This site is the new portal to all the information and services the Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service has to offer!
The NDCYS exists to serve young people and those who work with them throughout the Diocese of Nottingham. It is led by a diocesan priest as Director and has a team of staff and volunteers. The backbone of the service is the huge number of volunteers in our parishes, schools and beyond who dedicate their time and energy to youth ministry.
We can support you in various ways and you can find out more by clicking on the links to the right;
'The Briars' is our Diocesan youth retreat centre. It is the base for the Director of Youth Services, Programme Leaders, and volunteer team who help run our Youth Service. It welcomes over 5000 young people every year on retreat.
'reach4' is the outreach arm of the Youth Service. This newly formed team is a direct response to the needs indentified in our diocese for an outreach service. It offers all kinds of services for parishes and schools and you can find out more, and book them by clicking on the reach4 link.
'Resources' this section will put you in touch with a tool kit of resources for youth ministry in schools and parishes. It offers downloads, pro forma's and lots of information on all aspects of youth ministry.
You can find out about all the latest news right here. You can find out more about the Youth Service and the people behind it, by clicking on the menu above. If you want to find out more about a particular branch or service, then you can get there just by clicking on the menu on the right.
The youth service aims to provide for young people the time and space where they can discover community, meet Christ and deepen their awareness of themselves. Both the Briars and reach4 outreach ministry support parishes and schools as they work towards these aims and they provide a rich experience of being Church which is exciting and attractive.
I wish to thank all those involved in this ministry who give up so much of their time to encourage our young people to live their faith with hope and courage.
With every blessing
Malcolm McMahon OP
Bishop of Nottingham
Below is all the latest news from across the Youth Service, and you can subscribe for updates by using the RSS link in the menu bar. You can also subscribe to individual feeds
by clicking on the pages in the menu on the right.
Enjoy the site, and if you need any help or further information then get in touch!
Jun29
OGFEST 2009!
That time is nearly upon us again! The last open retreat of the year! OGFEST this year is being held from Monday the 20th until the 23rd of July, and is open to all young people in Year 11 and above.
The summer retreat is a great way to relax after exams, have some fun and finish the year properly!
The cost is just £70 and you can download the booking form by clicking below printing it out and sending it back to us a The Briars. But be quick! Places are strictly first come first serve!
If you want to get others interested then you can also download the poster and get it up in your school or parish!
“Are you enthusiastic, energetic and free over the August bank holiday weekend (28th-31st Aug)?
Then we want to hear from you! We are looking for active volunteers (age 18+) to represent CAFOD at Greenbelt, a Christian music and arts festival, this summer. You’ll receive a free weekend pass and meal expenses, and in turn you’ll help staff our stall and promote our Climate Justice campaign. You’ll also have time off to relax and enjoy the exciting festival activities. Make your own travel arrangements there and back and bring a tent; we’ll do the rest!
Today reach4 and the youth service ran the most exciting event of the year. Today 1000 people gathered at Moorways centre in Derby to begin our celebration of Special 6’s. Today was all about the you year 6’s that joined us. We thought about our foundations and how they are the base on which we can build so when we think about moving schools we don’t get worried. With Toy Story, The Three Little Pigs, Lego Bricks, a big house, and loads and loads of singing. We ended our day by celebrating one of the best masses we’ve ever been to. We want to thank everyone who came and everyone who made it possible. What a great day.
Angela Gillespie, our Derby City Catholic Youth Worker, has developed this great resource for Confirmation. It has some really good sessions and ideas for you to use. As with all resources, the watchword is; ADAPT. Thanks to Angela for letting this be shared and if you want any advice on how to use it, just get in touch with the Youth Service.
The Briars through the years; a rare moment occurred just a few weeks ago when the present and former Directors of the Briars gathered with Bishop Malcolm for a unique photo opportunity. In preparation for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Briars, Frs. Joe Wheat, Paul Newman, Greg Tobin, Michael O’Donoghue and Michael Bell stood with Bishop Malcolm to give a snapshot of the past 40 years. Missing was only Fr Paul Klee, the pioneer who set up and ran the Briars in the early years.
Former Directors and team members will gather on Sunday 28th June for the celebration of 40 years with the Briars Open Day. The day starts at 1.00 with Mass and all are welcome.
The youth service aims to provide for young people the time and space where they can discover community, meet Christ and deepen their awareness of themselves. Both the Briars and reach4 outreach ministry support parishes and schools as they work towards these aims and they provide a rich experience of being Church which is exciting and attractive.
