Diocesan youth see life as a waltz

THE youth of the Diocese of Killaloe have adopted the acronym YOLO, but with a rider, for an upcoming mission.

YOLO – Life Is A Waltz, Not A Race is the theme of a series of events lined up by Killaloe Diocesan Youth Council (KDYC), at a number of venues in the diocese at the end of the month.

KDYC was established last November, following the faith gathering in Ennis. The group is made up of young people who come together to experience, share and explore their faith with other young people. The group members are aged 16 and upwards.

This is the first time such a group has been established in the diocese. It follows a survey, which was carried out on young people during the listening process in the diocese. The survey highlighted that young people wanted new ways of experiencing and celebrating their faith, ways which were meaningful and worthwhile to them.

Many of the young people have volunteered in Lourdes, participated in World Youth Day and journeyed to Taizé.

The youth council is open to all young people across the diocese, who would like to get involved in planning, organising and attending events, which would help young people have a new experience of faith.

To date, the KDYC have organised a diocesan exam mass, prayer meetings, launched a prayer card and now the upcoming youth mission

This is a new approach to the idea of the traditional mission experienced by many in their parishes down through the years. It is a diocesan mission, which will take place in four different churches around the diocese. The mission is being run and organised by young people, with the assistance of mentors.

It is hoped that the young and not-so-young will come out and experience what the four fantastic evenings have to offer. There are two masses and two liturgies, with four different types of music and four renowned and inspiring speakers.

For more information, add KDYC as a friend on Facebook, keep an eye on local parish newsletters and watch out for speakers coming to schools and parishes around the diocese.

The following venues and speakers have been confirmed:
Thursday, September 25, 7pm – St Flannan’s College Chapel, Ennis. Speaker will be Elma Walsh, mother of the late Donal Walsh.

Friday, September 26, 7pm – Templederry Parish Church. Speaker will be Ger Hanley.
Saturday, September 27, 3pm – Kilrush Parish Church; speaker, Joanne O’Riordan, No Limbs No Limits.

Sunday, September 28, 3pm – Holy Island, Mountshannon. Music by Elation Ministries.

For more details, contact Cora Guinnane on 087 2400135.