MISSION STATEMENT:
The UDYC committee have carefully considered past operation, future hopes and concerns in developing a youth ministry Missions Statement. The following has been formulated as a Mission statement for UDYC for youth ministry in the United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe:
“To provide opportunities which will facilitate and encourage Christian spiritual growth, fun and fellowship among young people from throughout the United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe”
COMMITTEE:Canon Jane Galbraith (Roscrea)
Vice President: Rev Andrew Pierce (Skreen)
Chairperson: Nicola Downes (Castletown)
Secretary: Andrew O’ Brien (Castleconnell)
Treasurer: Edward Hardy (Banagher)
Public Relations Officer: Valerie Walker (Croom)
Diocesan Magazine: Kate O’Brien (Castleconnell)
Limerick Representatives Vacant * 2
Killaloe Representatives: Grace Langley (Templederry),
James Larkin (Newmarket-on- Fergus)
Ardfert Representatives: Vacant * 2
Ordinary Committee Members Beverley Callender (Kilpeacon),
Aidan Larkin (Newmarket-on- Fergus),
Mark Newton (Ballinasloe),
Rachel Kenny(Tuam)
Villiers Representative: Vacant *1
Diocesan Council Representatives: Canon. Jane Galbraith (Roscrea)
Rev Andrew Pierce (Skreen)
C.I.Y.D. Central Board: Valerie Walker (Croom)
(Edward Hardy is also on C.I.Y.D Central Board but elected by Standing Committee.)
PROGRAMME:
The volunteer committee of United Diocesan Youth Council of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe planned and completed a good range of day, weekend and weeklong events. The programme catered for children from age of eight years (3rd class national school) of age right up to young adults in mid-twenties during 2023.
The following were some of the key highlights from 2023:
Representation at National Youth Forum organised by CIYD and inputs from Diocesan representatives.
Meeting with Tuam representatives in May 2023 to explore the consolidation of the two youth entities into a unified body. The creation of unified bod at Diocesan Synod in October 2023.
Joining and working with the Diocese of Meath & Kildare at Summer Madness.
Connecting with a group of Floridian’s for worship sessions and evening session at our Senior Camp in July. Thank you to Steve & Rev. Fran Grasham, Rev. Arthur Minion and Edward Hardy for leading the wonderful worship sessions.
Junior Summer Camp, at Ovoca Manor in August, created opportunities for our leaders to explore and develop new skills and talents, including leading worship, cooking, and organising games and activities. Valerie Walker led all the worship sessions which was excellent following her completion of Aurora training course with CIYD.
Collaborating closely with Bishop Michael Burrows to organise and execute a very successful Confirmation Follow-Up Weekend in Wilson’s Hospital, Co. Westmeath in October. Thank you to Canon Jane Galbraith, Rev. Alistair Doyle and Bishop Michael for leading terrific, thought-provoking worship times.
Meeting many enthusiastic young people, volunteer leaders and clergy particularly from the Tuam part of the diocese, especially at the Confirmation Follow up Weekend and Multi Activity Day in Galway.
A particularly special moment at the Multi Activity Day in Galway was the Worship time in St. Nicholas Collegiate Church Galway led by Rev. Alistair Doyle in particular using Haribo sweets to teach about prayer.
It was great to see very good numbers of participants at many events throughout the year, especially the Mega Christmas Day trip to Dublin which had over 70 people!
Our dedicated team of volunteer leaders and committee members who continue to give up their time to help create, plan and deliver these unforgettable events.
National Youth Forum
The Church of Ireland National Youth Forum took place at City North Hotel, Dublin from Friday evening 27th to Saturday evening 28th January 2023. It was brilliant to have a number of delegates from United Diocese and youth leaders at the event.
Emerging & Existing Youth Leaders
This weekend was scheduled to take place from Friday 26th – Sunday 28th May 2023 at Limerick Christian Centre, Mungret College, Limerick for Emerging & Existing Youth Leaders. It was hoped to have some times of teaching and exploration on the weekend, with lots of time for U.D.Y.C.’s trademark of Fun, Faith and Fellowship, including plenty of exciting worship. On Saturday evening there was to be a fab dinner at a local restaurant. The event unfortunately had to be cancelled due to shortage in numbers for the event.
Annual General Meeting
This event took place at St. Nicholas Hall in Adare on Saturday 9th June with small but enthusiastic numbers present that included a very supportive Bishop Michael.
Summer Madness
As always Summer Madness did not disappoint! Summer Madness took place in Portglenone, Co Antrim from 30th June – 4th July. We had the pleasure of joining the amazing and inspiring young people and leaders from the diocese of Meath and Kildare. The theme this year was the Power to Change. In worship we were led by fabulous worship bands and inspired by the words of our speakers; Rachel Gardiner, Esther Swaffield-Bray, Pippa Baker, Ken Caster. Along with the amazing worship times, days were packed with things to do from water activities, team sports and seminars. CIYD Leaders venue was as always a welcomed Retreat & Coffee space. The five days were full of fun, faith and fellowship and our countdown has started for 2024.
Senior Summer Camp
Our Senior summer camp took place from Sunday 23rd to Friday 28th of July in Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry North Tipperary. The camp was for people in secondary school and upwards. It was a really great week and a great chance to reunite with old friends, make new friends and come closer to God. Each day started with a time of worship in the morning and another time of worship each evening with another worship session. These times were led by mainly Steve Grasham. During these sessions of worship, we would sing contemporary worship songs, listen to Bible readings and have group discussions. Edward Hardy, Rev Fran Graham & Rev Arthur Minion also provided inputs to Worship times during the week. Throughout the week there were numerous activities including karting, mountain biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, team challenges, swimming and lots more. We were joined at the camp by a group from Florida, we would spend time with them during worship, evening activities and during free time sessions. All had an amazing time at camp and most had the opportunity to grow deeper in their faith.
Junior Summer Camp
Our Junior Summer Camp was held in Densmore Lodge, Ovoca Manor, Avoca, Co. Wicklow from Sunday 13th August to Friday 18th August. Almost thirty enthusiastic young people and leaders came to explore their faith and participate in some fun activities. Activities included Splash Valley Aqua Park and Laser Tag in Hidden Valley Resort, Zip It Tribadden Woods, Aquazone at the National Aquatic Centre and finally Emerald Park. A massive thank you to Valerie who led us through our worship sessions where we were introduced to Scripture Union’s Nua Origin videos. We also learned how to navigate the Bible through a game called “Swords Drill”. A lot of fun and laughter was shared throughout the week with great food and little sleep! Looking forward to next year’s camp!
Taking a Leading Role – Part 1
UDYC’s leadership Course, Taking a Leading Role – Part 1 was scheduled to take place from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th October 2023 at Django’s Hostel in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary. This event was for those who are 16+ and interested in becoming a helper at either parish youth club or diocesan youth council events. It was to be the first of three weekend courses designed to train and develop our Youth Leaders of the future. Unfortunately with a very low number of participants booked in a decision was made to postpone the event.
Diocesan Synod
This year, Andrew O’Brien, our secretary, proposed the report and accounts for UDYC at Diocesan Synod. The report emphasized the numerous opportunities we provide for Christian spiritual growth, fun, and fellowship. Key events included participation in the National Youth Forum, Summer Madness, Senior Summer Camps, and Junior Summer Camps, which brought young people together for worship, fellowship, and activities. Financially, we ended the year with a positive balance, a testament to prudent management and the generosity of our supporters. He emphasized the exemplary work of our dedicated volunteers, whose unwavering commitment ensures a nurturing environment for our youth, embodying faith, love, and service. The core message of the report was that the youth are not the future of the church; they are the present, and we need to do more to ensure the future of our church. Additionally, there was a motion to update the regulations and standing orders of UDYC, proposing the merger of two bodies for Youth Ministry to form a single United Diocesan Youth Council of Tuam, Limerick, and Killaloe, which promises to expand and enhance our mission and activities. The report was seconded by Rev. Andy Pierce, and the motion was passed.
United Diocesan Confirmation Follow-up Weekend
Our long awaited UDYC Confirmation Follow up Weekend took place in Wilsons Hospital School, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath on the 27th -29th October 2023. It was great to see new faces from our joined United Dioceses. Friday night was full of introductions and getting to know one another through ice breaker games and chats over pizza. Saturday was a jam-packed day starting off with workshops led by Bishop Burrows, Canon Jane Galbraith and Reverend Alistair Doyle. Areas we focused on were what Confirmation means to us and growth in faith using the Parable of the Mustard Seed. Following that, we made the journey to Lilliput Adventure Centre where we participated in rock climbing, aeroball, orienteering and the much-loved bog run. We started Sunday putting our new found friendships to the test with a number of team activities. To end the weekend participants got the opportunity to organise their own worship service including creating prayers, bible readings and choosing music. A great weekend was had by all. Although the weekend went by in a flash it certainly is one that everyone will remember. A massive thank you to Bishop Burrows for organising the event alongside UDYC and also for Canon Jane and Reverend Alistair for joining us on the weekend.
Senior Autumn Adventure Weekend
Our Senior Autumn Adventure Weekend also became a victim of smaller numbers booked in from Friday 10th – Sunday 12th November 2023 at Lilliput Outdoor Adventure Centre, Mullingar for those attending secondary school and had to be cancelled.
Multi Activity Day Trip to Galway
Our Multi Activity Day Trip to Galway took place on Saturday 25th November. One bus from Ballina and one bus from Limerick joined together at Wildlands Indoor and Outdoor Adventure Park. Great fun was had with a wide variety of activities that included Fun Walls, Zip and Track, Ninja Course, Net Adventure and finishing with a very competitive round of orienteering. We departed Wildlands and made our way to Supermac’s before heading to St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church where we were welcomed for a time of worship, tour and presented with gift bags by Rev. Alistair Doyle.
Annual Christmas Dinner Dance
Having struggled to get numbers for a number of years a decision was made this year to cancel this event that was scheduled for Saturday, 9th December 2023 at Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick.
Mega Day Trip to Dublin
Our annual mega day trip to Dublin took place on Thursday 28th December. A total number of 78 participants were in attendance for a jam-packed day! We started off in Jumpzone were we worked off all the food over Christmas. With the numbers on the day UDYC ended up taking over the ice rink at Dundrum for ice skating. To finish off the day we spent the afternoon at Funderland and enjoyed running around and going on as many rollercoasters as possible. It wouldn’t be a day trip if we didn’t stop at McDonalds to finish off the day. This event was a big hit and thoroughly enjoyable. Already looking forward to next years!
FINANCE 2023:
U.D.Y.C. of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe continues to be very thankful to individuals, parents/guardians, parishes, diocese, C.I.Y.D. and wider church and community for continued support and help.
UDYC commenced 2023, with a positive bank balance of €6,788 and with a solid activity level as reported above during the year ended the year with a positive balance of €5,131. There were noticeable increases in costs with challenges to ask for increases in income from young people and their parents. UDYC committee remain committed to ensuring that the finances are maintained within budget, deliver planned programmes and remain with a positive bank balance each year.
CONCLUSION:
Despite the tremendous efforts of Girls Friendly Society, Boys Brigade, Sunday Schools, a small number of local parish initiatives and UDYC there are huge gaps in our current delivery of effective Youth & Children’s Ministry in United Diocese.
To assist in filling this gap UDYC committee would like serious consideration been given to creation of a post of Diocesan Youth Officer during 2025.
Once again a huge big THANK -YOU to everyone.