Young People at Youth Gather 2008
Youth Gather is an annual youth festival event which has been running in the diocese for a great many years, and normally attracts hundreds of young people, young adults, youth leaders, priests and Chaplains. It begins with Mass – which is normally celebrated by the Bishop – followed by a sponsored walk and then a celebration to end. There are also a load of stalls, a load of other activities and a chance to meet people from all over the diocese.
Each year, Youth Gather is hosted at a different Diocesan school, and it normally takes place on a Sunday in October. In 2009, the event was at the brand new St. Wilfrid’s School in Crawley. This October it will be at St. Richard’s in Bexhill on Sunday October 3rd.
Young people attending Youth Gather are usually brought along by either their school or their parish, though many also come with their families. Generally speaking, you need an adult to look after you if you are under 18. If you want to come along though, and you don’t have anybody to look after you, talk to Ray in the youth office and he might be able to arrange something.
A chance to meet old friends and to make some new ones
After Mass, the participants take part in a sponsored walk – usually something like 7 miles around the local area. Each year the youth service picks a few relevant local charities to be the beneficiaries of these fundraising efforts.
Quite often, the day ends with some kind of concert of liturgy. This is slightly different each year. In 2009 we had a time of praise and worship led by a music group from Brighton. In 2008, there was a music concert led by youth bands from different parts of the diocese.
Organisations like CAFOD, the vocations team and others also come along to Youth Gather and run stalls. They are available for people to ask questions and have a chat.
If you are interested in coming to Youth Gather – or helping out – please get in touch.
Details about Youth Gather 2010 at St. Richard’s School, Bexhill, will be available soon.
Entertainment at Youth Gather 2010 provided by St. Paul's School Jazz Band
