I came that you might have life, and have it to the full - John 10:10
I came that you might have life, and have it to the full - John 10:10
Training opportunities and support for adults working with young people in our parishes
St. Vincent’s Centre is the Southwark Diocesan Youth Retreat Centre. We offer retreat programmes for school groups, parish Confirmation and Youth groups (aged 11 -18). Time spent at the centre is led by our programme staff and peer ministry team who work alongside visiting chaplains, catechists, teachers and youth workers.
“Every year we find that the experience of visiting St. Vincent’s gives us much to build on back in the Parish.” Catechist, Our Lady Immaculate, Tolworth.
Programmes include large and small group work, discussion, creative arts, prayer, liturgy, Mass, social time and a chance to enjoy the beach. Through peer ministry, friendship, discipleship and community living we aim to build awareness and confidence by exploring themes relevant to young people and the development of their faith.
Central to the ministry of St. Vincent’s is our witness to the Gospel and encountering Christ through the community, Scripture and the Eucharist.
“I enjoyed the retreat because it helped me reflect on my life and made me see how I can make a positive difference.” Young Person, La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School, Lambeth.
“I haven’t laughed so much in ages and I feel closer to God.” Young Person, St. Thomas More, Eltham.
For availability and booking enquiries please contact jean@scys.org.uk or 01227 272900.
Southwark Catholic Youth Service and the Carmelite community have developed a partnership to provide away days for schools. Based in the beautiful setting of Aylesford Priory the programme aims to provide a pilgrim experience and support the development of our young people.
Aylesford Priory has been a regular place of pilgrimage for young people. The site allows many different aspects of our Christian faith to be explored through the environment, art, history, prayer and liturgy. The Carmelite order has a strong tradition of welcoming pilgrims to their home and ministering to their needs. Southwark Catholic Youth Service, through its work at St. Vincent’s Centre has been providing residential retreats for young people over the last 10 years; the model of peer ministry has kept its ministry alive, vibrant and relevant in its mission to help young people encounter Christ.
Find out more about our day retreat programmes here.
This course provides support and formation for those working with young people. The training is designed to give participants a basic knowledge of youth ministry combined with practical guidance on working with young people within our parish communities.
Session 1 – A vision for youth ministry
Session 2 – A practical guide to safeguarding and Health and safety
Session 3 – Programme Planning and Resources
Session 4 – Engaging young people in the life and mission of the Church
This course is aimed specifically at post-confirmation aged young people who want to grow in their own faith and be empowered to take a more active lead in confirmation catechesis and youth groups. The sessions will equip participants with skills required to effectively plan, engage with others and lead sessions, as well as develop their transferable skills such as communication, leadership and public speaking. The course encourages reflection on one’s own life journey and faith.
Session 1 – Storytelling, Listening + Communication
Session 2 – Prayer & Liturgy
Session 3 – Leadership & Faith Sharing
Session 4 – Decisions, Values, Outreach, Vocation, Challenges
For more information please contact knorth@scys.org.uk
Visit the Life in Christ page here.
Browse our Year of Mercy resources here.
Pray our Stations of the Cross.
Inspiring Faith is a project featuring five-minute videos of a variety of people talking about their faith, and who inspires them.
You can view and/or download all the videos here.
Make Prayer the Fashion is an initiative of Southwark Catholic Youth Service. The aim of the site is to be a gentle introduction to prayer and offer some basic guidance. We acknowledge there is a far greater resource and richness of prayers within our Catholic Tradition not represented on this site but we hope this is a helpful starting point.
“Young people, do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life”
Pope Benedict XVI
Southwark Catholic Youth Service (SCYS) is an agency of the Archdiocese of Southwark. We offer consultation, training, support, formation, advice, residential retreats and events for young people and adults working with them.
