During the first weekend in March, the Cork Diocesan Youth Council held their first Retreat Weekend since before the Covid-19 pandemic at the Carhue Centre in Bandon.

Hilda Connolly, Diocesan Youth Officer writes:

It is strange to think that the last residential weekend that the Cork Diocesan Youth Council held was the Confirmation Retreat in March 2020. It is nearly ironic that the first residential weekend after Covid restrictions were lifted, was the Confirmation Retreat March 2022 for this year’s upcoming candidates.

Thanks to Judy Peters, the Rev. Cliff Jeffers, Steve Grasham from CIYD, and the ‘Young Leaders in Training’ group, the weekend was full of different events, including sessions on the Bible, worship and prayer. They also organised a mini “Bake Off” competition, judged by Judy and Steve, Pilates and Dancefit sessions with Cathy Sweetnam from Core Studio, and an African Drumming Session with Steve. 

It was great to be able to see a new group of young people gathering again, and to see the Young Leaders in action for the first time with some help from the older Youth Leaders. There was a great buzz around the Carhue Centre in Bandon over the two days. It is great to be back!