As part of the Ascend Strategic Plan for Youth & Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore which was launched in March 2023, twenty Faith Representatives representing eleven parishes were commissioned for the diocese on Friday 29th September in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford. The role of a Faith Rep will vary from parish to parish, but they will all aim to walk intentionally with youth and young adults on their journey of faith, offering meaningful opportunities for them to encounter Jesus. Collaborating with the Strategic plan, they will aim to respond to the needs of their parishes, supported by the Diocesan Strategic Task Force for Youth & Young Adult Ministry. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and experience, the newly commissioned Faith Reps are people of real faith, with a heart for young people, who have received training and support from the diocese over the past few months and will continue to be supported and mentored as they embrace their exciting new role for the next two years. Youth & Young Adult Ministry Officer, Nodlaig Lillis commended the Faith Reps last Friday night for bravely stepping forward, offering their time and talents when an easier option is to do nothing and complain. Nodlaig explained: “Ascend Youth & Young Adult Ministry is inspired by the motto of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati – one of the patrons and inspirations for the diocesan vision for youth ministry: “Verso l’alto!” (To the Heights). We believe in meeting young people where they are at but leading them onwards and upwards towards an encounter with Christ, a sacramental encounter with Jesus: the Way for those who need guidance, the Light for those in darkness, the Truth that cuts through confusion and doubt. To use a simple mountain analogy, some of our Faith Reps might be the ones actively leading the expedition itself up the mountain top with young people, some might be the ones who plan the outing and ensure people have a lift to get there, some might be the smiling face that extends the invitation or puts up the posters and social media posts to advertise the event, others might be the ones with the very welcome flask of tea and sandwiches after the hike, others might just be the encouragers who say “Well done, we knew you could do it!” and listen to the experience the young people had.”
Please remember our Faith Reps in your prayers. For more information on the Ascend Strategic Plan for Youth & Young Adult Ministry go to www.waterfordlismore.ie/youth-ministry
