On Friday 28th of February 2020 seventy-five young people aged between 15 and 18 from across the Diocese of Derry attended an all-night Sleep Out–Stay Awake in Saint Eugene's Cathedral. The event, organised by the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, sought to raise awareness of, and money to prevent, homelessness. To date £3,700 has been raised. The money will be divided equally between five charities, Damien House, the Simon Community, De Paul Ireland, Ashmore House and Methodist City Mission. They all work locally with people who are currently or at risk of becoming homeless.
Young people from parishes and schools across the Diocese attended the event, each bringing their own experience of what homelessness and rooflessness means in their communities. The event provided a fabulous opportunity for young people to meet their peers who are also living out their faith, through social justice campaigns in their parishes, schools and through the Pope John Paul II Award.
We were lucky enough to have speakers from Damien House, Ashmore house and Methodist City Mission. Each speaker gave an account of what their charity is involved in and how anyone can be homeless at any point in their life. Through inspirational testimonies young people in the diocese got to hear first-hand what these charities do.
The Youth Ministry team would like to take this opportunity to thank Saint Eugene's Cathedral for the use of the Church and Parish Hall and Fr. Malachy Gallagher, who said celebrated Mass. In a particular way, we want to recognise the team of 30 volunteers who assisted throughout the night. We would also like to extend our thanks to Matt's Bistro, Dominos, Doherty's Bakery, Paolo's Pizzas, and Eskimo Café and Doherty Meats, who donated food on the night.
The event has raised £3,700. To find out more about upcoming events, take a look at our Diocesan Youth Calendar, now available on the Derry Diocesan website, www.derrydiocese.org
Life to the Full - March 2020
