A recurring theme in the Synod discussions that took place in our parish at the start of 2022 was a concern about young people, specifically their absence from the life of the Church. It is probably no surprise that this emerged as a common theme in similar discussions taking place in most parishes across the world. For many reasons, young people are becoming increasingly distanced from the Church (although most remain extremely spiritual and retain a belief in God). At St Joseph’s, we want to do more to engage and inspire young people. This is why meeting their needs is one of our eight key areas of parish life.
Both our schools – St Joseph’s for children up to 11 and St Andrew’s for students up to 18 – provide a high-quality Catholic education. We want to learn from (and build on) what they do. We also want to do better for young people in their 20s.
Books & Resources for Teenagers and Young Adults
We have put together the list of below books, resources, & Catholic authors with a presence on social media to help guide teenagers and young adults to be authentically Catholic in this modern world.
Matthew Kelly
Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose – Six Part Series | Matthew Kelly
Books by Matthew Kelly
Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly (Genre: Personal Development)
Discovering God’s Dream for You
This life-changing book addresses the opportunities and obstacles we encounter when we decide to ask life’s BIG questions:
Who am I?
What am I here for?
Full of powerful and practical lessons, Matthew Kelly shows us how to find lasting happiness in a changing world.
The Rhythm Of Life by Matthew Kelly (Genre: Personal Development)
In The Rhythm of Life Matthew Kelly exposes the lifestyle challenges and problems that face us in this age obsessed with noise, speed, and perpetual activity.
Kelly’s message rings out with a truth that is challenging and unmistakably attractive.
The Rhythm of Life is a brilliant and clear-eyed rejection of the chaotic lifestyle.
Who you become is infinitely more important than what you do, or what you have.
Are you ready to meet the-best-version-of-yourself?
Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly (Genre: Spiritual Development)
A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion and Purpose
Over the past 20 years, Matthew Kelly has seen more of the world than most presidents and more of the Church than most bishops.
Now, in this unique and timely book, he proposes that Catholicism is not a lifeless set of rules and regulations, but a way of life designed by God to help each person reach his or her full potential.
With remarkable insight, Kelly dispels dozens of myths that surround the rejection of Catholicism today.
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy by Matthew Kelly (Genre: Friendships/Romantic Relationships)
The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
We all yearn for intimacy, but we avoid it. We want it badly, but we often run from it.
At some deep level we sense that we have a profound need for intimacy, but we are afraid to go there.
Why?
We avoid intimacy because having intimacy means exposing our secrets.
Being intimate means sharing the secrets of our hearts, minds, and souls with another fragile and imperfect human being.
Dave Ramsey
The 7 Baby Steps Explained – Dave Ramsey (youtube.com)
Baby Steps Millionaires By Dave Ramsey
In Baby Steps Millionaires, you will . . .
Take a deeper look at Baby Step 4 to learn how Dave invests and builds wealth
Learn how to bust through the barriers preventing them from becoming a millionaire
Hear true stories from ordinary people who dug themselves out of debt and built wealth
Discover how anyone can become a millionaire, especially you
Baby Steps Millionaires isn’t a book that tells the secrets of the rich. It doesn’t teach complicated financial concepts reserved only for the elite. As a matter of fact, this information is straightforward, practical, and maybe even a little boring. But the life you’ll lead if you follow the Baby Steps is anything but boring! You don’t need a large inheritance or the winning lottery number to become a millionaire. Anyone can do it–even today. For those who are ready, it’s game on!
Sarah Swafford
Sarah Swafford | Dating 101 | Steubenville Youth Conference – YouTube
Emotional Virtue By Sarah Swafford
Today’s dating scene is more complicated than ever, especially with social media, texting, and the endless pressure of the world’s expectations.
How can men and women overcome the interior and exterior battles and discover the love they desire?
From “Hey” to “I do” – as well as the inevitable “gray areas” along the way – Emotional Virtue offers a compelling blueprint for how to thrive in every stage of a relation – not just survive.
Jason & Crystalina Evert – About
How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul
While navigating through the dating scene, every woman begins to wonder:
How do I know when a guy really loves me?
Am I being too picky?
Do I even deserve love?
Is my relationship worth keeping?
Is love worth the risk?
Are there any decent guys left?
Single women often feel left alone to find answers to their deep questions about love and intimacy. Some hang out and hook up, hoping for love. Others are afraid even to hope. At some point, every woman needs reassurance that she and her standards are not the problem.
In How to Find Your Soulmate without Losing Your Soul, you’ll discover twenty-one strategies to help you raise the bar, instead of sitting at it, waiting around for Mr. Wonderful.
Young Adults Retreats at Worth Abbey 2024
These retreats are a fantastic opportunity to meet other young Catholics form across London and the South East; whilst offering time for personal reflection, insightful talks from Benedictine monks, and plenty of time to socialise with like minded individuals, with many attendees creating friendships that last a lifetime.
Easter
The Easter Retreat this year was a sell out event with 50 young adults spending their Easter weekend together at Worth in 2024.
The weekend was a great success with plenty of new friendships being formed, alongside developing existing ones.
Additionally, the time spent in the Sussex countryside was a welcome escape for the majority of participants from their busy lives. At times providing guidance, silence, space, & time to grow spirituality to reconnect with God.
This retreat is an annual highlight for Young Catholic Adults with Worth looking to increase capacity for 2025 to 80 participants.
Advent
This retreat takes place on the first weekend of December, providing a fantastic opportunity to step back from the busyness of the Christmas period, to reconnect with the Christmas message and carry this all the way through Advent.
The capacity for this retreat is limited to approximately 25 participants and we will share booking information here and in the Parish Newsletter when it becomes available.