Kenelm Youth Trust

All the News from the Kenelm Youth Trust

December Newsletter - Kenelm Youth Trust

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World Youth Sunday
Thank you to all of the parishes that supported World Youth Sunday.
Over 100 young people and volunteers spoke at 188 Masses over this weekend and we are so grateful. Thank you for welcoming our speakers and please do continue to pray for the young people of the church and the work of the Kenelm Youth Trust, if you still wish to donate you can do so via the link
DONATE HERE

Advent Resources
For Advent we have created some brand new resources for parish youth groups. Click below for inspiring, fun and engaging ways to reconnect with our faith and bring meaning to Christmas. This resource will also point you towards our Catholic Mental Health Page, where we are running a journaling series over Advent. These beautiful videos also available through this link.
ADVENT RESOURCES

Advent Adorare - Stourbridge
Calling all young adults, come and join us to prepare for the coming of Christ this Christmas time. With encounter through the Eucharist, Testimony, Praise and Worship and a shared community meal, this is an opportunity to prepare your hearts for Christ.
Age - 18+
Location - Our Lady and All Saints Stourbridge, DY8 1PQ
Date - 21st December
Sign up - HERE

(21st December) PS: You are very welcome to bring a dish for the shared meal. If you do wish to do this please could you include a list of ingredients on a piece of paper to accompany the dish.

Gathered Network Meetings:
We have held the first of our deanery gathered meetings across the diocese.
These meetings aim to bring parish leaders together across the deanery to connect with one another, support each other and build youth ministry.
The Gathered Networks will take place once a term with the next meetings taking place in the New year.

Check out the page on our website for updated Gathered Dates: HERE

The Hive
Following conversation as part of our Gathered Network Meetings we are responding to the request for further input and discussion between ourselves and other leaders.
Therefore we will be running a Zoom Series of 5 sessions for parish leaders to join.
These will focus on:
Personal Discipleship - 11/03/26
Engaging and Retaining Volunteers - 30/04/26
Intergrating faith - 20/05/26
Building Community - 18/06/26
Finding our Rest - 8/07/26

You can join us for all of the sessions or choose which best suit you. Sign up HERE

Leaders Retreat

As Parish Youth Leaders, you show incredible commitment to serving young people week in and week out and now it is your chance to take some time for you!

Our annual Leaders' Retreat Day is being led by the inspirational Canon Michael Dolman in St Mary's Convent, Handsworth. The theme reflecting World Youth Day 2026 is, 'You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me' (John 15:27) This is an opportunity to take a step back from the hectic world around you, receive and reflect upon your faith amongst friends. You will be offered exceptional hospitality with homemade food and cakes. A chance to build community and be inspired. Cost £15pp.

SAVE THE DATE: 24th JAN 2026
Book your place HERE

Go with Hope
We are hosting a FREE event for young people (Year 7 - 13) at Oscott College.
Join us for a packed programme of guest speakers, workshops, discussion, games and activities. There will competitions and fun with our MC’s, A Youth Cafe and shop. A chance to grow as community , deepen your life of faith, learn more about the legacy of our Jubilee year as  Pilgrims of Hope. All our welcome
Our Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes. All this in the beautiful setting of Oscott College
. Saturday 7th  March Oscott College.
Register your parish or school group

🌟 Called to Serve is Back — and Better Than Ever! 🌟

Get ready! In partnership with the Vocations Office, we’re excited to bring back the Called to Serve Altar Servers Retreat — a weekend packed with faith, fun, and a little bit of adventure!

Together we’ll dive into what it really means to be an altar server: coming together as a community, sharing our love for the liturgy, and discovering new ways to grow in service. And of course, no trip to Alton Castle would be complete without some of its legendary activities… so prepare for laughs, challenges, and unforgettable moments!

Along the way, we’ll explore different vocations, hear inspiring stories of faith and service from across the diocese, and take time to reflect on where God might be calling each of us.

👥 Who can come?
Altar servers should attend as a parish group with an adult leader who holds a Diocesan DBS.

✨ Not part of a parish group?
We have a limited number of spaces for young people coming on their own — but be quick, they’ll go fast!

Dates: Friday 27th February - Sunday 1st March
Cost: £109 (heavily subsidised by KYT)
Book: vocations.org.uk/called-to-serve
Bursaries: kristi.doughty@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk

Lourdes

Join the Kenelm Youth Trust on our annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes — a trip packed with service, friendship, faith, and a whole lot of unforgettable moments!

Spend a week in one of the most incredible places in the world: the spot where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette. Discover the stories, witness the peace, and be part of a place where 70 miracles have been officially recorded (and plenty more happen every day!).

You’ll serve amazing pilgrims staying in the Accueil, grow in your faith, make new friends from across the diocese, and create memories you’ll talk about for years.

Want in? Get in touch with Libby at libby.cox@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk
Register your interest HERE
Find all the details on our website!

Young Adults Social Action

Supporting Our Community This December

Throughout December, we’re focusing on reaching out to those in our local communities. On 17 December, from 6:00–9:00 pm, we’ll be joining the volunteers at the Tabor Living Project.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to an inspiring initiative and learn more about the meaningful impact it has on the people it supports.

Spaces are limited, so if you’d like to take part, please sign up HERE.

Social Action

Christmas is a great opportunity for youth groups to engage in social action projects. Please consider making cards or small gifts for the elderly or those living alone. Perhaps take the youth group to visit a local home or help at the food bank or the Samaritans Purse packing items for the Shoe Box appeal. Click here for a list of ideas and scroll to the social awareness page in the booklet.

We also have a new advent resource uploaded to our youth group resources on the website.

MISSION TEAM!
Are you 18-25 and interested in being involved in youth ministry?
We have the perfect opportunity for you.

Embark on a year with our mission team and immerse yourself in dynamic, hands-on experiences across various areas of youth ministry.

If this is something that you would like to say yes to or know more about get in contact with our Retreat Centre Director today via email
retreatcentredirector@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk

WORK WITH US!
Check out our current job opportunities across our Trust. With opportunities in both our residential centres and Parish ministry team.
Find out more about the roles HERE

Have questions about what it means to be Catholic?
Have you ever thought about joining the Catholic Church?

You’re not alone! Many young people today are exploring faith and discovering what it means to be part of the Catholic community. We want to give you a friendly, open space to ask questions and learn more.

📍 How to Be Catholic
📅 Tuesday, 17th March
🏫 Keele University

Whether you’re curious, searching, or simply want to know more, you’re warmly invited.

👉 If you are 18 or over, sign up using the link below.
👉 If you are under 18, please ask a parent or guardian to complete the form for you.

18 AND OVER
UNDER 18

SAVE THE DATE:
Our Youth ministry conference will be taking place on the 18th April
An opportunity to explore your ministry further and meet others who are also journeying with young people.

Contact Details: