Celebrating Young People Awards

The YCW are delighted to be a partner in the 'Celebrating Young People Awards', a new and exciting initiative from Million Minutes.

The Celebrating Young People Awards honour the achievements of those truly remarkable young people who make our communities and our world a better place. Nominated by anyone from friends and family to teachers and clergy, the winners are drawn from throughout England and Wales and reflect achievements in every area of social action.

Their achievements will be an inspiration for us all. They will show us all how ordinary young people can do the most extraordinary things. Our judging panels, made up of celebrated figures, choose the winners who will be honoured at a glittering ceremony in London's Leicester Square in the Summer.

The YCW is honoured to be the sponsor of the Joseph Cardijn Award for Young a Workers which will be presented to a young person who has stood up for the rights of workers, helped people into work or shown leadership amongst their colleagues.

For more information on these awards or to make your nomination, please visit www.millionminutes.org/awards

Catholic Bishops General Election Materials

The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) have released some guidance ahead of the upcoming General Election in May. Catholics across the country are encouraged to use these materials ahead of making their vote in order to fully inform themselves of the teachings of the Church and how they may be reflected in the political sphere. The guidance covers a range of issues from matters of life to domestic poverty and community relations.

Phil Callaghan, National President of the YCW in England and Wales, responded to the release of this guidance. 'I am delighted that these materials will enable Catholics across the country to engage in these important issues ahead of the General Election. We in the YCW feel strongly that it is part of our Christian duty to use our vote effectively to ensure that the voice of young people is heard within society.' He concluded, 'I thank the Bishops for their guidance and I encourage all Catholics to use it to and to engage with politics both on a local and national level.'

These documents are all available to download from the Bishop's Conference website at http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/election15

New YCW Training Centre in Salford!

Last week, Phil and Fr. John, the National President and National Chaplain of the YCW in England and Wales, were delighted to hold a meeting with the Rt. Reverend John Arnold, the newly installed Bishop of Salford.

This meeting came off the back of a decision by the National Council, made up of YCW members from across England and Wales, to encourage the National Team to explore the options of moving the National Headquarters to the Diocese of Salford.

Bishop John was extremely welcoming to this proposition and the National Team are now exploring a couple of suitable properties where it is hoped they will not only establish a headquarters but also a training centre for young people which will be managed by a community of lay young people. 

Phil Callaghan, National President of the YCW said, 'We are extremely excited about the proposals to establish a lay community and training centre within the Diocese of Salford. Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas have historically been strong areas of activity for our movement and I look forward to capitalising on this even further. I would like to thank Bishop John Arnold for supporting this initiative which I hope will give rise to great blessings for not only our movement but the wider diocese and young Catholic workers across the country.'

Bishop John was extremely welcoming to this proposition and the National Team are now exploring a couple of suitable properties where it is hoped they will not only establish a headquarters but also a training centre for young people which will be managed by a community of lay young people. 

Phil Callaghan, National President of the YCW said, 'We are extremely excited about the proposals to establish a lay community and training centre within the Diocese of Salford. Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas have historically been strong areas of activity for our movement and I look forward to capitalising on this even further. I would like to thank Bishop John Arnold for supporting this initiative which I hope will give rise to great blessings for not only our movement but the wider diocese and young Catholic workers across the country.'