Youth Gather at Holy Trinity Church to Discover Identity, Encounter Jesus and Embrace Their Place in the Church


Ninety young people gathered at Holy Trinity Church on 25th October 2026 to mark the Deanery Youth Day Celebration. The participants were divided into nine groups for a three-hour interactive programme titled "Discovering Myself, Encountering Jesus, Belonging to the Church." The day was designed to move young Catholics beyond merely knowing about their faith to experiencing it personally.

The first session, "Who Am I?", explored identity, dignity, gifts and purpose through icebreaker games, personal "identity maps" and a "Labels We Carry" activity. Reflecting on scriptures such as Genesis 1:26-27 and Psalm 139, participants were reminded that they are more than their appearance, achievements, mistakes or the opinions of others, and that they are created and loved by God. 

The second session, "Who Is Jesus for Me?", invited the youth to consider the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and having a personal relationship with him. Groups studied Gospel encounters, including the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, Peter and the first disciples, and each participant wrote a private "Letter to Jesus" in prayer.


The third session, "My Relationship with Jesus and the Church," drew on Pope Francis' Christus Vivit and the 2018 Synod on Young People. It began with a team-building game, "Build the Church," showing that a community cannot be built alone. Groups then shared what they love about the Church, what makes young people feel distant, and what kind of Church they hope to build. Reflecting on the Emmaus story, participants discussed how the Church can listen to and walk with young people. They also worked through real-life scenarios on moving from spectator to participant. Each young person then wrote personal commitments to Jesus, the Church and others, which were displayed under the heading "We Are the Church."


The programme concluded with a 30-minute Adoration Service in the Church. Through silence, scripture and short reflections, participants were helped to understand their worth and their responsibility in the life of the Church. 

The day closed on the message that young people are not only the future of the Church but part of the Church today, called to be heard, loved, accompanied and sent on mission.

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