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YOUTH MINISTRY TRUST
Youth Service of the RC Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
We aim to encourage young people into a relationship with Christ and fully into the life of the Church.
“Blessed are the merciful
for they shall receive mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:13
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
Luke 6:36
“For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you.”
Psalm 86:5
“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion
on all he has made.”
Psalm 145:9
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 26:36
What's on
Primary Schools' Festival
Photo Gallery
Diocesan Festival
Photo Gallery
Secondary Schools' Festival
Photo Gallery
YMT Co-Workers
Adult Leaders
Representing the many people across our parishes and different organisations in the diocese who are involved in youth ministry, we give people the opportunity to network, share ideas and work together with YMT.
Pope John Paul II Award
Year 12- 13
An award scheme for Year 12-13 students living or going to school in the Diocese, the Award will enable you to become more actively involved in the life of your parish and community.
Have your say
Have you got something to tell us or a story you wanted to share? Please use this form to tell us
what you think. Submitting this form will generate an email to the Youth Ministry Trust and does not automatically publish your story on our website. Names and email addresses will not be published.
What you've been telling us
It was such an amazing experience and has made me feel so much closer with God and has made my faith so much stronger. I’ve loved this experience as it was entertaining and eye-opening.
I found the retreat spiritual but in a personal way that makes sense. It also strengthened my relationships with friends because we will always have these memories.
Even better than last year, very inspiring to see so many young people being honest and open. thanks to all the team and i look forward to seeing you next year.
I think to see the effect of the mission you just have to wander
around in here for the buzz from the kids. The amount of time someone has come up to me and said how much they have enjoyed it, how moved they were by it, the tears that were coming (in a good way).
It was really quite moving.
Truly inspirational – great food for the journey. Wonderful organisation – we are so fortunate to have these events. A million thanks!!
Without you we're youthless
First Summer Festival in 2001 at Ushaw College
Our story so far
The Youth Ministry Team was established in 1994 by Bishop Ambrose Griffiths to answer the call of the Second Vatican Council: ‘The young should be the first apostles of the young, in direct contact with them, exercising the apostolate by themselves, among themselves, taking account of their social environment’. (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, 12)
From the beginning, we gathered together young adults from all over the world to live in community and to give school missions. At the heart of the mission experience is the message of God’s unconditional love for each one of us. Over the last 20 years, this community has continued to be at the heart of the work of YMT providing peer ministry through the generosity of young volunteers from almost every continent.
We aim to help young people to discover their own unique value and to reach their full potential. We have developed a strategy of school missions, residential retreats and local area youth ministry. We supports the adults who work with young people, helping them to provide opportunities for young people to grow in faith and take their place in the Church sharing their unique gifts and taking up their responsibility in the world.
In 2010, the Emmaus Youth Village, formerly known as 'Youth Village', was opened, a residential centre which allowed us to offer a truly holistic experience which creates a lasting impact on those who participate and enables young people from many different backgrounds and starting points to explore faith and life issues in a relevant and interactive way.
The Youth Ministry Team was established in 1994 by Bishop Ambrose Griffiths
We started giving missions in primary and secondary schools
We present the Gospel though dance, music, movement
We present to Gospel in a lively and creative way
We work with adult leaders in parishes and deaneries across the diocese
During the Feast of Christ the King we also celebrate National Youth Sunday
In 2001 we started the Diocesan Secondary Schools Summer Festival
Our aim is to encourage young people into a relationship with Christ
Sr Helen Prejean, author of 'Dead Man Walking', has spoken many times to our young people
In 2010, we opened the Youth Village, a residential centre for young people
We offer a place for young people to take a retreat and a bit of me time
Peer ministry is at the heart of our work at the Emmaus Youth Village
We cater not just spiritually but gastronomically as well
Every first Wednesday of the month we gather at St Mary's Cathedral for 'The Source'
Our Ministry
We begin the process through initial proclamation, whereby the team carry out various activities such as school missions, outreaches, and monthly events. It is in these activities that we present the Gospel in an interesting and radical way, through drama, dance, music, and multimedia – a language that is most effective and appealing in today’s youth culture.
Initial Proclamation
Retreats and Follow-up
Area Development
Each mission reflects upon the basic gospel message, presenting in a lively, modern and interesting way the God of Love whose desire is that all of us reach our full potential. We proclaim and announce God who accepts us where we are and loves us so much that he challenges us to grow and experience the fullness of life (Jn 10:10).
Recognising evangelisation as a process, we enable young people to experience a retreat and to grow in their faith in an environment where they will feel comfortable and relaxed. YMT strongly believes that retreats are a very important part of the faith journey of our young people and is essential to our work in evangelisation.
We hope that, through the support of parish or deanery area groups, young people can experience a sense of belonging and be enabled to grow as members of the Church community in faith and service. The training and support of adults is an important part of this process.
Number of young people we have encountered,
so far, from September 2016
Young People
Overview
Get a taste of a life of a Gap Year Team Member
The Youth Ministry Team (YMT) gathers together young people (18-30) from all over the world, from August to July, to live a community lifestyle and work as part of a team. The Gap Year Team members are given training, ongoing formation and support while they embark as a team, planning and carrying out school missions, retreats and activities for the young people of the diocese.
Since we started in 1994, we have had members from all over the world such as the USA, Philippines, Australia, and Cameroon, to name a few. Gap Year Team Members must be willing to grow in a relationship with God, learn more about their faith and help other young people on their faith journey.
We are constantly amazed and uplifted when young people of all ages respond and receive a new vision and a new insight into themselves and the God who loves them. The work of the Gap Year Team is essential work and is a life changing experience both for them and for those to whom they minister.
Applications to work with our Gap Year Team in August 2017 are now open.
Requirements
18-30 years old
willing to grow in a relationship with God
willing to learn more about our faith
willing to create new ways of communicating the Gospel
willing to help other young people in their relationship with God
CAFOD Partnership
Step into the Gap is an exciting new venture for CAFOD and YMT that offers a joined up programme for leadership development during a Gap Year. It consists of a rounded experience, with elements that take place both overseas and in the UK, which allows participants to explore and express their faith and develop their abilities to take a lead in bringing about a more just world. It bridges the 'gap' between the elements of adventure and service that occur in many traditional year out schemes.
UK Experience
Overseas Experience
- Work with an international team and community with YMT
- Receive training and formation in communicating the Gospel to young people
- Work with young people in a variety of settings: school, parish, retreat centre
- Bring new perspectives from your overseas placement to enrich the community
- Bring new perspectives to the work of CAFOD in the UK
- Discover things you didn't know about yourself as you develop new skills
- Explore your faith
- Take up a four to six-week work placement in Africa, South America or Asia with a CAFOD partner on grassroots community development projects with others from the UK
- Training and preparation before you go
- Get to know a country in a way that you never could as a backpacker
- Get to know a community in depth - eat, drink, sleep, work, pray, celebrate, and share your life with those you meet
- Be prepared to be changed by the encounter
- Make new friendships
- Discover new perspectives
- Explore your faith
- Reflect on your role in a global society
Team 2016-2017
Gap Year Programme
Get more in life. Experience a YMT Gap year.
Hi I’m Andrea and I come from the posh part of Stanley. I’m here at YMT today because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. I usually say I found God at the 2010 Summer Festival which makes me laugh; as if he was lost! It feels so right to be here this here.
I love the story of Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree (found in Luke 19:1-10). Despite his wrongdoings and crazy lifestyle, I love how desperate Zacchaeus is to see Jesus! Imagine if we were all like that!
If I was a food I think I might be Jelly because it’s a bunch of fun for all ages.
Hi I’m Bridgid and I’m from Newcastle upon Tyne. The reason why I returned to YMT is because I really enjoyed my first year (2011-2012).
I grew so much in my faith and gained a lot of experience in youth ministry work. Afterwards, I then went to university to study psychology, and it was there where I gained knowledge that I knew would benefit my ability to minister to young people. So with my newly found knowledge and experience, I returned because I knew I had so much more to offer this time round.
I am very enthusiastic about life, so I know I will bring lots of positivity and optimism to the team. Sport is also a major passion of mine, so you will often find me out for a run, or having a game of football.
As a CAFOD gap year team member, social justice is very important to me, so I would love to solve the refugee crisis. Reason being, I believe every human on this planet deserves dignity and the right to a decent life. It will be impossible to solve this problem on my own, so all I can do is raise awareness and live in hope that others will do the same!
Hello I’m Charlie and I come from Whitstable, Kent. I joined YMT to grow in my Catholic faith and live in a community. I also wanted to know what God’s unique and beautiful plan for me. I am bringing to the Team positivity, joy and a lot of laughter.
In the Bible, I love the story of Jesus appearing to the apostles in the Sea of Galilee. The story reminds me that Jesus continually calls us to a loving relationship with him and though I often would fall down; like Peter, I know Jesus is ALWAYS there for me.
If I were a food I would be a Beef Stew (and Dumplings, of course) because it’s warm, cosy and homelike, whilst being a bit rustic and rough around the edges.
Hi I’m Charlotte and I’m from Bristol. I joined YMT because I fell in love with the idea of living in community and I’m also very interested in working with young people. I would like to help other young people develop in the faith and I believe being in YMT will help me achieve that. I hope to bring to the Team lots of creativity, whether this is in music, drama, art or dance. I also hope to bring new perspective to the Team.
My favourite Bible story is the call of the disciples. I read this when I was praying for on what’s God plan is for me and it spoke in volumes. I taught me to put others, most importantly, Christ before myself.
If I could solve a problem it would be world hunger. As we eat every day there are many in the world that have nothing.
Hi! I'm Danielle and I come from Cullercoats. This year will be my 2nd year with YMT. I absolutely love what we do and the opportunities we have to meet so many amazing young people.
I remember YMT coming into my school when I was younger and I really looked up to them. YMT helped me to keep my faith alive in a challenging school environment, and I hope to continue to strengthen my faith while making a difference to the lives of other young people.
I enjoy dancing, art, photography, and hope to contribute ideas and my creativity to the team. One of my favourite stories in the Bible is the parable of the mustard seed, because it reminds me how my faith has the potential to do great things.
If I were a film I think I'd be 'Wall-E', because he doesn't give up on the world and has hope no matter what. I hope to do exactly that by putting my faith into action this year.
Hello I’m Francis and I come from Leeds. I have felt God work through me on many levels in the last 2 years and having gained a lot from this, I was at a stage where I wanted to give something back. Through the website and conversations with previous YMT team members, the Gap Year seemed a tailored fit to fulfil this desire. People can expect an enthusiasm to bring the joys of the Catholic faith to other young people as well as to my fellow Team members. I will be honest, caring and genuine who will be willing to learn, open minded, fun and professional.
If I were a film, I would be Invictus. This would be me because of its inspiration and message that you can achieve your goals if you work hard as a team or community and not give in even if it's against the odds. This is the outlook that I have.
Hello I’m Matthew and I’m from Newcastle upon Tyne. I joined YMT because I wanted to work as part of a good strong community. I am interested in working with children a lot this year, because my long term aim is to become a primary school teacher. I also would like to gather up some experience of working with young people this year. I would like to assist both children and young people in developing their faith.
I hope to bring to the team a lot of confidence when dealing with both the children and the young people who come on retreat. I enjoy singing with people. I can bring a lot of motivation and encouragement to the team.
If I were a drink I’d be a can of coke because it’s my favourite drink, I’ve got lots of energy just like how it does, and I've got a bubbly personality.
Welcome to Emmaus Youth Village
Opened by Ant & Dec, the Emmaus Youth Village is at the heart of the North East region and is in close proximity to many famous landmarks and attractions including Durham Cathedral, Bede’s World, Holy Island, Hadrian’s Wall, Beamish Museum and the Metrocentre.
The Emmaus Youth Village, which houses a group of international volunteers living in community, provides a variety of youth ministry opportunities across schools and parishes throughout the region.
Guests to the Emmaus Youth Village will enjoy state of the art facilities which include an auditorium and dining hall accommodating up to 98 people. They can stay in twin and triple en-suite bedrooms spread across four attractive chalets and use spacious gardens, playing fields and a chapel for prayer and reflection.
In addition to the young people who are invited to use the Emmaus Youth Village for retreats, it also offers an ideal venue for different occasions such as adult conferences and meetings.
Key Features:
- Large Capacity Auditorium and Dining Hall
- 98 beds spread across 4 chalets
- Twin and Triple en-suite Bedrooms
- Underfloor heating
- Surrounded by 60 acres of land
- Wi-Fi Facilities
- Disabled Access
- Areas for prayer and reflection
Booking Query
Pope John Paul II Award
The Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them.
Through the Pope John Paul II Award, young people in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese will be enabled to take an active part in the life of their Church, in the life of their community and society, and also become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world. This will enable young people to engage at a deep level with Christ, whose body the Church is.
It will allow young people to understand that religion and faith are not just for learning, nor are they a list of rules, but that they are for living.
Encouraging Parish Awareness
Encouraging Social Awareness
When we are baptised we become members of the Body of Christ. This means that we are called to be the presence of Christ in the world. As the Body of Christ, we belong to the community of the Church. We live out this belonging in our parish. For the Church, for the Body of Christ to be fully alive everybody needs to be actively involved. There are many things we can do in our parish.
Examples of activities that can be done for your Award in the parish are:
- Reading at Mass
- Altar Server
- Eucharistic Minister
- Member of choir/music group
- Children’s Liturgy of the Word
- Composing prayers of the faithful
- Welcomer at Mass
- Helping with sacramental preparation
- Preparing articles for the parish bulletin
- Church decoration/flower arranging/church cleaning
As members of the Body of Christ, through baptism, we make Christ present by the way we
treat others. Our faith is lived out most fully in our actions, which is why it is important to be aware of the needs of others and to minister to their needs. That is why ‘Social Awareness’ is such an important aspect of this Award.
Examples of activities in the area of Social Awareness that you could do for your Award are:
- Member of St. Vincent de Paul
- Young leader for CAFOD
- Young leader at parish youth group
- Running a fair trade stall
- Fundraising for a charity
- Regular visitation of residential homes
- Supporting a residential retreat for young people
- Working with the homeless
- Raising awareness of the needs of others
- Volunteering on a parish or community project to support the vulnerable, e.g. Justice and Peace
There may be other activities that you are involved in that are not included here but may be relevant, if so, please contact the Pope John Paul II Award Committee through your Parish or School Co-ordinator, for approval.
Instruction Video on how to fold the 'origami' Record Card
