by Kathy Shaw, SPARK Manager
I had a lovely visit to the parish of St Augustine of Canterbury in Harehills on Sunday.
The Youth Mass was a joy; young people led the readings and responsorial psalm and sang solo with skill and confidence. Some spoke of their own experiences of faith in moving testimonies, including a young man who had not been raised in a faith background but had recently found his place in the community of St Augustine. The church offers specific masses for Zimbabwean, Ukrainian, Portuguese and Nigerian parishioners as well as the whole community.
After Mass, team building activities for all ages were led by the irrepressible energy of Cassandra James, a recent and welcome addition to the J&P Commission. I spoke to a number of parishioners who all spoke of the diversity and family sense of this parish, the young people were repeatedly assured that as the light of the world they were the future of the church, and they would be the leaders to come.
My happy place is never behind a microphone at the front of a crowded hall, but in response to a request from Cassandra I spoke briefly about our work. There were several young adults from Notre Dame and at university and our leaflets may lead to further conversations.
It was a joy filled occasion which truly celebrated the place of young people at the centre of this parish. An example to those across the Diocese who say it is hard to involve young people and teenagers … come to St Augustine’s or talk to Cassandra!