OVER 300 post-primary students from the Diocese of Kerry will gather for an initiative aimed at developing the faith life of transition and fifth year students through school or parish based initiatives.
The Ceiliúradh na nÓg event, in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee next Wednesday, forms part of a comprehensive approach to youth ministry initiated by the diocese. It is coordinated in collaboration with principals, teachers, chaplains and students of the diocesan post-primary schools.
For the academic year 2017-2018, the programme was carried out through a number of stages with the students participating in a faith-based programme of exploration, action and reflection. Some schools choose a parish outreach programme such as visiting a nursing home, getting involved with parish liturgy groups or helping the elderly, while others to partake in school-centred projects.
Jonny Sommerville, founder of the NUA programme for senior cycle religious education, will be the guest speaker at the event. A native of Dublin, he has worked for more than 10 years in Irish schools and churches across denominations.
Bishop Ray Browne will present certificates of participation to the students involved in the BUA programme.
The gathering will also include a number of faith-based workshops including presentations from Scala Retreats in Cork, an input from Trócaire and the World Meeting of Families team. There will be sessions on Christian meditation and Siamsa Tire will work with the students on dance and drama. The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service will facilitate fun workshops in the afternoon.
The event, from 9.30am to 2.45pm. is organised by the Post-Primary Diocesan Advisor for Religious Education, Tomás Kenny. A native of Galway, he taught religion in Dublin for five years before completing post-graduate studies in theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
“People always ask what can the Church do for young people and we rarely take note of what young people are already doing within our Christian communities,” he said.
“Young people are full of life, full of joy, they have many gifts and talents. This event will provide an opportunity for people to recognise this talent and joy within a faith context. It also provides an opportunity for the students to put their faith into action in a practical and worthwhile way,” Mr Kenny added.
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