What’s Happening

Youth Ministry Team is the Youth Service for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle since 1994. Since then we have provided vibrant and relevant Youth Ministry provision throughout the Diocese and beyond. Our team members who have joined us over the years has carried with them the passion of accompanying young people towards a personal relationship with Christ and fully into the life of the Church.

The last few years has been difficult for all but this has not hindered YMT to work passionately toward the evangelisation of young people. As we move on with much hope, enthusiasm and fervour in our service, here are the most recent happenings within YMT!

  • The Youth Ministry Trust is looking for committed individuals to come and join our dynamic team of people passionate about providing service and hospitality at the Emmaus Village whilst providing opportunities for Youth Ministry across the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Please read article for more information on our vacancies.

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  • Youth Ministry Internship with YMT is a centre-based training and discipleship programme where you are called to live and serve with YMT, the Youth Service for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.  It will be an 11-month internship programme which will give you the opportunity to live with an intentional discipleship community, grow in your service [...]

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  • The Pope John Paul II Award is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.

    The Award enables participants to take an active part in the life of their Church – in the life of their community and society. It enables young people become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world and to engage at a deep level with Christ.

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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

YMT Internship Programme

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. Our Youth Ministry Interns are given training, ongoing formation and support. At the same time, they embark on planning and carrying out school outreach, retreats and activities for the young people of the diocese and beyond. 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.

These young adults must be willing to grow in their relationship with God, learn more about their faith and help other young people on their faith journey whilst learning professional skills. 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 team is essential to YMT and is a life-changing experience both for them and for those to whom they minister. If you are interested in joining our Youth Ministry Internship or wanting to know more about the programme, please drop us an email at: melany.francisco@ymt.org.

Meet the YMT Interns

Becca, Janine and Ryan are our current Youth Ministry Team (YMT) Interns.  Becca, who is currently finishing her Masters Degree with Sunderland University has finished 2 years internship with YMT and still as passionate with her work as her first time doing the ministry. Janine and Ryan both from the Philippines arrived this year with expectant and open hearts to where the ministry of YMT will bring them.  We wish them all the luck for this year’s Internship.

Janine Dela Pena
Janine Dela Pena YMT Intern
I am from Cebu Philippines! It is my first time in the UK!
I love the quiet environment at the Emmaus Village – it is so peaceful, and it can help me to feel connected with God through nature. I also have loved meeting the team, they have been so warm and welcoming to me!
Rebecca Rutland
Rebecca RutlandYMT Intern
I am from Gateshead and this is my 3rd year on the YMT team.
My favourite thing about YMT so far is getting to know the young people who visit chatting about life, faith, and all sorts! I graduated from Sunderland University last year and now trying to finish my master’s degree. Love the colour purple and I listen to Rend Collective all the time especially during my worship and prayer time.
Ryan Gayo
Ryan Gayo YMT Intern
I travelled 8,000 miles to be here from Borongan Province in the Philippines, an island facing the Pacific Ocean. I love to draw, read, and learn about Philosophy! I am enjoying exploring the local area and looking forward to a lot of visits to nearby towns!
I look forward to sharing my faith with the young people and explore what God is calling me to do!

May [young saints] and so many other young people who perhaps in silence and hiddenness lived the Gospel to the full, intercede for the Church, so that she may be full of joyous, courageous and committed young people who can offer the world new testimonies of holiness.

Christus Vivit

Resource Hub

Find, use and share resources to support you in Youth Ministry.

  • A Video resource for the primary school where we get to know St Joseph more.  Created in partnership with the Department of Education, these seven episode series features Mary Palmer presenting the videos and David Wells helping us learn more about St Joseph.

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  • "Do not be afraid", a phrase often used in the bible, and some says may have been said or used 365 times, enough for us to hear it every day. This series of short reflections from Psalms and Proverbs released during Eastertide encouraging us not to be afraid. It will be good reflections to show [...]

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Dear young people, make the most of these years of your youth. Don’t observe life from a balcony. Don’t confuse happiness with an armchair, or live your life behind a screen. … Give yourselves over to the best of life!”

Christus Vivit

About YMT

Use the links below to find out more about our charity and how we operate.

  • 2015 – YMT launched JP2 Awards 2016 – A sneak preview of a Day in the Life of a YMT Gapper! Video by Bryan Francisco Emmaus Village https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcGHD9aPfDg&t=54s 2018 – YMT started the TRANSCEND Missionary Discipleship Training

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  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRPVjOimIvM&t=15s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cVfVEGQo7s

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  • 2011 – *1st year of THE SOURCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3PKVu5kvKc&t=5s 2011 – *YMT took pilgrims WYD Madrid - picture 2011 – * 1st God camp at the YV - YouTube Links https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D56V2fYuL54 2012 – * YMT took Diocesan pilgrims to 1st FLAME – picture link to CYMFED 2013 – *1st YMT Gift Days (Primary outreach for Y5) pictures

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  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-v-FqiEcKY&t=293s

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  • 1994 – YMT was established by Bishop Ambrose as the Youth Service for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle 2001 – Our 1st Secondary Summer Festival in Minsteracres - young people called it "God Camp" 2001 – Our 1st Feeder Days for Primary Schools at Ushaw College 2002 – Destiny is our first monthly event for Year 9 [...]

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  • Reverend Marc Lyden-Smith - Chairman Michael Howard - Company Secretary Carol Lawrence - Board Safeguarding Lead Deborah Fox Dame Maura Regan Dr Seamus O'Neill Kathleen Matthews (Sr Josepha) Reverend Mark Milward Eamonn Donnelly David Leane

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  • All staff and volunteers at YMT are committed to the safety of young people while engaged in YMT activities. We are committed to the Safeguarding Policies of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from any form of abuse or maltreatment and to promote a safe environment for them.

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It is important to realize that Jesus was a young person. He gave his life when he was, in today’s terms, a young adult.

Christus Vivit

Our Story

The Youth Ministry Team was established in 1994 by Bishop Ambrose Griffiths to answer the call of the Second Vatican Council:

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 25 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 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.

25th Anniversary Page

Jesus loves you, dear young people, for you are the means by which he can spread his light and hope. He is counting on your courage, your boldness and your enthusiasm.

Christus Vivit

An Experience

Young people were at the forefront of the design of the Emmaus Youth Village, building four purpose-built chalets, each with 11 ensuite rooms including accessible facilities accommodating up to 88 in twin or 44 people in single occupancy.

Each chalet benefits from a lounge area with 55″ TV and kitchen space providing fridge, kettle and microwave.  Accessible by a key card system, young people can feel that they are staying at the hotel.

All of this situated in the picturesque Derwent Valleys, providing retreatants with a comfortable, reflective and enjoyable stay.

The Emmaus Youth Village is a residential centre that offers a holistic approach to retreats, where play, prayer and community building are essential on all programmes offered.  At the Emmaus Youth Village, we wanted young people to encounter Christ through the scriptures, each other and their surroundings.

RETREAT ENQUIRY

A Venue

Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle and managed by the Youth Ministry Trust Charity, The Emmaus Village is situated 15 miles from the Centre of Durham & Newcastle set in 20 acres in the Derwent Valley. Well-resourced with conference and breakout rooms, beautiful views. Fantastic facility for community groups, staff building or other occasions.  Minutes from local transport and direct road links, yet just 13 miles from Newcastle or Durham.

This residential centre offers four purpose-built chalets, each with 11 ensuite rooms, including accessible facilities accommodating up to 88 in twin or 44 people in single occupancy. Each chalet benefits from a lounge area with 55″ TV and kitchen space providing fridge, kettle and microwave.  In addition, the main building an Auditorium with full sound and AV equipment for presentations and functions.  The dining area offers a restaurant seating up to 90 seating, plus two meeting rooms seating from 35 to 120 delegates.

This unique venue provides vast outdoor space with a community area & fire pit, ideal for groups, team building, conferences, family gatherings or community support.  Additional space is available for camping.

VENUE HIRE ENQUIRY

Young people, do not let the world draw you only into things that are wrong and superficial. Learn to swim against the tide, learn how to share Jesus and the faith he has given you.

Christus Vivit

Contact Us

We are very happy to respond to any inquiry, so please feel free to contact us below

If the years of your youth are to serve their purpose in life, they must be a time of generous commitment, whole-hearted dedication, and sacrifices that are difficult but ultimately fruitful.

Christus Vivit