by Mark Currie, Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator

The first half of 2026 saw four Year 7 retreats take place in our schools, as part of the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International programme (CSYMI). The CSYMI model enables senior students to give quality spiritual leadership in our schools and evangelise with confidence and care. During the year, a number of leaders are joining Hannah Chapman from our Catholic Youth Team (CYT) to deliver a Year 7 retreat day in a number of our primary schools.
The retreat day encourages students to reflect on their unique journey with Jesus to this point and beyond. Hannah and her team lead games and activities and facilitate small group discussions. Alongside the programmed time, the leaders build relationships with participants, sharing their own faith with them. Each day ends in an encounter session, where participants (and leaders) reflect on how they would like Christ to accompany them on the journey. They then respond by writing a letter to Jesus.

Our leaders are on their own journey, so their day ends with a de-brief, allowing them to share where they see the Holy Spirit working and where we can improve for next time. We pray these CSYMI retreats will be a small but meaningful step in a life with Christ.

Published in Inform Issue 149 - Winter 2026

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