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The GIFT Programme
The GIFT programme involves young people participating in faith sharing activities with their peers, parents and other adults. This programme aims to give support and encouragement to parents as they minister to their children - supporting them in their journey of faith.
The GIFT programme is planned as a follow-up to Confirmation and caters for young people in Years 8, 9 and 10. It seeks to provide opportunities for young people to share their experiences with interested adults at parish level and to provide adults and in particular, parents with opportunities to communicate effectively with their children on areas of mutual concern.
The hope for this programme is that all participants will gain a positive experience of the local Church, will learn and experience that faith relates to all parts of life, that God is in all the bits and pieces; happy times and sad times, the games that are both won and lost, family days out or rainy days at home. Through the various faith sharing opportunities it is hoped that participants will look to God to help them in all of lifes small and big decisions.
The ultimate aim is to form a community that nurtures and supports the faith of its members as they Grow In Faith Together.
Growing in Faith Together
Gift I - Year 8
Is a programme designed for young people in second level education. Their link with the Parish is not so strong once they have moved out of the primary schools, and our aim is simply to give them a sense of belonging to the Faith Community.
This programme provides an opportunity for our young people to share their experiences with interested adults from the Parish.
The parish offers this programme to them, with the aim of giving as much help and support as possible as they continue to grow and develop.
It is a recognition that the change to second level education is an important time. They may be losing contact with some of the people who were their friends in primary school, since some students go to different secondary schools, some of which are outside the parish.
GIFT gives all those who were confirmed in the parish an opportunity to meet up again, and to stay in touch.
Gift II - Year 9
The GIFT Programme aims to empower parents, giving support and encouragement, as you help your children to develop their faith and support them on their faith journey.
It also gives parents , leaders and volunteers an opportunity to reflect and share their own faith journey
In GIFT II for second years the format is similar-five nights, facilitated by the same adults as GIFT I. This programme is based around St Paul's notion of the gifts that exist within the community. On the first night, the topic is "I am special".
The second night involves producing a collage that illustrates the talents and interests within the whole group. We have a speaker on the third night, from a local group that caters for young people. The last night takes the form of a celebration night.
Gift III - Year 10
Gift III is the programme for third year students. This year we plan to give them an experience of pilgrimage. The groups will visit Attical outside Kilkeel in the Parish of Upper Mourne for a day and have looked at the history and folklore surrounding the area.
They learn a little bit about the Saints associated with the area and we finish by celebrating Mass together.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
The Liturgy of the Word for P1 - P6 children takes place during the 11.30 Mass on Sundays in Our Lady of the Assumption Church. It is led by a team of volunteers comprising 2 leaders and 6/7 helpers. Just before the First Reading the priest asks the children to come forward. He then hands the Book to the child/leader. Everyone processes out to the Parish Centre.
The children are helped to grow in an understanding of the Liturgy of the Word. They have prayers including Act of Sorrow, Reading of Gospel, discussion of the Gospel Reading, written/drawing exercises, final prayer. They return to the church in time for nominated children (rota) to take part in the Offertory procession. The children and the 3 teams of volunteers find it very enjoyable and fun and so want to be there!
Harvest Thanksgiving
Children's Liturgy
