This is the enormous pile of over 250 personal invitations which were sent out to all the lucky 16 to 25 year olds in our parish! 🙂 Every year between Christmas and the New Year in the parish we host a youth retreat which is held in the church and the primary school. Over the four days and especially on New Year’s Eve around 300 young people turn up for these days of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament, teaching, Mass, Confession and joyful celebration. These are always a very blessed few days, with many conversions, young people returning to the sacrament of Confession, being affirmed in their faith through friendship with other young Catholics, and time to reflect on and speak with others about their vocation. As someone who discovered the beauty of Christ and the Church through Youth 2000, I have a great love of serving at these retreats and pray that many young people will hear the voice of Christ, longing to speak to their heart, longing to give them his joy and peace. This year will be extra special since my sisters, brother and brother-in-law-to-be will all be coming too so we get to continue celebrating Christmas together 🙂 May the Holy Spirit open the hearts of those young people who attend this year to prepare them for the grace of encounter with Christ.
If you know a young person who would like to participate in this retreat, please see www.youth2000.org for more details or call 020 8675 2743.
