Knights of St Columba - Our Work with Young People

Our Work with Young People

As part of Knights of St Columba's commitment to the youth of our country, various activity programmes are organised at a local and national level. These are aimed at various age groups and include Family Fun Days, Encounter Weekends, Working Experience, Religious Vocation Programmes and Competitions. Teachers, Tutors, Youth Group Leaders or Individuals wishing to participate in activities are invited to contact the Youth Organiser or one of our Regional Contacts for further information.

National Prayer Competition

Last year the Knights of St Columba launched a new National Youth competition aimed specifically at young people of secondary school age, a prayer competition. This years theme is FAITH as it was felt that this would be an appropriate theme at a time when millions in our nation have so little faith in God. read more

Each year Councils and Provinces will be invited to send a locally judged winning entry based upon an announced theme which in turn will be judged by our Ecclesiastical Adviser, Bishop Malcolm McMahon O.P. The entries should NOT BE MORE THAN 300 words although that is a very high figure it is not a target that need be reached. Details and rules were issued at Supreme Council but further copies may be obtained from Head Office. We hope that as many Councils and Provinces are willing to be involved in this very worthwhile endeavour.

2007 Prayer Competition Winners

Winner

Emma-Jayne Minihane -Beaulieu Covent School, Jersey.

Province 39

2nd Place

Emma Egan - Cardinal Allan School, Fleetwood

Province 7

3rd Place

Bethan Glover - St Patrick's School, Sandown, Isle of Wight

Province 14

Winning Prayer

Dear Lord,

Please help us follow the right path

A path of peace and happiness

A path without wars or terrorism

A path without racism or gossiping

Help guide us to lead a happy and peaceful life

And to love and respect each other equally

Thank you Lord

Amen

Christmas Card Painting Competition

Open to all Primary School pupils, Brownie, Cub and After School Groups in two age categories, 5-7 year olds and 8-11 year olds. Entrants are invited to paint a Nativity Scene suitable for a Christmas Card design. Schools and groups are restricted to six (6) entries in each age category. Judging is initially carried out at local, regional and finally at national level with prizes being awarded to the winning entries at each stage. The national winner and respective school/groups receives a monetary prize to help further artistic talent. Further information, rules and an entrance form are available here

2007 Nativity Scene Painting Competition Winners

Overall Winner

Sophie Rowan, St Theresa's Primary School, Motherwell.

Province 16

Winner 5/7 Years Age Group

Elise Featherstone, St Benedicts Middle School, Ashington

Province 4

Winner 8/11 Years Age Group

Mciej Michniewicz, Cathedral Primary School, Motherwell

Province 16

Seminars for Young People

A series of weekend seminars, on topical subjects of a secular nature, are held annually in a number of regions throughout the country. These are designed to promote spirituality and a Christian spirit of service in participants and offers the opportunity for self development. The three day residential seminars, with accommodation and meals provided, will be presented by a host of specialist speakers and will include a social aspect as well as an educational experience.

Hinsley Hall, Leeds

7 - 10 July 2008

Theme: Care and Consideration

in the Community

Local Councils of the Knights of St Columba have been able to sponsor a number of young people for these Seminars over the years, and hope to continue this sponsorship as another avenue for encouraging young Catholics in their faith. Individuals interested in attending the Seminars, at any of these venues, are invited to initially apply to the KSC Youth Organiser, who will provide further information.

Now is the Time to Act

If you think your school or group may wish to participate in any of the above activities or events, now is the time to make contact. The Knights of St Columba will be pleased to forward further information upon request.

Youth Organiser KSC Head Office