Church of the Catholic Parish of Jersey

Catholic Community of Jersey

Youth Ministry in the Jersey Parish

"What is needed today is a church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them and, through his body, which is the church, to propose the possibility of a choice, which will require a commitment of their lives. As Jesus with the disciples of Emmaus, so the church must become the traveling companion of young people..." (Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day 1995, Philippines)

Mrs Mary Cahill, our Youth Formation Co-ordinator, directs the pastoral formation of young people in the parish. There is a strong link in with the chaplains of our local Catholic schools as well as outreach to the States schools. We co-ordinates a whole parish based Confirmation programme as well as a full schedule of other Youth Ministry opportunities.

The Jersey Association of Catholic Youth (JaCy), created out of World Youth Day experiences in Cologne 2005, is a vibrant and very active association which contributes greatly to the Catholic Church in Jersey. A Parish youth committee under the guidance of Mary leads this activity. Under the JaCy umbrella the young people meet regularly in the different areas, the Oasis of Peace and in their own base (the 'Upper Room' in St Thomas' Hall in St Helier), for social activities combined with prayer as well as participation in national groups such as Youth St. Vincent de Paul to help them put 'Faith into Action' and Youth 2000 to provide on-going catechesis to all our young people. There are many more activities and groups available for as young as year 1-6 through JaCy Junior, JaCy 57's for years 5-7 and all other activities for year 7+. There is also a strong group of older youth 18+ who continue to arrange opportunities for prayer, catechesis and social time.

For further information please access the link to their website – www.jacy.org.je or follow them on Facebook. Contact Mary Cahill 07797742767/ m.cahill@catholicchurch.org.je