KYT Annual Report 2023/2024 by KenelmYouthTrust

23/24 ANNUAL REPORT

CEO

The Kenelm Youth Trust is committed to serving young people in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and beyond Through its direct face-to-face work in the diocese and at our two busy Retreat Centres, and through training, resources, events offered, and support offered to Youth Leaders, Secondary School Lay Chaplains (Lay Chaplaincy) and others, the Trust serves hundreds of young people every day.

Investment by the Archdiocese in Children and Young Peoples Services is primarily through the Diocesan Youth Ministry Service: ‘The Kenelm Youth Trust’ (KYT), who served 24,000 young people in our parishes and schools (14,000 directly and 10,000 through School Chaplaincy).

This investment supports Alton Castle Retreat Centre (and its Historically significant properties)working with 10–13 year olds, adjacent to the Castle is Soli for 14–25 year olds for retreats, school missions, outreach, and the Mission Team

As the Chief Executive Officer, I have the honour of shaping and supporting this Comprehensive Youth Ministry Provision. This report shares the highlights of the last year, however day in and day out our workers and volunteers across the Archdiocese are serving our young people giving time, talent, energy and sharing their faith and the Joy of The Gospel.

KYT are supporting Youth Leaders in Parishes and Lay Chaplaincy provision in schools through training and equipping staff and volunteers working in 43 parish settings and 36 secondary schools Delivering Diocesan: Youth Retreats, Summer Camps, Pilgrimages (Lourdes Youth Section, World Youth Days with Pope Francis), Social Action and the provision of creative youth work resources, including the new Quo Vadis Catholic Mental Health Project

The main objectives of The Trust for the year 2023-2024 were:

Establishing Parish Youth Ministry at local level- rebuilding confidence

Develop Digital ministry for and with young people and leaders

Developing new work with young Altar Servers

Provide a varied calendar of local and diocesan Youth Events and Pilgrimages

Extend our reach with disadvantaged young people-particularly Young Carers

Re-establish and grow the diary of bookings and programme at the two residential centres, working closely with MAC Executive Heads

Plan with Young Adult Ministry- preparation and Formation for further Activity and Overseas Mission possibilities.

Complete the repair and restoration of the Guildhall Roof and Dormer Windows- a major capital project final costs circa £150,000

Continue with SYNODAL conversations with young people and young adults working towards the SYNOD in 2024

The Faith Formation, Skills development of Young Adult & Adult Volunteers

Continue to develop and extend Quo Vadis Catholic Well-being and Mental Health programmes and resources.

Extended the Summer Programme to reach more young people.

Review the Health and Safety aspects of the site and plan for improvements and upgrades as required. Support establishing a plan for ensuring Alton as a historic site, and Soli meets best practice.

Completing the repair and restoration of the Guildhall Roof and Dormer Windows- a major capital project final costs circa £150,000

A review of the business plans and budgets in consultation with expert advice with a lens on Climate issues and commitment to work towards net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Review Energy Costs and Providers

Consider income streams to support the Charitable Activities

Strategy and Future Plans

KYT has developed its priorities and strategy to focus on three key areas in the next two years all underpinned with our goal of evangelisation. Firstly, to equip, train and support parish youth work volunteers and School Lay Chaplains following up on Synodal priorities, particularly given the reduction in the number of Clergy. Secondly, we wish to creatively prioritise services to and with parishes there is only a little or no engagement with young people. Thirdly we will work more closely with MACs and dedicated teachers to ensure students have fantastic opportunities for retreats and Pilgrimages. We continue to work closely with the most disadvantaged young people and concentrate on significant issues such as young people’s mental health and well-being through resources and retreats.

Outlook

The Trust has achieved its hopes and returned to pre-pandemic levels of charitable activity income by 2024. As we have planned major capital works in 2023/24, we have budgeted a manageable deficit in 2024 We continue to be aware of the volatile energy crisis, and the enormous rises in our own and family’s energy costs and inflation, and our commitment to the living wage Our 2023 accounts enable KYT to move forward with confidence but cautiously as the Diocese has reduced considerably its investment by over a third in 2024 The Diocese contributes around 18% to the overall costs of this Youth Ministry Provision.

These factors continue to have a major impact on our residential projects, parish support and usual revenue streams, and as the outlook is unknown, we were agile as we anticipate a fluid and changeable outlook into 2024/25.

Appreciation and acknowledgements

Our appreciation and sincere gratitude are given to young, leaders, donors, clergy and school staff who enable, by their ‘yes’, young people to be served.

‘This is what is needed: a Church for young people, which will know how to speak to their heart and enkindle, comfort, and inspire enthusiasm in it with the joy of the Gospel and the strength of the Eucharist; a Church which will know how to invite and to welcome the person who seeks a purpose for which to commit his whole existence; a Church which is not afraid to require much, after having given much; which does not fear asking from young people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure, such as that of the following of the Gospel’ St Pope John Paul II Day of Prayer for Vocations 1995

The Parish based volunteer youth leaders, and devoted teachers give generously and with joy of their energy, enthusiasm, time, and creativity to serve young people and we thank them for this witness

‘Our staff provide life changing opportunities for thousands of young people’

The Trust believe our KYT staff and Mission Teams are our most precious resource and is committed to their CPD, Formation and ongoing development Our gratitude to Archbishop Bernard Longley for his ongoing care and support We are delighted to welcome Bishop Timothy Menezes as our new Chair of Trustees and look forward to all that lies ahead

Sandra Satchell CEO

Our CharityCommission Annual report accounts until the 31st December 2023:

SPIRIT DIREC

It does not feel like it has been a year since the last annual report was published as time has gone by so fast, but once again it has been a truly blessed year.

This report could be at least twice the size it is if we shared all that has happened across KYT, we have certainly received an abundance of God’s grace

I was privileged to be part of Mission Malawi in July, it highlighted the stark reality of the poverty and challenges that exist in the lives of many in developing countries Despite these issues I was struck by the joy and the welcome that we were met with

Throughout the mission it was really clear how our group were living out their faith through service and through the desire to learn from all we those we encountered.

This desire to grow in understanding of faith and to live it out is something that is regularly shown across KYT, whether through retreats at Soli or the Castle, within parish youth ministry and within chaplaincy in our schools.

KYT worked with with over 14,000 young people over the course of the academic year 2023-2024 and it is a great legacy of the commitment and skills of our staff and volunteers that so many young people are formed and encouraged in their faith.

Please continue to pray for KYT, that the Holy Spirit may guide us in our work and may inspire many more young people to be active in their faith

Fr Chris Yule Spiritual Director

ALTON ELMYOUTHTRUST ASTLE

Over the past year, Alton Castle and Soli have had the privilege of working with over 14,000 young people and staff on residential retreats, day retreats as well as school outreach and missions. Throughout the past year, we have continued to devote time and energy to the ongoing development of our retreat programmes, exploring new themes which delve into important topics of faith and personal development and issues impacting our world today.

Launched this year, we have a further two residential programmes and a new sacramental day retreat programme:

This programme is an exciting opportunity for young people to encounter Christ in Advent through a different lens We hear in John’s Gospel that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” This is one of the great mysteries of our faith: how God the all powerful, all knowing, all loving being could become fully human. The time spent on retreat explores this great mystery. Time is spent piecing together evidence of the Christmas story through eye-witness accounts of figures from the Christmas story, thinking about different themes of Advent, how we can prepare to celebrate Christmas and what it all means for us today.

TOTHEHEIGHTS

CASEFORCHRISTMAS

This theme can cover a 3-day or 5-day programme. We all have hopes and dreams in life: popularity, success, creative pursuits, careers, etc. To the Heights invites us to rethink ambition through God’s eyes rather than our own Through the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, together with scripture, the inspiration of the Saints and a range of activities, we are invited to rethink our approach to challenges in our life and our faith We explore how to achieve closeness to God and how a strong faith foundation can propel us to new heights beyond our wildest expectations.

Our new sacramental preparation retreat for Holy Communion. This retreat looks at the table of the Last Supper, and how we can use the lives and examples of saints who have gone before us, to join Christ at the table of the Eucharist. The day uses time of activity, meditation and intentional conversation to draw out the theme Ultimately, this retreat encourages participants to reflect on our universal call to sainthood

TEAM PROFILE

MEET JAMIE

Being on the KYT Mission Team for the past year has been something that has been a long time coming! I have the best memories of coming to the annual summer camp held up in Alton alongside my family as part of the Northampton Youth Ministry group (NYMO) and loved every moment of them! The different activities, the surprise day trips, times of prayer and sharing faith with people like me, as well as a day at Alton Towers were exactly what a young Catholic like myself needed

I knew I wanted to be involved in ministry, so I decided to go for a couple of taster retreats at Alton Castle and Soli Centre, and through them decided to volunteer for a year as a part of the Mission Team.

Being a very practical lad I have absolutely loved up-skilling myself in the different activities, giv meet God in faith, discove able to lead

Living in com life-long frie community good. I am c for a second myself even activities. I h people, the i the Mission

I was a youn example of w young Catho

THANK YOU & FAREWELL

As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible dedication, passion, and hard work each of the volunteer mission team has poured into our mission. The impact of their efforts has been truly transformative, and we have been honoured to have such a devoted team. The commitment of the team has impacted many lives, nurturing the seeds that God has planted in each of the young people and staff they have ministered to We thank each and every one of them, praying that they can recognise God’s hand in their lives, wherever it leads

We have also said goodbye to Anna and Lucas, members of our Programme Staff and are delighted that Rebecca will be moving across to Quo Vadis development We thank them also for their dedicated service in redeveloping programmes and for their work and ministry over their years with the Trust. We pray for them and wish them well in all of their future plans.

Soli Centre for Youth Ministry has had an impactful year, engaging with 35 Secondary Schools across and beyond the diocese for residential retreats, hosting 6 exciting day retreats - including two exclusively for Young Carers - supporting 2 KYT events, leading a mission week, and reaching 13 schools through our outreach programme. Our work fosters spiritual growth and community among young people. There have been many creative and new developments at Soli this year

SOLID GROUND

In January, we partnered with the charity, Stories of Hope and Home, to engage with refugees and asylum seekers who have first-hand experience with the UK asylum system. This encounter provided a platform for sharing their stories, helping to foster a more informed and welcoming society. It inspired us to develop our new residential retreat, Solid Ground, which centres on Catholic Social Teaching (CST).

Solid Ground Retreat Overview

The retreat offers young people a transformative experience, delving into CST while promoting personal growth and community spirit. The retreat, available as a three-day or optional four-day programme, is designed to inspire and equip participants to live out their faith meaningfully.

INTRO & TEAM BUILDING

The day begins with teambuilding activities to help participants bond & feel at home An interactive carousel presents the 7 CST principles, emphasising Human Dignity. Prayer, Adoration & Reflection, encourages participants to connect these teachings to their personal lives.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

FOCUS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

Through an immersive simulation, participants experience real-life challenges faced by refugee families, fostering empathy, compassion & understanding. We prepare for Mass, explore its significance & enjoy outdoor activities and evening entertainment.

REFLECTION & CELEBRATION

Participants celebrate their growth through affirmations and engage in the "House of Prayer" for reconciliation and reflection The final service equips and encourages retreatants to return to their communities with a renewed sense of purpose and conviction.

Solid Ground Outreach Programme

We are excited to introduce our enhanced outreach programme, Solid Ground, which guides participants through the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching, including Human Dignity, Solidarity, and the Common Good Solid Ground aims to educate participants about social justice issues and empower them to contribute to positive change.

APPLICATIONTO GLOBALISSUES

We go beyond theoretical discussions, applying CST to pressing global issues including Christian persecution, the climate crisis, and the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers

Solid Ground partners with charities like the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to offer practical, hands-on workshops This provides insights & strategies for addressing societal challenges and making a positive impact

WORKSHOPS WITHCHARITIES

SecondyearvolunteerandapprenticeBensharesabouthis experiencesofdeliveringthisprogrammeinschools..

The ‘OnTheMove’workshopisagreat opportunityforyoungpeopletogetasnippetoflifeasarefugee, asylumseekeror migrant. Theygaininsightintohowpeoplemforcedtoleavetheirhomescanbe istreatedbytherestoftheworld.

SUITABLEFORALL YEARGROUPS

We are proud that the Solid Ground programme is designed to be inclusive for all year groups It aims to raise awareness and inspire meaningful action among students of all ages and academic levels

YOUNG CARERS RESIDENTIAL & DAY RETREATS

In February, we welcomed 15 young people from across the diocese for our first residential Young Carers Retreat and later hosted 20 young people over two day retreats from secondary schools in the Stoke-on-Trent area As part of the ‘Adventures Away From Home’ project, both programmes were dedicated to providing these young people with respite from their daily caregiving responsibilities, offering them a chance to unwind and engage in fun outdoor activities within a safe and supportive environment.

During both programmes, the young people participated in various team-building activities, including our low ropes course. They also enjoyed outdoor adventures such as mountain biking, archery, crate stacking, and abseiling down the Castle tower. The retreats allowed these wonderful young carers to immerse themselves in new experiences and adventures where they could just simply be children.

This residential was an opportunity for the often excluded youth to dive in, lead, inspire, and encourage Everyone stepped out of their comfort zones, fostering confidence and sharpening problem-solving skills And the focus of everything was having fun and giving it a go, making it truly the best week

Comments from School Staff...

It gave an opportunity to develop stronger, positive relationships with the young people. It’s been a joy to see a change in their outlooks following the day trip Students returned to school with renewed energy and enthusiasm. It was great that they felt important and special, as they were given a unique experience exclusive to them. For some students, there was a noticeable change; they are now much more focused in the classroom It was wonderful for them to experience that they are loved, needed, and wanted

PAST TEAM RETREAT

In April, we held a remarkably nos weekend bringing together form team volunteers from Soli (Alton & and Alton Castle The weekend w of extraordinary, welcoming back and those who served as far back breadth of representation across inspiring. Participants had the opportuni share cherished memories, attend Mass t even enjoy some afternoon tea! In true M spirit, we revisited activities and games ty on retreat, reliving the joy and camarade defined their volunteer years.

The weekend was enriched with inspirati and catechesis, providing spiritual nouris reaffirming the values that initially drew u our mission Centred on the theme ‘Corner God as the foundation of our lives, buildin of faith in all that we do. Past team mem and Vicki Hamilton led our Catechesis; th understanding of how to keep Christ as o

The weekend was not just a trip down m forge new friendships and strengthen th sense of shared purpose and commitme retreat an unforgettable experience for a

TEAM PROFILE

MEET JAS

MyyearontheKYTMissionteam2023-24hasbeen oneofthemostblessed,amazingandtransformative yearsofmylife.Ihavehadtheprivilegeofministering atbothAltonCastleandmorefrequently,Soli.Ihave beenabletowitnessthegrowthinouryoungpeople bothinfaithandasindividualsespeciallywhenin smallgroups.YouthMinistryhasstrengthenedmy faithandmotivatedmetoexploreandlearn,soI canbestministertothosethatvisit. Myconfidenceinsharingmyfaith,leading smallgroupprayersandelementsofourretreat programmehasgrownmassively.Ievenhadthe opportunitytosharemytestimonyatLourdesto youngpeoplefromallacrosstheArchdiocese.My yearonteamhasallowedmetoencounterChristdaily -througheveryyoungperson’ssmile,actsofkindness, prayer,HolyMassorteamworkduringactivities.

The Kenelm Youth Trust’s Parish Youth Ministry team covers the entire geographical area of the Birmingham Archdiocese, inspiring, recruiting, training volunteers and resourcing parishes

This year has seen the appointment of two new Youth Ministry Workers within the Parish Youth Ministry team; both members of staff have immersed themselves into their roles with relentless passion and dedication to KYT’s overall mission.

Libby, our Engagement and Accompaniment Youth Ministr Worker and Yemi, our Encounter and Evangelisation Youth Ministry Worker, are both looking forward to developing further within their roles Alongside and supported by Maria, our long-standing Youth Ministry Co-ordinator, this dynamic team works together with parishes to deliver a wide variety of activities and resources for young people aged 11 - 25. The team works tirelessly to parishes to bridge the gap between school life a and extends such support to University Chaplain Chaplains and young adults

The Parish Youth Ministry team is eager to support Parishes in establishing their vision for youth ministry, in line with the Diocesan Plan. This includes but is not limited to:

Recruitment and training of parish volunteers

A new offering of Mental Health First Aid

Access to a variety of unique resources

Regular communication and check-ins

Networking opportunities & sharing good practice

TRAINING

VITAL

Our junior leadership course ‘Vital’ was up and running once again this year Our updated training has been designed to nurture and develop the leadership potential in young people across school years 10 - 13. The aim of Vital is to enable participants to take on roles within their parish and school communities allowing for stronger collaboration and fellowship

Vital embarked on its course from Cardinal Wisemen School in Coventry. It has since enriched the programme of our annual ‘Limitless’ Retreat Already

The Bethsaida course delivers invaluable training for Parish Leaders, to mature and strengthen their skillset and confidence. It consists of five sessions focused on exploring all the elements that form the framework of a successful youth group. Bethsaida aims to cultivate knowledge and expertise in areas including but not limited to: planning and delivering engaging sessions and moments of prayer; responsible safeguarding and correct procedure; and creating effective risk assessments

Led by the Parish Youth Ministry team, with input from the Archdiocese Safeguarding Office, Bethsaida has supported various parishes across the diocese both in person and online.

continues to be an indispensable offering for ng people across all walks of life and ur young people are on their mental urney, the course equips both parish hool communities with the necessary s to establish a durable and dynamic support system for all young people. he effective facilitation of this course has sustained a safe and supportive environment for all participants The fruits of such effort has seen huge success in the appreciable numbers of volunteers and staff committing to the training and achieving certification

urse! Highly recommend for anyone young people in any setting. The best ent on CPD in a long time. Beccy and nack for handling some intense and ial in a way that is easy to handle, and ber with lots of helpful skills to implement in your daily life.”

CIAL OUTREACH

LOVE CHRISTMAS

Exemplifying the Greatest Commandment, our annual project Love Christmas delivered 200+ bags of kindness filled with Christmas goodies to families in need across Staffordshire Moorlands. The Edge @ Alton youth group began fundraising efforts by carol singing in the local Morrisons and Anna sold a soup supper to her fellow school staff members. Whilst in Coventry, the project collaborated with a local community centre food bank to provide hot meals to families. School & Parish Volunteers also provided crafts, games, music and even invited Santa to deliver a ift f h f th hild t

MISSION MALAWI

In July, a group of 18 de adults made the journe

partnership with the St Francis Malawi Trust The Mission trip focused on 3 areas: Health Care, Education Visiting three different schools, St and Bunda School, the team deliv Mass and learned some traditiona and dances with the students

Fundraising efforts prior to the Mi provided medication, consultation re-established the feeding progra bought essential supplies for the s

As a result, 243 children visited th accessed essential medication. The visited the Kasina Health Clinic wh villages. This particular Clinic also maternity ward. Team Members w observation rooms, the labs, the p the maternity ward, the orphan fe and the teenage HIV clinic. A few team members also assisted on th The team met with the Jesuit Centr and Development (JCED) and visite school with which the Centre works group also visited the Potteries, whe the JCED help local women develop skills to produce environmentally fri stoves to sell at market. Finally, they visited an eco-village, where they learned about overcoming the challenges of farming.

EVENTS

PILGRIMAGES &RETREATS

LOURDES

During their half term, a group of 31 young including the KYT Mission Team joined 200 young volunteers for the annual Archdioces to Lourdes. Alongside supporting our assist Kenelm facilitated the under 16's programm saw the younger age bracket become more involved and share more fully in the experie

Starting with a talent filled open mic night, was countless opportunities to share in faith during masses, services, the torchlight processions and the Youth Vigil With input from Archbishop Bernard, the KYT Mission Team hosted an incredible Vigil filled with praise and adoration, a moment to pause a reflect amid the busyness Journeying with assisted pilgrims, each young person was a witness to faith: radiating joy, care and com throughout the entire week.

CALLED TO SERVE

From 8th to 10th March, 98 of our Diocesan Altar Servers came together to celebrate

their vital role in the celebration of the Mass, the first residential retreat of its kind in the Archdiocese Keynote speaker Jimmy Mitchell, the Vocations Office and the KYT Mission Team facilitated input, a Q&A panel, outdoor activities and a beautiful Eucharistic Procession The retreat culminated in the celebration of Mass with Bishop David Evans, but a highlight was the powerful and prayerful Eucharistic Procession on Saturday. Faith was strengthened understanding deepened, resulting in outstanding feedback from bo leaders and young people, many of whom have since returned for ot

IT’S A KNOCKOUT

Rough Close Scout Campsite once again became home to 180 young people and leaders for this years IAK Parish teams from across the diocese competed in fun but challenging games with the It’s a Knockout trophy in mind. Skills in leadership and team work flourished, faith was strengthened and initial trust was built for the formation of intentional disciples. With beautiful moments of prayer around the campfire and the celebration of outdoor Mass, the weekend gave the young people an incredible opportunity to celebrate their faith.

hrough prayer & meditation, the ation of Mass, outdoor activities group challenges, our Fearless ants (school years 5-9) spent the xploring and sharing their faith amongst like minded individuals Youth groups leave having built friendships, faith and a wider community

ess retreat focuses on building the leadership skills of le in years 10-13. Running alongside Fearless, Limitless who atten and skills towards lead

WORLD YOUTH DAY

In August 2023 a life-changing Lisbon, accomp

Bernard Longley To nurture the renewed desire and serve their parishes, we hosted a retreat wee Name, at the Soli Centre It was a weekend of pra worship, adoration, reflection, discussions, outdo and pure joy Fr Marco joined us and spoke abou universal “Call to Holiness”; Sr Elaine FSPs (first fe Vocations Director for Catholic Church in E&W) s on the role and value of “Women in the Church”; Georges Wisoba spoke on “Married Life”, emphas the beauty of the sacrament; and Fr Chris Yule en time together renewing our understandin Priesthood”. Called by Name was an unfor to WYD Lisbon and our pilgrims left with a sense of joy, overwhelmed by God’s love a to contribute actively in their parish comm

ADDITIONAL DAYEVENTS

BORN FOR THIS

talented cast of 65+ young people. Participants had t reflect and share their tho cross to prepare their hea prayer, laughter, friendshi animated by gifts of dram

Facilitated by parishes an the truth of God's mercifu inspired and young peopl more active role in their c

‘Born For This’ consisted of an incredibly

THEOLOGY ON TAP (T

Guided by a member of the Cler provides young adults with a uni to pray, explore and question the faith in a private dining setting

TOT has over 50 participants with desire to deepen their faith or address barriers hindering their faith journey. A respectful, compassionate and safe space with Church teaching at the cen has resulted in authentic sharing discussion.

We have recently established a c of 3 passionate young adults, wh ways TOT can benefit parishes and community TOT continues to bu foundation of faith in the hearts of young adults who then become confident to defend and share their faith with others

The World Youth Day experience was incredibly special and since the summer I have set up a Christian Union at school and led a new youth group at my church, so thank you to everyone at the Kenelm Youth Trust for giving me that opportunity.

Amelia, 18, Our Lady and St Anne's, Caversham Feedback on World Youth Day Lisbon 2023

WORLD YOUTH SUNDAY

Pope Francis called for World Youth Sunday to be celebrated on the Solemnity of Christ the King. A day for the global Catholic Church to acknowledge and celebrate young people in their local communities. In over 60 parishes across the diocese (24 - 26 Nov 2023), young people boldly proclaimed their faith, raising awareness and funding for the Kenelm Youth Trust. Their testimonies lit the flame of hope in the hearts of those listening Young people were inspired to engage in faith-filled opportunities and parishioners were eager to establish youth groups to support this Pope Francis stresses that “we cannot keep our Christian hope to ourselves, “like a warm feeling, it is meant for everyone” (Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the XXVIII World Youth Day) Thank you to all the parish volunteers and youth workers who have supported KYT’s mission over the years Your prayers, time and effort in building the future of the Church are much appreciated.

Born For This was an amazing show that brought the passion of Christ to life - it was captivating This was the first event our youth group was involved in and it turned out to be a massive confidence booster” Essien, St Francis of Xavier, Feedback on Born For This

MEET CHIMUKA

Appointed in September 2023, Chimuka has now spent a full year working across Stuart Bathurst and Bishop Milner Schools She has brought her sense of fun, love of the faith and passion for young people to the role and has served in a hugely impactful way.

She says,

BecomingaLayChaplainhasbeensuchajoyandfulfillingexperience. Thisroleisonethatallowsyoutospreadthemessageof theGospelinarefreshinganduniquewaytoyoungpeopleenabling themtoseekoutandlearnmorewithintheirfaith!Igrewup watchingandlearningfromLayChaplainswithinmyowneducationalexperiencesandbeingabletobeonemyself, especially asayoungBlackCatholic, hasaffordedmethechancetoshowhowopenanddiversetheChurchis. Whatanhonouritistohavesuchanopportunitythatencouragesgrowth, curiosityandmostimportantly loveofthefaith, nomatterwhatpathyouareon.

CHAPLAINCY INSET

With world class speakers, important a relevant topics and time for networkin trouble shooting, this years INSET days great impact.

This year had a particular focus on Cath Apologetics where Lay Chaplains were the opportunity to study subjects like T Marian Dogma’s, Statues and Popular well as Salvation Digging into our Bibl Catechism, we left this year feeling form inspired Exploring Catholic Apologetic direct response to recent Synod’s wher y g people expressed wanting to engage intellectually with the faith. Ensuring those who accompany our young people had the opportunity to grapple intellectually with tough topics became a priority for us and led to ensuring that each INSET day began with a two hour learning opportunity.

LAUDATO SI CHAMPIONS

On January 12, School Chaplaincy Teams came together over 3 days at Alton Castle to become Laudato Si Champions! Through engaging talks, outdoor education and student projects, our young people had a deep dive into Catholic Social Teaching and the Pope’s Encyclical. Leaving with practical ideas to implement in their communities as well as having prepared their own ‘Blue Sky Thinking’ project, students felt empowered to head back to their school communities, to meet with senior leaders and to continue to take a lead in the school plans to Live Simply.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TRAINING DAY

In November, students and Lay Chaplains came together, with the now Bishop Timothy Menezes, to have a training day to becoming Eucharistic Ministers for their school communities Having applied to attend and providing references from their Parish Priests, the day was attended by very impressive, thoughtful and passionate young people and staff Bishop Timothy was able to share stories and deliver teaching that left everyone certain of the great responsibility and gift that this ministry was. The day ended with a beautiful commissioning in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Chad’s Cathedral.

QUO VADIS - CATHOLIC MENTAL HEALTH

A big part of Ministry this year was working alongside staff during their INSET days and twilights As part of our ongoing committment to exploring a Catholic Appoach to Mental Health, many schools have invited us to lead their staff in assessing where they themselves are a It has been a privilege to invite staff to think intentio their own wellbeing whilst giving them practical too to ensure that they can practice self care throughou Anchoring all our understanding in the richness of C teaching and wisdom has ensured that the INSET h depth and was grounded in truth, beauty and good

Throughout the year we have also been delighted to welcome over 25 new Mental Health First Aiders Being trainers of this invaluable course has ensured that training can be grounded in experiences within our Catholic communities It also allows us to advoc continually for richer training opportunities for staff In the coming year we will also be extending this tra our sixth formers so that more people have access t impactful programme.

LAY CHAPLAINS RETREAT DAY

In the sunshine of April we arrived at St Mary’s College Oscott to be guided for the day by Canon Michael Dolman, Rector of Oscott Through teaching, adoration, Holy Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and quiet time, we were encouraged to ensure that as faith leaders in our schools, we were always leading by example, receiving the Sacraments and ensuring a life of daily prayer and worship.

CHAPLAINCY COMMISSIONING MASS

Our Annual Chaplaincy Commissioning beautiful opportunity to come togethe the diocese, to pray, celebrate and eat c Archbishop Bernard was our main celebrant and after an inspiring homily commissioned both Lay Chaplains and Student Chaplaincy Teams to go back t their communities as witnesses and pa sharers of the faith. It was also a time to the hard work of Lay Chaplains who ha in and achieved the Diocesan Chaplain in Lay Chaplaincy during the previous a With certificates and photo’s we celebr great achievement and committment professional development!

JIMMY MITCHELL ON TOU

We were delighted to welcome back o friend, Jimmy Mitchell, to work with us during the month of March Jimmy is t director of Campus Ministry at Jesuit H School, Tampa During his half term bre he was able to be with us to visit parish schools to share his love of the Faith D time with us he delivered over 20 talks people where he was able to share the Gospel message and invite people to a Jesus Christ. Sharing stories from his own life as well as the lives of the saints and even the odd Hollywood movie clip, Jimmy was expertly able to move hearts and minds which was evidence by the number of young people that hung back after the talks to follow up questions and dive in even more

SUMMER CAMP 202

Our annual LifeTeen Summer Camp welcomed nearly 200 people from across the Archdiocese and beyond The focus for this year’s camp was around the theme 'Sanctuary'. The young people were exploring the reality of God as their ultimate Sanctuary, a place of refuge and solace for us in our time of need. We explored this theme through inspirational talks from our Guest Speaker (a familiar face all the way from the States), Jimmy Mitchell, small group time and daily moments celebrating the Sacraments We were kept extremely busy with; Outdoor Activities: Biking, Abseiling, Archery, Trekking, Survival, Low Ropes, a range of giant inflatable garden games etc. There was a surprise trip to Ninja Warrior UK. We also enjoyed Alton Towers Theme Park and our traditional Messy Games. It doesn't get much better than that!

We are extremely lucky to have welcomed an incredible musician from the States, Carlos, who animated our group sessions, Mass, Adoration d even sang songs with us around our huge bonf only thing left to say is... Bring on Summer Cam

ILLUMINE

Illumine is a 6-part digital resource, created for Sixth Form and University students. The resource is a direct response to the 2021-24 Synod exploring the current ‘barriers to faith’ that young adults are facing today. Each session has been handcrafted and designed to encourage young adults to explore and discuss the following topics; Science, Suffering, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Women in the Church, Gender Identity, and Sexuality

As part of our dedication to developing our digital ministry and responding to the findings from the most recent Synod on Synodality, we are so pleased to now offer our brand new digital resource, Illumine.

Each session comes with 3 professionally filmed digital talks from expert speakers, session plans, teacher's notes and PowerPoint presentations. There is also an optional journal following the sessions, which includes additional explorative and reflective activities. We are already seeing Schools enquire into and subscribe to this resource!

How many attended the Altar Server’s Retreat?

How many young people were served by Alton & Soli?

Was Summer Camp ‘24 the fastest selling yet or biggest?

How many plays does our most successful TikTok have?

How many bars of soap were taken on Mission Malawi?

From Sep 23, how

LETS LOOK AT THE STATISTICS

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT

The development of the Trust’s digital presence has been of particular significance over the past year Recognising the ever increasing importance of the digital space, we welcomed past team member Becky, into the role of Digital Development Worker. We have been able to produce not only a strong website and social media image, but also a vast range of high quality digital resources such as Illumine and the development of Quo Vadis, and design work that has been utilised within our retreat centres, our parishes and our schools.

The ‘Art of Accompaniment’, a practice that Pope Francis continuously champions, ultimately encourages us to meet young people where they are at We are so blessed to meet and work with flourishing numbers of young people across Kenelm but we were particularly interested in extending our

Name: The Kenelm Youth Trust Limited

Registered Company Number:

Registered Charity Number:

7682500 (England

Registered Office: 1144209 Alton Castle, Castle Hill Road, A Staffordshire, ST10 4TT

Trustees and Directors

The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and collectively referred to as the Trustees. Trustees serving during the period were as follows:

Miss H Bardy

Mrs C Clement

Mr P Lucas

Ms C Keane

Mr E Howard

Mrs C Pears

Mr A Kiely (Until September 2023)

Mrs D Ferris (From July 2024)

Mr M Charlesworth (From July 2024)

Bishop T Menezes (From August 2024)

Leadership Team