YCW National Council

Last weekend, the YCW in England and Wales held its 78th National Council at St Antony's Centre, next door to our HQ in Trafford Park. It was a well attended day, drawing members, Companions and national leaders from across the country.

After prayers and introductions, Amelie from the National Training Team led a training session reviewing the attendees' experiences of the YCW, how they saw their roles within it and their ideas for the future.

There was time to discuss and share in small groups throughout the morning and afternoon, as well as the opportunity to think about how we could plan for the future. In particular, groups were asked to share their ideas for how members can lead within society, the Church, the world of work and amongst other young people.

Following this, the afternoon was centred around the official aspects of the Council itself - approving the accounts and resolutions put before the members. There was also the unanimous vote approving long-serving member, Kate Wilkinson, as the President-elect, who will take over from current President Phil Callaghan in July.

Thank you to all those who attended, sent their best wishes and prayers and above all, continue to spread the work of the YCW in England and Wales throughout the year.  

European Commission Visit

Last September, at the International Council of the ICYCW in South Korea, YCW England and Wales was elected as the coordinating movement of the ICYCW European Commission. This means that we host and chair the European Commission meetings.

The European Commission supports the International Secretariat in the development of YCW across Europe. Members were hosted over Friday and Saturday at the HQ in Trafford Park and were shown the work we have been doing across the country.

Members of the European Commission: Eleonora, Phil, Fr. Juan Ramon, Estibaliz, Noella

There were members from Spain and Italy, as well as the Chaplain to the European Commission Fr Juan Ramon (JOC Catalonia). In the evening they were also treated to some local Manchester culture and food!

The European Commission and members from the National Team in England and Wales

We ask that you keep the European Commission in your prayers as they continue their mission.

YCW Represented at Flame 2017

Last Saturday around 10,000 young Catholics gathered at Wembley Arena for CYMFed Flame 2017.

The YCW, as a member of CYMFed (Catholic Youth Ministry Federation) had about 100 individual members attend and share in this amazing event together. 

There was lots going on during the day, ranging from music and drama to a focus on the refugee crisis and the dignity of the person. Both Cardinal Bo and Nichols spoke to Flame, as well as Grammy award winner Matt Redman.

A big thank you to all who organised and attended. We are looking forward to the next one!

YCW Welcomes the General Secretary of the ICYCW

YCW in England and Wales has hosted the General Secretary of the ICYCW, Noella Song, at its National HQ in Trafford Park.

Noella was elected General Secretary in August 2016 at the International Council of the ICYCW in South Korea and is currently based in Rome, the HQ of the ICYCW.

Amelie (centre) from our National Team & Noella (far right) on a tour of Manchester Art Gallery

Phil Callaghan, National President of the YCW in England and Wales, said: "It was great to host Noella here in Trafford Park. The YCW is a truly international movement and we are all committed to sharing the vision around the world. We will be keeping Noella, and all the team at the ICYCW, in our prayers."

Friday Lenten Mass at Saint Antony's Church

The YCW has organised a programme of masses over the Lenten period, celebrated by Mgr. John Marsland, National Chaplain of the YCW.

They will take place every Friday from 12:30pm at Saint Anthony's Church, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, M17 1JF.

All are welcome to attend but especially those who work in and around the Trafford Park area. Please spread the word around.

YCW National Team Welcomes New Member

YCW has welcomed a new member to its National Team in England and Wales. Amélie Peyrard, former International President of the ICYCW, is joining Phil and Eamonn at YCW HQ in Trafford Park.

She will be part of the Development and Training team, with a particular focus on training leaders within YCW and Impact groups across the country. 

Group picture from the 2016 International Conference of the ICYCW in South Korea. Sean and Phil (far left), Fr John (far right) and Amélie (front left)

Amélie has just finished 4 years of leading the international movement, based in Rome, after being elected at the ICYCW International Conference held in London in 2012. So she is bringing with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of the YCW.

We are sure she will make a valued contribution to the team and the mission of the YCW in England and Wales.