The appointment of a full-time Youth Officer for the United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough has been announced. Gregory Fromholz, a 32-year old American, who has been highly involved in youth work in Ireland for the past twelve years, has been appointed. This is the first time for a full-time youth officer to be appointed and marks an exciting new initiative in youth work in the Dioceses.

For some time the Diocesan Youth Committee, composed mainly of young people, has been engaged in researching requirements in this area. One of their recommendations was that youth work be given the new fresh title, 3 rock. Gregory will start work as Director of 3 rock, on 10 September 2003.

Gregory, who lives in Newcastle, Co Wicklow, with his wife, Alex, and their two children, grew up in Michigan and has lived in various parts of the United States. He came to Ireland in 1991. Since then has been working with young people of the 12 to 24 age group, mainly in the Dublin area.

He has worked with churches of different denominations creating and implementing youth programmes. These have included contemporary music and worship events, evangelistic work and school retreats. He has set up well known Dublin based youth events, such as Xposure, and been a creative influence in Summer Madness, a well established Church of Ireland event. He has a wealth of talent and experience in the areas of worship and the performing arts, which will be a great asset in his new role.

Welcoming the new appointment Archbishop Neill said, “I am delighted that Gregory Fromholz is to be Director of 3 rock. The appointment to this vital position of someone who has such a wealth of experience of working with young people and an understanding of their needs, opens a new and exciting chapter in the life of our dioceses. The establishment of the post was a key recommendation of the 2001 Diocesan Forum.”

Gregory can be contacted at 01- 473 9100 or email:Dublin & Glendalough Youth Officer