By Lauren Lynch, Animate Youth Ministries

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Last June marked the 10th anniversary of the establishing of the CYMFed National Faith in Action Award in our archdiocese. When the award was introduced in 2016, just 13 young people took part. None of us could have imagined that, 10 years later, we would be celebrating the achievements of more than 2,200 youngsters who have put their faith into action through this programme.

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I was invited to become the awarding authority for the archdiocese in 2016. At the time, I expected Faith in Action to be a worthwhile but relatively small initiative that would complement the work already taking place through Animate Youth Ministries. How wrong I was. Over the years, the award has become a powerful testament to the commitment, generosity and faith of people across our archdiocese. With the support of primary schools, high schools and parish communities, it has grown far beyond anything we could have anticipated. What began as a youth award soon became something much bigger, involving participants from the age of 10 right through to 90 years old. It became a wonderful expression of unity, bringing together people from all walks of life with a shared purpose: celebrating and encouraging our young people.

 

As a youth worker with Animate, I have been blessed to experience many highlights, from retreats and sacramental programmes to mission weeks and pilgrimages to Lourdes. Yet Faith in Action has undoubtedly had the greatest impact on my own journey of faith and my understanding of the needs and strengths of the archdiocese.

 

This year, as I celebrate 10 years with Animate Youth Ministries and reach my 30th year, I have come to recognise that this chapter of my journey is drawing to a natural conclusion. Looking back, I feel nothing but gratitude. This past decade has shaped me, challenged me, renewed me and given me countless opportunities to walk alongside extraordinary young people and dedicated adults. Most importantly, it has allowed me to play a small part in making a difference in the lives of others. I can think of no greater privilege.

 

One of the hardest parts of moving on is letting go of something you care so deeply about. While my own Faith in Action journey is coming to an end, I have every confidence that the award will continue to inspire, transform and enrich the lives of young people and adults throughout the archdiocese. Indeed, one of the greatest gifts of stepping aside is knowing that others will carry this work forward, ensuring it continues to grow and flourish for years to come. I am delighted that Father Simon Gore, Director of Animate Youth Ministries, has kindly agreed to take on responsibility for the award from the next academic year. I encourage anyone who is not yet involved, and those already participating, to continue supporting this remarkable programme. Together, we can ensure that Faith in Action remains a powerful opportunity for young people to live out their faith and make a positive difference in the world around them.

 

Further details about the award can be found on our website: www.animateyouth.org/ faith-in-action. This link includes dates and deadlines for the award this year. Alternately, you can sign up your school/ parish and receive more information via the QR code.