Young adults celebrate Christmas with Mass and festivities

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

Young adults from across the Diocese of Nottingham, gathered on Gaudete Sunday at St Mary’s Church in Derby, which is part of the parish of St Ralph Sherwin, for their annual Christmas celebration.

Their time together began with Mass, during which Fr Andrew Cole and Fr Neil Peoples concelebrated.

During his homily, Fr Andrew Cole, who serves the parish of St Ralph Sherwin, reflected on the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol.

Fr Cole said that we can learn from the famous tale, by finding joy in the smallest of things and being open to being transformed by the season of Christmas, just as Ebenezer Scrooge was.

Following the Mass there were festive nibbles in the church hall, followed by a Christmas quiz and a game of pass the parcel.

Commenting on the evening, Charles Archer who is Young Adult Ministry Lead, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to bring young adults, from all across the diocese, together in celebration as we prepare for Christmas.”

Joe Hopkins, Director of Adult Formation for Mission, said that it had been a great year for young adults in the Diocese. “There have been many highlights and opportunities for young adults this year to deepen their faith and strengthen their friendships. Individuals from our young adult community were able to attend Pope Francis’s funeral, the canonisations of St Carlo Acutis and St Giorgio Frassati and the pilgrimage to Lourdes in the summer.

“The year ahead looks exciting too as we prepare for World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea. We are aiming to take about 25 young adults so look out for booking information on the diocesan website in January.”

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