Croydon Deanery Youth Projec t

Coming events

Consultation Afternoon 17th May

Server’s Afternoon 17th May

Youth Mass 29th June

Here is what our young people have said:

St Joseph’s at St Vincent’s

On Wednesday the 19^th of October around 40 boys (including myself) went on a 3 day and 2 night retreat to St. Vincent’s Centre in Whitstable. When we arrived and packed away our things, we immediately started the activities set for us by the St. Vincent’s team and afterwards ate our first meal there.

After a sound nights sleep, we got up, had breakfast and had Morning Prayer. After Morning Prayer we took a short walk to the local bowling alley, (I’m not sure how but the 6ft 4 shot-put player on the other team managed to beat my score!). After the game of bowling and many cries of “Ah, I was so unlucky” we headed back.

Another night passed and in the morning we took part in more team work building activities. However we had scarce little time, and we soon found ourselves getting ready to get back on the coach to St. Joseph’s. After collecting our things and a final photograph, we were back on the road home.

I and many others thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at St. Vincent’s and would gladly go again.     

By George Chater - Date of trip 19/10/05 - 21/10/05 - St. Joseph’s College

What did I gain from the Lourdes experience?

The trip to Lourdes (2005) was in all honesty one of the greatest decisions I have made to date. There was so much I learnt and skills I acquired from this single trip. Firstly you have the physical qualities. Being a French student I augmented my level in French, acquiring skills that one cannot get from the classroom. Further more, the friendships with the people I was with strengthened and grew, as this was one aspect we all shared in common. I also made new friends, who I still keep in contact with today. Secondly there’s the personal and emotional aspect. I became sensitive towards the surroundings. The previous feelings I had of sympathy and sorrow for children with disabilities were replaced with compassion and admiration for those that I was with; both children and adults. Spiritually, Lourdes is a place where everyone can see and witness God in all forms and shapes. For me it was the unity and the coming together of such a large assembly of people, all for one purpose. This made my faith solid, for which I am very grateful. 

Cecil Williams - Sixth form student at St Joseph’s College.