Six Parishes Complete Groundbreaking Bethsida Youth Ministry Course

^{Source: NDCYS}

The Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service (NDCYS) has successfully completed its first Bethsida youth ministry training course, equipping six parishes with the tools, confidence, and practical skills to reach young people in their local communities.

The course, which concluded two weeks ago, represents a significant step forward in supporting the Bishop's Mission Plan, where young people and young adults are identified as a key priority for the diocese.

A New Approach to Youth Ministry

The Bethsida course emerged from a comprehensive diocesan youth service review, which revealed a deep desire among parishes for practical support in delivering youth ministry at the local level. Rather than a one-size-fits-all diocesan programme,, NDCYS has embraced a model of equipping and empowering parishes to develop youth ministry that fits their unique context.

"We want young people to be able to access youth ministry opportunities in a parish that is local to them,” explained the Director of NDCYS. "To do this the youth service needs to be at the service of parishes to enable them to meet the needs of their young people and this is going to look different in every parish in the diocese."

Journey of Formation

The inaugural cohort began in January with an in-person formation day at the Briars, allowing participants to connect, build relationships, and form a supportive community. Over the following six to seven weeks, participants met online weekly to explore comprehensive training covering:

● The distinct call to youth ministry and mission in the context of the Diocesan mission plan.                                      
● Creating an engaging youth programme
● Sharing our faith
● Group work and leadership
● Practical steps for launching youth ministry
● Session planning and youth culture
● Strategies for attracting and engaging young people
● Safeguarding and health & safety essentials
● Theology of youth ministry
● Developing parish-specific action plans

Participants came from diverse parish contexts—some with paid youth workers, others with volunteers only. Some are building on existing confirmation programmess, while others are starting completely fresh. The course met each parish where they were and equipped them for where they want to go.

Ongoing Support and Accompaniment

NDCYS's commitment doesn't end with course completion. The youth service team will continue to journey with each parish over the coming months through one-to-one support sessions, helping them refine and implement their specific ministry plans.

Your Opportunity to Get Involved

Following the success of this inaugural course, NDCYS is excited to announce that Bethsida will return in January 2027. This is your parish's opportunity to be part of the next cohort and receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to reach young people in your community.

Whether you're a priest, parish leader, volunteer, or someone with a passion for young people, Bethsida will give you the practical tools and confidence to make youth ministry happen in your parish. To register your interest for the January 2027 Bethsida course or to learn more about upcoming NDCYS events, email events@ndcys.com today.

The Bishop has made young people a priority. Six parishes have already answered the call. Will yours be next?