Chocolate and God

This involves getting the teenagers in the parish together (lured by a chocolate fountain, personal invitation etc) to debate ‘does God exist?’ with the Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator (who is a fantastic, young, orthodox priest). One aim is to stimulate them to think more deeply about their faith (and their doubts) and to arm them with the more sophisticated arguments they need as they encounter ever more hostile peers and teachers... Another is to foster some friendships and lay the foundations for a continuing series of activities (including outdoor adventure type stuff) to help them grow as friends, have fun together, and reinforce each other’s Faith - with spiritual input as a regular part of the mix.

Kick-starting things in the Parish

This weekend we had the diocesan youth co-ordinator in the parish, and we invited him and a number of other parents to dinner on Saturday night. Our Parish Priest (who is relatively new to the parish) has been shocked that there is nothing in place for kids or families. Most of those we invited couldn’t come (it was all at rather short notice) but those of us who were there identified two different priorities which we will try to act on. One is Chocolate And God, the other Family Days. I will post on each of these separately (I try to avoid long posts except when I get carried away!)