Youth 2000 launches first Catechesis series

Hundreds of young people encounter and recognise Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time at a Youth 2000 retreat. And many of those young people continue to attend retreats regularly to refill their spiritual batteries. In between those retreat times however, they often find it difficult to maintain and remain faithful to that deeper relationship with Christ, despite rediscovering a love for Mass and attending every weekend. Now, Youth 2000 is paving a way for those faithful retreatants to receive ongoing Catechesis by exploring the YouCat together once a month during this great gift which the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has given the Catholic Church, called the YEAR OF FAITH.

With the first session being launched this Saturday 1st December 2012, young Catholics can explore more fully the teachings of the Church from experts and teachers alike, at Youth 2000's London-based formation programme called Something Greater. What is very interesting about this Catechetical series, is that it is being ran in a traditional way, remaining faithful to what "handing on the faith" is rooted on. With today's age, where there are teachings being proclaimed in the 'virtual reality' using podcasts, DVD's, facebook, twitter and the wonderment that is the Catholic blogosphere, Youth 2000 returns to the roots of personal Catechesis. Not only is there opportunity for young people to gather for Mass together, go to Confession, receive solid and well-communicated Church teachings, but an opportunity is presented also to discuss, and share over a meal. After all, we look back on tradition in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, and notice how fellowship and community were built on the foundations of Liturgies of the Word and the Eucharist. There is an obvious link in the necessity for forming young potential leaders of the Church with building a faith-nurturing community, and encouraging fellowship and networking.

Those truly touched in body, soul and spirit at a Youth 2000 retreat, will doubtless be inspired by the Holy Spirit to seek and learn the Truth of Our Lord Jesus Christ at a deeper level. And one of the best ways in which to do this is by personal Catechesis. However, for those who are located too far to practically come to the session, Youth 2000 plan to record / document it for those who wish to receive it. The first session is being celebrated and taught by Fr Stephen Wang. The second session is on Saturday 12th December 2013.

For any enquiries about the formation programme, contact Youth 2000's National Office on info@youth2000.org.