This week the YCW HQ hosted parishioners from St Charles in Swinton who are being trained as Adult Companions in the hope of setting up a new Group in the near future.
Gill and Charles, both of whom have worked with young people throughout their lives, felt they wanted to find a new way of supporting young people to develop their leadership skills and deepen their faith at the same time.
Fr John Marsland, National Chaplain, gave them an introduction to the YCW - from the origins and three truths of Cardijn to the recent campaign on young people and mental health. He also ran through what it is to be an adult companion, drawing on his many years experience in this role, at both a local and international level.
Gill and Charles are now planning to invite young people in their parish over the next few weeks and aim to start in October. They have already drawn up a letter that they will send to these young people and follow this up with appeals in Church. There are also plans to use social media to advertise the YCW across the Parish.
In response to the visit, Marc Besford, National Training and Development Worker, said: “It was fantastic to see new Companions coming through from our training and I look forward to visiting the new group when it gets off the ground. If anyone is thinking of becoming an adult companion, please do get in touch. We have great training on offer and a range of resources to support this essential role in our movement.”
