Young people and those who minister with them gathered in Canterbury last month ahead of Vocations Sunday for the Diocese of Canterbury’s first Growing Young Vocations Day.
Hosted at St Paul’s-Without-The-Walls, the day was designed to celebrate the young leaders in our diocese, encourage the next generation, and equip those of us who disciple them. Young people aged 14–25 had the opportunity to explore different forms of ministry through workshops on music, preaching, intercessions and reading, and everyday faith and schools ministry. Clergy and youth ministers also attended a dedicated workshop on raising young leaders.
The newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury also attended, meeting with the participants and answering their questions. Speaking at the event, Archbishop Sarah said: “It’s been an opportunity to hear what young people think about the church, but also, it’s been an opportunity to encourage them to think about their vocation. Of course, we have one vocation to follow Jesus, but it’s about thinking about what we do with those skills and those gifts.
“It’s been such an encouraging time, so important to have young people involved in our churches.”
Also included in the day was a Eucharist, a ‘five-minute ministries’ panel, and drop-in conversations where young people and ministers could ask questions to subject specialists.
One of the organisers, Lillie Swain, had previously taken part in the diocesan Growing Young Leaders programme. Speaking about the day, Lillie said: “Growing Young Vocations Day has been an opportunity to celebrate our young people and to hear where God might be calling them, whatever ministry that could be or whatever vocation that could be.
“You can learn so much from young people.”
The day concluded with many of the participants attending the Diocesan Service of Welcome for Archbishop Sarah, where young people also made a meaningful contribution: participants of the Growing Young Leaders programme interviewed the Archbishop, the Hythe Youth Choir led a section of the music, and a pupil from one of the Diocese’s CofE schools helped lead the prayers.
Growing Young Leaders is a course for any young person aged 14-18 who wants to develop their leadership skills to help serve their church and wider community. The next cohort starts in September, and those wanting to participate can
The Church of England has also ahead of Vocations Sunday (26 April), including liturgical resources and a short film.