DIOCESE OF DERRY VISION FOR YOUTH MINISTRY 2018-2021 DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION OCTOBER 2018
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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|Page
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|Page
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|Page
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|Page
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|PageMINISTRIES
(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|PageThe 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. Ongoing participation in good catechetical programmes is part of the ministry of catechesis.
7|PageThe 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|PageThe 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
DDYC Derry Diocesan Youth Commission
DYC Derry Youth Community
NDJP National Director of the John Paul II Award
YMC Youth Ministry Coordinator
PP & PPC Parish Priests & Parish Pastoral Council
JPIIC John Paul II Award Committee
JPIIAL John Paul II Award Leaders
PYMC Parish Youth Ministry Committees
PYML Parish Youth Ministry Leaders
9|PageYouth Ministry in the Diocese of Derry
Priests
Bishop Parish Youth Ministry Committee
Youth Ministry Parish Youth Ministry Leader
Coordinator Derry John Paul II Award Leaders
Diocesan Parish Pastoral Council
Parishes
Catechetical
Centre
Young People of
John Paull II
Youth Groups Derry Diocese Award National Director JP II Award
Committe
Mr Emmet Thompson
Fr Paul Farren
Miss Ann Marie Hickey Derry
Mrs Jennifer Kearney Diocesan Derry Youth
Miss Catherine McGonigle Youth Community
Mr Sean Mullan (Chair) Commission
Dr Charlie Mullan
Mrs Yvonne Rooney Schools
Mr Padraig Delargy
10 | P a g eMinistry 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
John Paul II Continue to work with the John Paul II Award committee DDYC Ongoing Higher profile of the John Paul II
Award to encourage and highlight the John Paul II participants DYC Award
Increase those participating in John Paul II Award by 5% NDJP Increased participation in the
Decrease the dropout rate of John Paul II participants by YMC JPII Award
5% through meaningful engagement in schools and parishes PP Increase in Awardees
Continue to ensure ongoing parish involvement JPIIC Greater involvement by schools
JPIIAL and parishes
PYMC
PYML
Papal Cross Highlight to parishes and schools the Papal Cross as a DDYC September Higher profile of the Papal
means for continued parish commitment DYC 2021 Cross
Increase Papal Cross participants by 5% NDJP Increased participation in the
YMC Papal Cross
PP Greater commitment to
JPIIC parishes by young people
JPIIAL
PYMC
PYML
Youth Liturgy Provide meaningful youth liturgy resources for parishes to DDYC Ongoing Liturgy more meaningful to the
use as a foundation for liturgical events DYC life and experiences of young
YMC people
PP
PYMC
PYML
Family Ministry Increase opportunities, at both diocesan and parish level, DDYC September Family coming together in faith
for family ministry activities DYC 2021 and nourishing each other in
YMC their faith journey
PP
11 | P a g eYouth Link Utilise Youth Link as a form of professional development DDYC Ongoing Accreditation by Youth Link
for Youth Ministry volunteers in parishes DYC Better prepared, more
Signpost relevant Youth Link courses and/or qualifications experienced and greater
for Youth Ministry volunteers/committees confidence in Youth Ministry
leaders
Parish Youth Continue to support parishes as they grow towards DDYC Ongoing Greater interaction with
Ministry becoming more youth friendly DYC parishes of the diocese
Workshops Develop programmes/workshops to support parishes and Heightened profile of DDYC
volunteers in Youth Ministry programmes Open communication links
Provide every parish with at least one Youth Ministry between neighbouring/similar
support visit per year (this may be individually or as part of parishes
a cluster group of parishes)
Music Ministry Develop resources to create greater opportunities for DDYC September An enriched faith experience
Music Ministry with parishes DYC 2021 for young people
YMC An enriched faith experience
for other parish members
Development As a priority, develop resources, opportunities and events DDYC September Greater engagement of this age
of Youth that engage this age group DYC 2021 group
Ministry for Seek the views of this age group to gauge their opinions on YMC
7-11 year olds what they currently do in matters of faith, what they would
like to be more involved in and what we need to provide
Diocesan Development of Diocesan Ambassador Programme DDYC Dec 2018 Development of future leaders
Ambassadors 2 pupils from each of the post-primary schools selected to DYC in parishes and diocese
sit on Youth Ministry Forum Development of links with
diocesan schools
Giving young people a voice at
diocesan level
Youth Raise profile of the Diocesan Youth Commission with DDYC Ongoing Enhanced role of DDYC within
Commission clergy and laity both at diocesan and parish level diocese
Increase Youth Commission Membership to 10 Wider range of personnel with
Ensure the implementation of Strategic Plan through yearly greater variety of ideas, skills
Monitoring and Evaluation and experiences
12 | P a g eImproved strategic monitoring
and evaluation
Communication Increase Youth Commission input at all priests’ DDYC Ongoing Greater communicative links
with Clergy and conferences (where possible) DYC with clergy
Religious Greater support for diocesan
strategy and vision through
promoted activities
Youth Ministry Development of Youth Ministry website DDYC June 2019 Greater presence of youth
Website/Social Development of Youth Ministry Social Media platform DYC ministry in parish, diocese and
Media Use of online platforms to provide resources YMC on a national level
Use of online platforms as a communicative tool for Youth Ease of communication
Ministry committees and volunteers Enhanced provision of
resources for Youth Ministry
volunteers
Youth Ministry Seek advice and expertise of established youth groups to DDYC Ongoing Greater cohesion between
Groups further develop faith network DYC diocese, youth commission and
YMC youth groups
Youth ministry Develop and establish a Youth Ministry management group YMC Sept 2021 Greater focus and presence of
Committee in each parish or cluster of parishes PP Youth Ministry activities in
DDYC parish or cluster parishes
PYML
13 | P a g eMinistry 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
John Paul II Provide opportunities for John Paul II Award DDYC Ongoing Expanded role of the John Paul II
Award participants to be more visible within the community DYC participants within parishes
Encourage John Paul II Award participants to see NDJP More valued young persons within
their role as not just Church oriented but parish YMC parish and diocese
wide JPIIC
JPIIAL
PYMC
PYML
Fun Based Use of local groups/individuals as examples of good DDYC Ongoing A greater engagement of young people
Events/ practice for combination of Faith and Fun activities to DYC through fun faith filled activities
Activities/Camps increase engagement with parish and faith JPIIC Greater usage of church facilities for
JPIIAL varied activities
PYMC
PYML
Liturgical Roles Put in place structures to ensure that parishes feel DDYC Ongoing Increased presence of young people
confident in their recruitment of young people as DYC within leadership roles in the liturgy
Ministers of the Word, Altar Servers and YMC Greater understanding of Safeguarding
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist PP Policies and Procedures
Signpost the necessary Safeguarding Policies and PYMC
Procedures for parishes PYML
Seasonal Drama Provide parishes with resources, templates and DDYC Ongoing Enhanced opportunities to utilise the
examples of Nativity Play, Passion Play, Stations of DYC talents of all young people
the Cross etc to engage young people at key times of Increased community cohesion through
Church’s year community-based events
Sacramental Encourage parishes to use and follow the ‘Do this in DDYC Ongoing Parents and young people better
Preparation Memory’ Programme for First Holy Communion DYC prepared for the sacrament
children YMC Greater appreciation of the importance
Increase the use of the ‘Do this in Memory’ of sacraments
Programme to 30% of parishes in the diocese
14 | P a g eIntroduce new Confirmation programmes including
God’s Confidence
Music Ministry Seek an individual who can lead the area of Music DDYC September Thriving Diocesan Youth Choir
Ministry DYC 2020 Parishes more engaged in Music
Develop a Diocesan Youth Choir Ministry
Develop resources for parishes to form parish choirs
Liturgy Develop and provide meaningful resources and DDYC Ongoing Greater engagement of young people
opportunities for young people to plan and partake in DYC before, during and after liturgy with a
a variety of liturgy throughout the Church year YMC more meaningful faith experience
PP
PYMC
PYML
Derry Youth Encourage the use of the Derry Youth Community in DDYC September Greater presence of DYC in parishes,
Community schools and parishes for Youth Ministry and DYC 2021 schools and diocese
development Increased role of young people as
Increase Derry Youth Community presence in leaders within the Church
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 DDYC Ongoing Greater pilgrimage opportunities
and global pilgrimages DYC Increase in young people involved in
Utilise schools as a means of promoting pilgrimage YMC parish and diocesan pilgrimages
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 DDYC June 2019 Increased meaningful prayer
and parish level for Personal Prayer DYC experiences
Utilise technology and social media to guide personal YMC Greater engagement involved in prayer
prayer PP at both a personal and community level
PYMC Enhanced technology usage to support
PYML prayer
15 | P a g eProvide opportunities and resources both at diocesan
and parish level for Community Prayer in varying
formats that encourage young people to attend
Inter Church Provide opportunities for young people to engage DDYC September Increased awareness of other
Faith with those from other denominations and faiths DYC 2021 denominations and faiths
NDJP Enhanced Christian identity
YMC
PP
JPIIC
JPIIAL
PYMC
PYML
Youth Groups Seek opportunities for youth groups to establish links DDYC Ongoing Developed opportunities for shared
with parish coordinators and YMC DYC faith experiences with parishes and
YMC established youth groups
PP
PYMC
PYML
16 | P a g eMinistry 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 Utilise John Paul II students to spread the word of DDYC Ongoing Greater use of JPII Students in an
Award God through their actions and activities DYC evangelisation role
Explore greater opportunities and parish role for John NDJP JPII Students become leaders within their
Paul II participants with parish and wider diocese YMC parish and the diocese
PP
JPIIC
JPIIAL
PYMC
PYML
Children’s Liturgy Train parish volunteers to deliver Children’s Liturgy DDYC Ongoing Increased Children’s Liturgy group, volunteers
Promote Children’s Liturgy as means of evangelisation DYC and participants
Develop links and partnerships with parishes PP A more prominent role for Children’s Liturgy
currently using Children’s Liturgy format PYMC in parishes and diocese
PYML
Social Media Develop social media platforms DDYC Dec 2019 Individual responsible for social media
to promote work of DDYC DYC platforms
to promote activities and events Increased interaction with young people
to promote evangelisation among young people Increased awareness of the DDYC and their
role within the diocese
Sacramental Provide training for parish volunteers in the delivery DDYC Ongoing Increased ‘Do this in Memory of Me’
Preparation of the ‘Do this in Memory’ Programme to engage DYC Programmes in parishes
young children in a more meaningful way Trained ‘Do this n Memory of Me’ leaders
Greater family intergenerational opportunities
Youth Alpha Provide training for parishes and parish volunteers in DDYC Ongoing Increased Youth Alpha groups
the delivery of the Youth Alpha programme to engage DYC More confident adults to facilitate Youth
teenagers in a more meaningful way YMC Alpha group
17 | P a g eFaith Friends Help provide format and opportunities for DDYC Ongoing Greater opportunities for teenagers to take
development of faith friends in parishes and schools DYC leadership in faith development of younger
YMC children
PP Children confident to talk about their faith
Intergenerational Provide training, resources and events that can be DDYC Ongoing A Church of all ages
Family Events used to encourage intergenerational faith activities DYC Increased family faith experiences at both
Encourage parishes to organise one intergenerational YMC parish and diocesan level
event per year PP
Seasonal Drama Nativity Plays DDYC Ongoing Young people confident as teachers of faith
Passion Plays DYC Young people with greater self-esteem and
Stations of the Cross YMC self confidence
Sacrament of Develop resources to promote an increase in young DDYC June 2019 Increased awareness of the importance of the
Reconciliation people attending confession more frequently DYC Sacrament of Reconciliation
YMC Increased opportunities for young people to
experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Personal Utilise parish volunteers, John Paul II participants to DDYC June 2019 Young people who feel welcome, comfortable
Invitations offer, develop, design and deliver personal invitations DYC and have a sense of belonging in their parish
to young people at various times in the Church year NDJP and diocese
YMC
PP
JPIIC
JPIIAL
PYMC
PYML
Youth Groups Seek support and guidance from established youth DDYC Ongoing A more enriched faith experience based on
groups on methods of evangelisation ongoing youth group interactions
18 | P a g eMinistry 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 Assist John Paul II participants through signposting DDYC Ongoing JPII Students who actively engage in
Award opportunities to complete social hours within parishes DYC social justice activities
Create formal partnerships with organisations that NDJP
promote justice and service YMC
PP
JPIIC
JPIIAL
PYMC
PYML
Charitable Encourage parishes to engage young people through DDYC Ongoing Young people who are engaged in
Participation charitable work e.g. Trócaire, Children in Crossfire DYC social justice activities for the
Parishes to make links with youth conferences of St YMC betterment of all
Vincent de Paul and youth coordinator to enhance PP Increased social justice awareness
profile of society PYMC for young people and parishioners
PYML Greater opportunities to engage
young people in faith-based
activities
Community Encourage young people to visit Nursing Homes/Fold DDYC Ongoing Young people who cherish and
Outreach Living and establish relationships with older members of DYC value the contribution of older
the community NDJP members of their parish
Encourage young people to become involved in working YMC Young people who are enriched
with individuals with Special Educational Needs and PP through work with those with
disabilities JPIIC Special Educational Needs
Encourage and develop opportunities to work with JPIIAL Young people at risk have a sense
young people at risk PYMC of belonging and safety
PYML
19 | P a g eAppendix 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|PageAppendix 2
2|PageSurvey 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|PageSelect 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|PageHow 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|PageWould 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|PageMy 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|PageWhat 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|PageEvents 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|Page1.9% 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 Rejection of people
Long sermons Less formality
Less repetition Leaving after communion
Irrelevant sermons Favouritism
Out dated views Fewer priests reading at the altar and
Sexism/homophobia not the people
Lies Criticism of lifestyles
Prayers Mobile phones going off
Scandals 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 a g eMore religious trips/days out Bring in guest speakers to inspire
More prayer opportunities in class and young people
form period
Religious activities that are interactive What schools already do:
Encourage more people to go to Have yearly retreats
Lourdes and publicise it more in school JPII award
More retreat opportunities Charity work
Involve the priest more
More involvement with charities
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 a g eYou can also read
