Diocesan News
Energize youth celebration in Connor a huge success
Energize, the celebration of youth and youth work which took place in Bt Brigid’s, Glengormley, Connor Diocese, on September 28 was a huge success.
Praise and worship took place in the 550 seat church, which was almost filled to capacity, and different rooms housed a coffee bar, juice dock and prayer space.
In his words of welcome, Bishop Alan said: “One of the greatest gifts in the life of our diocese is our young people and I want them to have the gift to experience the richness of what this diocese has to offer.” The evening, he said, was all about giving permission. “I give you permission,” the Bishop added.
The bishop’s opening words were followed by a dramatic display of dance by Chrysalis Dance Ministry, made up of young people from St Paul’s and St Barnabas’s in Belfast.
A group from ER, Coleraine
Following a reading from St Mark young people from St Paul and St Barnabas re-enacted a modern interpretation of the story of how Jesus healed the paralysed man lowered through the roof by his friends.
Bishop Alan spoke of his own faith journey and how in his teens he had struggled, but had been carried through by others who helped him during those years.
Keith Neil, youth worker at Lisburn Cathedral, leads the singing
Keith Neil, youth worker at Lisburn Cathedral, led the prayers and singing, along with the Cathedral band. He urged the young people to engage and hear what God had to say.
“We have a fantastic message to give. There are hundreds in here tonight but there are thousands out there who don’t know that message,” he said.
A participant from St John's, Ballyclare, spots herself in the photo exhibition
Videos filmed at youth groups around the diocese were screened, and during the break the young people had an opportunity to view photographs of youth work in the diocese, as well as make their mark on the graffiti wall and enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Singing during the praise
As the service drew to a close after more worship, dance and enthusiastic praise, Keith Neil told the young people. “We are at the start of a wonderful journey together in the diocese. This is about changing the face of youth work, it is about each of us being challenged and energized to go out there.”
For further information please contact:
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer
Contact Details
Karen Bushby
028 4066 0798
07766103880
[email protected]