Young Pioneers Retreat Day
Next Retreat
The Western Dioceses’ 2024/2025 Young Pioneers Retreat Day is scheduled to take place in Donamon Castle, Donamon, Co. Roscommon, on Saturday 15th February 2024, 10.30 – 3.30 pm.
All Young Pioneers welcome.
Recent Developments
During June 2024 more than fifty young parishioners of parishes in the Elphin diocese joined our Assocation. Our picture shows a group from Sligo, Drumcliffe and Maugherow following their enrolment ceremony with Fr Tom Hever PP VG and Ms Fina Golden, Pioneer Youth Co-ordinator, Elphin Diocese.
We welcome all Young Pioneers and hope to meet you at various events next year.
Past Events
‘Living in the Sacred Heart’ – Young Pioneer Annual Retreat Day 2024
‘Come, share in the joy of the Easter season! Come away for a day of reflection and fun. Times for talks, reflections and games. We’ll look at what it means to live in the joy of the risen Jesus, and from his Sacred Heart’.
– Sr. Kathryn
Donamon Castle, Donamon, Co. Roscommon. F42 YE13 Saturday 6th April 2024 10.30 – 3.45 pm
Open to all Young Pioneers and Aspirant Pioneers (10 to 15 years)
Must be accompanied by a parent / guardian or Registered Pioneer Youth Club Adult Volunteer.
Led by
Sr Kathryn Press ASCJ, Bishop Kevin Doran & Justin Harkin (see brief notes below)
Schedule
10.30 am
Arrive at Donamon Castle Meet and Greet / Tea, Coffee, Drinks for Young Participants etc.
10.45 am
Brief Introduction to Donamon Castle (Fr George Agger SVD) Introduction to Retreat Day (Sr Kathryn Press ASCJ)
11.00 am
Ice-breakers to assist young people get to know one another
11.15 am
Sr Kathryn’s first presentation followed by interactive workshop.
12 noon
The Angelus followed by stretch-break
12.10 pm
Sr Kathyrn’s second presentation followed by interactive workshop
12.50 pm
Lunch – All participants to bring pack lunch. Tea / Coffee, Orange, Blackcurrant etc. will be provided.
13.20 pm
Fun Activity, i.e. Bible Scavenger Hunt
13.50 pm
Sr Kathyrn’s third presentation followed by interactive workshop and separate workshop for parents / guardians / youth club leaders facilitated by Justin
2.30 pm
Preparations for Holy Mass and availability of Sacrament of Reconciliation
2.50 pm
Holy Mass with Bishop Kevin Doran, including renewal of Pioneer Pledge (and taking of pledge by Young People interested in becoming Pioneers.
3.50 pm
Retreat ends
Registration
To register please email, WhatsApp message or text Justin at [email protected] or 087 6171526 on or before Wednesday 3rd April 2024.
Retreat day can accommodate twenty young people and accompanying adults.
Cost
Free to Registered Pioneer Youth Club members.
€15 per participating young person or €25.00 for two siblings. Accompanying adults go free. Fee paid on arrival in Donamon Castle.
Retreat Team
Sr Kathryn Press ASCJ
Sr Kathryn is an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from Georgia, USA, who has been living in Ireland since September 2020. She has a background in Religous Studies, holds a Masters of Divinity Degree and professed her final vows in 2023. Prior to coming to live in Ireland in September 2020 Sr Kathryn taught children and teenagers in various schools and parishes in the USA. Since September 2020 she, and some others sisters who are also Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, have worked in evangelisation, parish and diocesan ministry.
Bishop Kevin Doran
Bishop Kevin has served as Bishop of the Elphin Diocese since May 2014, having previously ministered as a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin for thirty-seven years.
Justin Harkin
Justin is Director of the Elphin Diocese’s Pastoral & Faith Development Services and part of the Leadership Team of Ballinasloe & District Pioneer Youth Club (www.creideamh.ie/youth-club).
Further Enquiries
Please contact Justin on 087 6171526.
