Additional YCW Testimonies Uploaded

When we launched the 80th year of the YCW in England and Wales last year, we asked for any stories about the peoples' experiences of the movement over the past 80 years.

We have had some wonderful responses come in following this, ranging from the very earliest days, to some more recent ones. Despite the time from which they come from, the common theme within each is the powerful impact of the movement and the lifelong lessons, skills and experiences it instilled in the young people involved.

The testimonies are from across England and Wales, and explore what it was like for members within ordinary Parish life and special trips oversees to join the international movement. They also include accounts of seeing and hearing Cardijn himself, in particular his trips to Britain.

Thank you to all those who have responded so generously and especially to the Cardijn Association who kindly shared their amazing work in collecting some of these stories. They are always very supportive of the YCW and their help is greatly appreciated.

YCW HQ Welcomes New Group

Last week the YCW HQ in Trafford Park hosted a new group that is being formed in Holy Cross Parish in Patricroft, Eccles.

The new group visited the HQ in order to find out a bit more about what the YCW is and does, including the basic fundamentals of the SEE, JUDGE, ACT method.

National Training and Development Worker, Marc Besford, led the session and explained how a YCW Group runs, the various ways in which young people can take on the leadership of the movement and ultimately, how the Groups can help strengthen the link between their reality and the Gospels.

Marc said: "It was great to see another new group being formed in our local area. The young people who came along were really enthusiastic and keen to learn more about the YCW. I look forward to hearing more about what they have planned."

National Chaplain, Msg. John Marsland, also joined the Group and spoke about the importance of the Chaplain's role in encouraging the young people to take the lead, whilst being their for support and guidance.

The Group took a tour of the house, doing the "HQ Quiz" where they had to find the answers to questions that explained a bit about the history and current reality of the movement. They also did a quick JUDGE exercise to get them thinking about the range of injustices in the world and how they might take the leadership in overcoming them.

Overall, it was great to see the young people begin their YCW journey and we wish them all the best with it.

General Committee of the ICYCW Meets in Rome

Earlier this month the General Committee of the ICYCW gathered at the Rome HQ to discuss the current realities, vision and mission of the International movement.

England and Wales were represented by Marc Besford, National Training and Development Worker, who was also taking the lead for the European Commission of YCWs.

The first day was focused around the SEE aspect of the YCW method and asked for reports regarding the activities and processes within each national movement. This ranged from how the movements developed leadership and organised training for members, to how they dealt with financial issues and Chaplaincy support.

Following this, the second day explored the JUDGE stage and sought to identify the priorities of the future plan, based on the first days feedback. At the heart of this plan was the need to develop a strategy for the coming years, which could link together the work at a local, national, regional and international level. There will also be a focus on developing the collaboration of national movements at the regional commission level.

The final day looked at the ACT method and began some of the work in developing the strategic plan, which will be back up by a yearly activity plan. There was also discussion of the budget for this coming year and this was approved by the General Committee.

Throughout the conference there was also valuable time to socialise, discuss ideas and share parts of the rich diversity that can be found across the International movement. For example, at the end of the first day there was a "cultural exchange" social evening, which saw members present aspect of their national/regional culture. Marc was very pleased to share the delights of English food and drink, alongside discussion of our royal family and long history.

Berhanu Sinamo, International President of the ICYCW, coordinated the event in Rome and was supported by a range of facilitators, chaplains and members - including former President of the YCW in England and Wales, Danny Curtin and current National Chaplain, Mgr. John Marsland.

Commenting on the event, Marc Besford said: "This was a fantastic opportunity to get together as an international movement and learn from each other. It was my first time attending such an international meeting and I would like to thank all those who made it such a positive and friendly atmosphere. There is lots to be working on and I look forward to doing my bit both nationally and at the European level."

YCW Launches New Lenten Resources

The Young Christian Workers in England and Wales have launched new resources for the Lenten season - including a Review of Life and a Gospel Enquiry. 

Beginning on Ash Wednesday (14th February 2018) and ending on Easter Sunday (1st April 2018) Lent is that special time of prayer, sacrifice, good works and preparation for the wonderful celebration of Easter when we, as Christians, celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Many people use the forty days of Lent as a time of soul searching or sacrifice, giving up something they enjoy, like sweets, chocolate or alcohol.

Others use the time to take up something new, like good works or acts of charity.

But Lent can also be a time for us to consider how we might live out our faith in our everyday lives as we journey towards the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. Through the method of See, Judge, Act we invite you to explore the Gospel with us as you journey through the season of Lent in preparation for the wonder of Easter.

The Trafford Park HQ is also running a series of Lenten Masses on each Thursday of Lent for the local workers in the area.

Urmston IMPACT Group Pilgrimage to Rome

On the 10th February, the Urmston Impact group travelled on Pilgrimage to Rome. For many of the members it was their first time visiting Rome and what a first time it was for them! We asked Joe Shekelton to write up his review of the trip and share with us how it went:

With visits to all four major basilicas, celebrating mass in three of them (in beautiful side chapels) and Reconciliation in one, it highlighted to the group the strength and beauty of our own religion in a way that we had not seen before. Along with visiting many other churches, we could reflect on our own lives and come back with a better viewpoint of our daily responsibility to “be builders of the world” as Pope Francis asks us to do.

Whilst also being in Rome, we were reminded of our responsibility to help others and stop injustices in society. This has inspired us to carry on with our work of community sponsorship of a refugee family in our very own parish. Whilst in Rome, we gave toiletries to the local friary which will directly go towards helping homeless people in the city of Rome.

We also visited many historical sites such as: The Pantheon, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps. We also visited the Venerable English College, where we were given a tour and had Sunday mass. We saw Fr John, the National Chaplain, in the College – a lovely surprise.

This was, of course, all topped off with amazing Italian food and gelato in various restaurants around this beautiful city.

The Urmston group would like to thank our adult companions for the trip: Michelle and Luke and also our Chaplain, Fr David Featherstone. We would also like to thank all the people who supported us with funds for our Pilgrimage and all the support which was given from our Parish. We could not have done it without you all!

Here are some of the thoughts from other members of the Group that we wanted to share:

“It was an amazing experience and we’re very fortunate to have had such amazing support from the Parish to go on this fantastic Pilgrimage” - Yasmin

“Our Rome Pilgrimage was a once in a lifetime opportunity made possibly through independent efforts of the group combined with the generosity of the Parish. The experience was thoroughly enriching, and I hope that I’ll get the chance to go back in the future” - Kate

“Rome was such an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget – it really helped me grow and understand my faith – I am very appreciative of the parish for help raising the money for the trip of a lifetime" - Anna

“A very inspiring trip and something that I am so glad I was part of” - Delfin

“The Pilgrimage to Rome was a great experience, I had an amazing time” - Aoife

Thursday 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 Thursday from 12:30pm at Saint Anthony's Church, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, M17 1JF.

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