NEW GIFT PROGRAMME STARTS IN PORTADOWN PARISH

Siolta, the new Armagh Diocesan Youth Council Retreat Team, have revamped the GIFT 1 programme for use in parishes throughout the Archdiocese.  Young leaders in Drumcree Parish were the first to take part in training to equip them to deliver this programme in their parish.

The GIFT1 programme, which runs over five weeks, explores self-development from a faith perspective for young people.  The programme is designed to be delivered to young people aged 11-13 years who have been confirmed.

The Diocesan faith development and retreat team, Siolta, have developed a user friendly and modern version of GIFT1 as part of their youth initiatives throughout the diocese.  One of the Coordinators of Siolta, Lynette Hughes, trained 22 young leaders who in turn delivered it to a group of 12/13 year olds in their parish.

Parish priest, Fr. Brian White welcomed the initiative to the area, pledging the church’s commitment to the ongoing faith development of young people in their parish.  The programme is a valuable resource for parishes to tap into young people who have been confirmed in recent years.

Any parish wishing to know more about the GIFT programme content and training opportunities should contact Pierce or Kate on (028)37525592 (NI) or (048) 37525592 (RoI).