Year 13 students involved in the Youth Alpha programme attended a residential last week end in Corrymeela, Ballycastle.

The retreat was the final stage of a three month programme of faith development organised by Living Youth and saw the coming together of over seventy young people and leaders. The course is the first of its kind in Down and Connor and ran in four centres around the diocese – two in Belfast and the others in Newcastle and Ballymena.

Mr Dowd explained how ‘the different groups came together to complete the programme and share a wonderful weekend of prayer, music and craic!’ As well as bible workshops, games, discussion and reflection, on the Saturday evening, the group celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation together with four of diocesan priests: Fr Eddie Magee, Fr Raymond McCullough, Fr Brian Daly and Fr Colin Crossey. The Eucharist on Sunday was the highlight of the weekend of faith development.

All in all, students found the experience to very worthwhile and enjoyable.