Just Youth in brief – Just Youth in brief – Just Youth in brief – Just Youth in brief

The Manager’s Corner

Merry Christmas everyone!! As the year comes to an end, I wish, on behalf of Just Youth to express the heartfelt gratitude to each and every one for the hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the year. It’s been an incredible year. We look back with lots of appreciation to all who have journeyed with us and approach the future with clear hope and optimism. The team successfully completed several key areas set up at the beginning of the academic year. This year has been one of growth, learning, and unforgettable moments with over ten thousand young people we have ministered to across the length and breadth of the country. A massive thank you to the Provincial Council and everyone for the continuous support. At Just Youth we strive to create a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where young people can thrive, explore their potential, and build meaningful connections. Just Youth is happy to be working in five Chaplaincy schools: St. John Vianney School – Stretford, St. Peter’s RC High Schooln – Gorton, Our Lady’s RC High School, – Blackley St. Matthew’s RC High School – Moston, and St. John Henry Newman’s College – Oldham. Thank you to all our partnered schools across the country. May the joy of the Christmas continue to fill our hearts and propel us on to embrace the New Year with hope and optimism. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

_{Fr. Joel}

St. John Henry Newman’s College

St. John Henry Newman’s College has benefited from Just Youth’s ongoing chaplaincy support, fostering a vibrant spiritual atmosphere within the school community. Regular visits and tailored programmes have enabled students to engage more deeply with their faith, and various liturgical celebrations have enriched the life of the college. Just Youth’s Newman Chaplaincy and partnership remain a cornerstone in nurturing both personal and collective growth among the young people. A big thanks to the leadership team of the school especially Sophie, SLT member in charge of Catholic life, Emma, member of the Chaplaincy team and the Chaplaincy GIFT Team in general.

_{-By Fr. Joel}

St. Matthew High School

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
( Isaiah 43:19)

his is a lovely prophetic pronouncement I resonate with, regarding my presence at St. Matthew. Following a long awaiting yearning for Just Youth to work with St. Matthew, a solid conclusion was made and on 1st of September, the beginning of 2025/2026 academic year, I joined the school officially with no other platform than a beautiful Staff Mass.

So amazing a community of staff with enthusiasm, the singing and the responses rejuvenated my spirit as a priest officiating the Mass. All the necessary protocols smoothly done to initiate me into the school community. I must commend Mr. A. Hall (Head of Catholicity) for his great support and guidance until I found my feet in the big school. Would I meet a staff who will not smile? Never! I thought I was a smiling jelly until I realised all the staff meets and smile which glued me firm into the school. Amazing children who will not stop shouting my name, gives me great sense of belonging. The school with its motto: “We Pray, We Care, We Achieve”, was established in 1977 with current students’ population of about 1300. I am delighted to be a member of such a family.

Harnessing the Catholic life, we have begun with Staff Mass, Class/Form Mass and voluntary Mass; developing students’ Chaplaincy (GIFT) Team. Following a noble culture of welcoming, the Year 7s were officially welcomed with Mass which was enshrined with the celebration of the Patron Saint’s Feast (St. Matthew). One thing I will mention is the great sense of joy and memories when the school commemorated the anniversary of the day the school achieved Good Ofsted standing, with Reflection. It was an emotional period which brings into reality what Isaiah said. May this Christmas bring a new birth of achievement and fulfilment in the efforts of the staff and the students. Thanks to the Head and the SLT for the support so far and I pray that “the Lord stays with us on our journey”. Merry Christmas.

–_{By Fr. Nicholas}

Hello, my name is Jerrico Luna and I am a priest in training in the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). I am currently assigned to the British province for Pastoral Mission Experience, most notably in the Just Youth community in Manchester. I have been a member of the Just Youth team for approximately four months and it has been a great privilege and opportunity to work on this project of the Spiritans focused on children and youth.

From my first day in this community, I was certain that participating in this project would help me to become a better person by engaging with the Just Youth team and the students with their teachers of various schools. My experiences here for the past four months have been very enriching and encouraging as I have discovered and learned new things every day.

“United we stand, divided we fall.” Working in this project, Just Youth will always remind me that unity is the most important fuel to success. From brainstorming to planning and from planning to actualisation are the visible signs that unity brings success to any goal. Furthermore, if unity fuels success, Just Youth teaches me also that humility is the heart of success. It is through humility that binds us together despite our differences as a team.

_{-By Jerrico Luna}

Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School-Colne

The Just Youth Team is grateful for the trust reposed in us by Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School to facilitate their annual retreat for Year 7 students this academic year 2025-2026. The retreat, held on the 4th and 5th of November, was centred on the theme of Leadership and Future Aspiration. It was designed to foster a sense of leadership and help students cultivate their future aspirations and dreams.

Through scenarios and reflection, the retreat aimed at inspiring students to identify and develop the leadership values necessary to guide their actions and decisions in their future.

It was a rewarding experience to work with Year 7 students through their active participation and willingness to learn. We gained valuable insights and enjoyed the opportunity to engage with them. We extend sincere thanks to the staff of the school, particularly Andrew, who consistently invited the team to their school and provided guidance during the retreat period. Their support was instrumental in the success of this year’s retreat. May Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School continue to be a source of success for each learner.

_{-By Jerrico Luna}

St. Aidan & Oswald R.C Primary School

On the 8th and 9th of September 2025, the Just Youth team was invited to accompany the pupils of St. Aidan & Oswald R.C Primary School on their annual retreat. The retreat was focused on the theme Pilgrims of Hope, which is also the theme of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. It was a meaningful and historical time for both the school and the Just Youth team as it was inspired by the celebration of the Jubilee year, a rare event that occurs every 25 years.
This year’s retreat aimed at enabling students to share hope and spread love, taking simple actions to build a better world for everyone. Through a variety of activities, reflection and Holy Mass, the retreat was highly successful. We extend our sincere thanks to the school staff for entrusting the Just Youth team with the facilitation of their students and for their unwavering support which contributed to the retreat’s success.

_{-By Jerrico Luna}

St Gabriel’s Roman Catholic High School

Just Youth had the opportunity to lead a retreat for the Year 7 students of St Gabriel’s Roman Catholic High School in Bury. The theme of the day was inspired by the school’s mission: Strength, Service, Success. As it is a tradition with Just Youth, to begin the day with a prayer, grounding everyone in reflection and intention. To energize the students, the team danced with them, reawakening their spirits and setting a joyful tone.

The retreat continued with a drama activity. Students were divided into groups and tasked with acting out scenes that illustrated the day’s theme. It was a delight to witness their creativity and talent shone throughout their performances. Following the drama, students watched a video on the parable of the Good Samaritan. They were then asked to identify how the three core values, strength, service, and success, were reflected in the story.
Throughout the day, students asked thoughtful and insightful questions, showing a deepening understanding of the retreat’s message. The day concluded with a reflection on Romans 12:3–11, which emphasizes humility and selflessness in service. The priest then offered a final blessing, bringing the retreat to a meaningful close.

_{-By Chimaobi Johnmary}

Our Lady’s R.C High School Blackley

This year’s Autumn term began on September 1st, 2025 a day which personally, I will always remember for having passed my driving test that very early morning. Honestly speaking, that day sparked off my happiness and excitement to serve at Our Lady’s without any more worries on how to get to school or home particularly on days with bad weather. Thank you Lord!

Our Lady’s RC High School is a school well known for its enormous standards morally, academically and spiritually -through its precious mission “To know, love and serve God”

For the two and half month serving in the school (Thursday and Friday) I must admit I have had an incredible time there, of course with great support nearly from everyone but more particularly from the Religious studies department and pastoral department to swiftly join their wonderful school community. The everyday warm greetings and the smiles around school corridors, make you feel the steady school-community bonding.

As a school chaplain and of course following from Fr. Nicholas my predecessor, who now takes on St. Matthew’s, I support the school through guidance and mentorships, one-on-one encounters, staff reflections, form masses, breakfast with Jesus, training readers and Altar servers and other related functions. And guess what, one of my favorite moments in the school, is the Friday football with some staff which always crowns my week with joy. We play football for fun and to keep fit from 3:15pm -4:00pm. After the game, shaking hands and wishing one another a good weekend makes you feel you are in a right place. Finally, As Just Youth, we are forever grateful to the school for the opportunity to work with them not just with chaplaincy but also through the retreats we offer for which we are always looking forward to as one of the teachers expressed recently in a conversation. The chemistry of passion, love and commitment around the school without doubt is destined towards “To know, love and serve God”

We pledge our continued support where we can, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ who came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).

_{-By Fr. Fabias}

St. Peter’s RC High School

Just Youth continues to extend its chaplaincy support to St. Peter’s RC High School. Fr. Joel is visibly present in the school every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the academic year. Extensive school Masses which include Year Groups, Class and Forms, are all celebrated on the above days. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as the celebration of other Sacraments such as Baptism and Reconciliation also take place in the school. The Chaplaincy team has been phenomenal. The team has published its maiden edition of the Chaplaincy’s Newsletter, highlighting all the activities done in the school. Many thanks to the leadership team of the school, the outgone Lay Chaplain, Mrs Mary White, and Ms Ashleigh, SLT member in charge catholic life.

_{-By Fr. Joel}

Just Youth Outreach

The Outreach program gets better by the day. New initiatives have been introduced. Fridays outreach with Just Youth is rolled out. Every Friday from 6:00 to 7: 30pm, Just Youth’s after school outreach is held, bringing together young people within the locality coming to spend some time with the team through games and interactions. Another program is initiated. Time with Portuguese Youth is also held once every Month.

_{-By Fr. Joel}

Holy Family RC & CE College

Just Youth recently hosted a retreat for Year 9 students of Holy Family RC & CE College, Heywood, focusing on the theme of “Choice.” The day commenced with a prayer, setting a reflective tone for the activities ahead. Students participated in engaging icebreakers that fostered connection and openness, followed by a video presentation that emphasized the importance of making good choices. This led into group discussions where students shared their thoughts and explored the responsibilities tied to decision-making.

The retreat provided space for questions, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the topic. To conclude, each student wrote a personal prayer, and the priest offered a final blessing, marking the end of a meaningful and thought-provoking day.

_{– Chimaobi Johnmary}

Thank you Mrs Mary White

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Mrs Mary White. Thank you so much for your many years of dedicated and committed service to St. Peter’s. You have been a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to me and many of our young people who are well established in different fields of work and life. You have redefined leadership in the most humblest and selfless way through your ministry as a Lay Chaplain.

You’ll be greatly missed. Mrs White successfully worked with, four Spiritan (Just Youth) Priests including Frs. Thomas, David, Desmond and Joel. May your new journey be filled with God’s many blessings.

_{-By Fr. Joel}

Memories

It’s been a year since I joined Just Youth, and looking back, I can say it’s been one of the most beautiful chapters of my journey so far. I was welcomed by the team that guided me with patience and kindness, and through their support, I’ve grown more confidence in my abilities and rediscovered parts of myself I had forgotten.

I’ve also worked on my social confidence and though I am still working in progress, I’ve come a long way. I now speak in front of students, engage with them, and above all, I feel like I belong. The retreat provided space for questions, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the topic. To conclude, each student wrote a personal prayer, and the priest offered a final blessing, marking the end of a meaningful and thought-provoking day.

This new school year began with a full schedule. At St. Boniface, we visited every classroom to reflect on the school’s core values: honesty, respect, communication and love. It was a simple but powerful reminder of what matters.

I end this year full of gratitude and hope, and I look forward to the rest of the journey with joy, faith, and purpose.

_{– Volunteer. Louange Gelouba}