.50% I did not feel welcome there 5.00% I did not get anything from it 2.50% I'd rather live out my faith in other ways 0.00% 6 P age
My beliefs have changed 10.00% There are no Church activities that are relevant to young people 5.00% My family don t go 47.50% I didn t like the priest 0.00% How old were you when you stopped going to Mass regularly? 5-8 28.21% 9-11 43.59% 12-14 28.21% 15-17 0.00% 18+ 0.00% What (if anything) might encourage you to become involved or more involved in Church life? (Please select all answers that apply) Social activities for young people 63.64% Church services that are more relevant to young people 44.32% More people my age being involved 51.14% A personal invite to attend activities 12.50% More links with young people in other churches 23.86% More activities that put faith into practice (e.g. practical support/fundraising for 35.23% those in need) More modern music 38.64% Greater use of social media by the Church 31.82% Nothing 14.77% What helps you to decide between right and wrong? (Please select all answers that apply) Parents 92.94% Friends 75.29% Teachers 55.29% Church teaching (e.g. The Commandments) 28.24% Peer Pressure 8.24% Media (e.g. Public Opinion, TV, Internet etc.) 20.00% 7 P age
What school-based faith activities are / were most helpful to you? (Please tick all answers that apply) School Masses 65.52% Assemblies 51.72% Class prayer 42.53% Derry Youth Community activities 14.94% Days of Reflection 20.69% Retreats 34.48% Practical projects / fundraising to support other people 24.14% Religious Education (RE) lessons 45.98% Other services / liturgies / prayer experiences 5.75% The support of the school Chaplain 10.34% Pope John Paul II Award 6.90% None 11.49% Please indicate if you have heard of and/or have been involved with any of the following: Heard of Been involved with Derry Youth Community 90.32% 16.13% Retreats 66.15% 47.69% Faith based Festivals 87.72% 17.54% Local Pilgrimages 89.13% 13.04% Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage 90.38% 11.54% Pope John Paul II Award 95.31% 6.25% Youth Groups (Search, Youth 2000 etc.) 81.63% 20.41% St. Vincent de Paul 82.05% 30.77% How could your parish make young people feel more included as part of the community? Activities: outside Church, youth clubs, sports, community events Mass: shorter Mass time, youth Mass, youth choir Fun: fun activities, more interesting events, understanding scripture, 8 P age
Events Church events more relevant to youth Don t know: not required, not possible, not applicable Inclusion: attitude of Church, make young people feel welcome all sections of community, all beliefs, gay people, reach out, not preach School: priests/parish visiting schools The most common theme in responses was activities. The respondents were mostly not specific about the type of activity, but many indicated that events should be relevant to youth, more interesting and fun. What do you think is good about the Church? 49.5% said a sense of community/they felt welcome/they experience youth ministry within their own parish. 14.2% said they enjoyed the Liturgy/prayer/Sacraments (especially Confession)/the choir. 13.8% mentioned their faith/talking to or praying to God/Jesus. 10.2% appreciate the physical building and are drawn in by that or the charisma of their parish priest(s). 6.8% find the moral teachings of the Catholic Church appealing. 5.5% were unsure or wrote nothing/replied with a witticism What things would you like to see more of in the Church? 30.3% would like more young people involvement. 23% replied with a witticism. 13.6% would like more activities aimed towards young people other than Mass. 9% would like to see more up to date music within the Church. 7.4% would like to see the Church go through a modernisation (buildings, audio-visual, social media presence). 5.5% would like to see higher attendance. 5.5% were unsure. 2.4% provided answers that would be outspoken (changing the Catholic moral teaching). 9 P age
1.9% would like to have more opportunities for Confession. 1.4% asked for people to talk to (not just their priests) about things in their lives outside of their Faith. What things would you like to see less of in the Church? Nothing Long sermons Less repetition Irrelevant sermons Out dated views Sexism/homophobia Lies Prayers Scandals Rejection of people Less formality Leaving after communion Favouritism Fewer priests reading at the altar and not the people Criticism of lifestyles Mobile phones going off Attention on the priest and more involvement of others If you were Pope what changes would you make to the Church? More youth involvement in the Church e.g. Separate Masses/ after Mass activities/ involve schools Female priests Homosexual / Gay marriage Priests should be allowed to marry Make Mass shorter/ change Mass times Music - more singing Make Mass more interesting/ more exciting/ funnier Church building suggestions e.g. paintwork, art work, technology, comfortable seats Money - charity contributions What else could your school do or have done to help bring faith alive? The main response was to have more Have one period a week in the oratory school Masses. (once a week) Sing Gospel songs Confessions in school More RE lessons Have a chapel in school 10 P age
More religious trips/days out More prayer opportunities in class and form period Religious activities that are interactive Encourage more people to go to Lourdes and publicise it more in school More retreat opportunities Involve the priest more More involvement with charities Bring in guest speakers to inspire young people What schools already do: Have yearly retreats JPII award Charity work Please make any further comments or add your own ideas. Youth Centres Understand young people more Get involved with Youth Groups Sermons connect more to modern society Use young people at mass more Encourage younger children to be altar servers Use of social media Permanent deacons More music More retreats Modernisation and reform Parents be more forceful in teaching about religion Shorter Masses Women priests This survey - asked about our faith Discontent 11 P age