You are the future of the Church

As a teen or young adult, you may find yourself asking questions of your faith and of the Church. This is perfectly okay – we should all be asking questions! It is far better to ask them than to bury them or just dismiss things the Church says or teaches. And with lockdown limiting any opportunity to meet in person, why not make use of this portal to dive deeper and seek answers, as well as deepen your own spiritual life – in the privacy of your own home and free from peer pressure.

So, have a browse at what’s on offer. This portal is a work in progress and we’d love you to tell us what else we can feature here that would be of interest to you.

We’d love your feedback and ideas! if you have anything you’d like to share, do  tell us. We will upload a short survey soon for you tell us your views. For the meantime, you can send us a message.

Prayer for the Youth

Lord, we thank you for each and every teen or young adult visiting this youth portal today. We pray, Lord, that you would open their eyes to your many blessings.

Jesus, journey with them in all their individual circumstances – in their present struggles, as well as their joys.

Holy Spirit, come and fill them with your peace and pour into their hearts the courage to dive deeper into the truth and beauty of the life of faith to which each is called.

We ask all this through Christ, our Lord, Amen

Want to offer a prayer intention, so we can pray for you? Send us a message.

Into the deep

When Jesus first entered Peter’s life, he prompted Peter to “put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch”. Peter reluctantly agreed and, as a result, his fishing nets tore because of the amount of fish he caught. Peter was unprepared for the invasion of God’s grace in his life and the power that it held. The amazing Pope St. John Paul II, spoke on the subject of “putting out into the deep” (Duc in altum) several times. He said that God is calling every single one of us to a deeper life.

Saints in Focus: Blessed Carlo Acutis

Beatified on 20 October 2020 – the step just before becoming a saint – Carlo was an Italian, born in London, who lived an exemplary life of holiness, He died in his teens, after a battle with Leukemia, but we can gain a lot of inspiration from his young life.

Carlo was particularly gifted in computer programming, through which he shared his faith, using the internet as a tool for the good. He shared openly his beliefs with his friends and also helped the poor and homeless in his local community.  It is no wonder that he has been declared the patron of the internet.

Before he died, Carlo said: “All people are born as originals, but many end up dying as photocopies. Let none of us die as a photocopy.” Powerful words indeed! Here is the challenge we receive – to embrace the unique person God created us to be and make a difference in the lives of others. Watch his amazing story below:

Rise Up! Youth Leadership Project

This year, the Diocese of Westminster Youth Ministry Team, in collaboration with Catholic Voices, is launching Rise Up! – a youth leadership project, aimed to help you develop leadership skills and to equip you to share your faith with confidence. This is a unique opportunity! The course itself will be running from September to December 2021, but the youth ministry team have planned a number of virtual taster sessions to give you a flavour of what it’s all about.

For more information about applying, visit the Rise Up! website. If you would like to sign up for the next taster session, on Public Speaking Skills and taking place on Tuesday 18 May, check out the Youth Ministry website

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Youth Portal Subsections

Teens
Young Adults