The Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service (NDCYS) is delighted to announce a first-of-its-kind retreat created especially for the young people who serve so faithfully at the altar. We warmly invite parish leaders, deacons and clergy to bring their altar servers (Year 7-13) to this unique weekend of prayer, fellowship and formation.
Altar servers hold a cherished place in the life of every parish. Their quiet dedication, their reverence, and their willingness to serve make them powerful witnesses of faith. This retreat is designed to acknowledge that service—supporting young people in deepening their relationship with Christ and helping them to grow confidently into their roles within the liturgy and the wider Church.
Throughout the weekend, participants will journey through Bishop Patrick’s key diocesan themes: Encounter, Discipleship and Missionary Discipleship.
• Encounter: Exploring Friendship with Jesus through guided prayer, reflection and shared experiences.
• Discipleship: Taking part in a powerful Emmaus Walk, enabling servers to recognise Christ’s presence along the road of their own lives.
• Missionary Discipleship: Engaging sessions on discernment and vocations, encouraging young people to listen openly to God’s call—wherever it may lead.
At the heart of the retreat will be what is the heart of our faith: the source and summit of Christian life, celebrated together in Mass and deepened through Eucharistic Adoration.
This inaugural retreat promises to be a joyful and enriching time for every participant—a chance to build community, grow spiritually, and be renewed in their ministry on the altar.
Extend this invitation to your servers and accompany them, so together we can support and nurture the next generation of faithful leaders in our diocese.
NDCYS look forward to welcoming you and your young people for a truly grace-filled weekend.
What's coming up
