Diocesan Youth Village Officially Opened!
Ant, Bishop Emeritus Ambrose, Bishop Seamus, Fr. Dermott and Dec ‘push the button’ to the officially open the Youth Village.
Photo Gallery avaibale below.
The 5th July 2010 will always be a special day for youth ministry in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle because of the official opening of the Youth Village by Ant and Dec and blessing by Bishop Seamus Cunningham. Over 400 people, representing schools, parishes and community groups from around the diocese gathered to celebrate and mark the opening of the Youth Village which houses the Youth Ministry Team (YMT). The Youth Village has en-suite facilities to provide opportunities for over 90 young people to stay at any one time.
The official opening was presided over by the diocesan Bishop, Seamus Cunningham who addressed the crowds and spoke of his dream to allow every young person in diocesan schools the opportunity of a residential retreat at the Youth Village. Fr. Dermott Donnelly, Director of Youth Services, paid tribute to the many volunteers who over the years had made a fantastic contribution to the youth ministry in the diocese. He also thanked the fundraisers and those who supported the work financially. He thanked his younger brother Dec and his other half Ant for their support with fundraising.
After the speeches a moving liturgy took place focusing on the Gospel of John 10:10 when Jesus said ‘I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full’. After the Gospel was proclaimed by Bishop Ambrose Griffiths, Bishop Emeritus, the site was blessed and the opening plaque was unveiled by the family of the late Bishop Kevin Dunn, the former Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
Ant and Dec then came forward with the two bishops and Fr. Dermott and ‘pushed the button’ to officially open the Village, balloons and confetti canons marked the occasion and the celebration concluded with the singing of ‘How Great thou Art’.
The button was the actual button that is used on Ant and Dec’s TV show, ‘Push the Button’ and was borrowed for the day’s celebration. The TV celebrities, when giving interviews to the waiting media, said how they watched the youth village move from a dream to a reality and how proud they were to be part of it.
More online:
A tribute article from Fr . Lawrence Jones with photos here.
More photos and article from Karen Burbridge of the Diocesan Website here.
Read the Journal Live article here.
Read the Chronicle Live article here.
View Chronicle Live Video of the Opening here.
More from the Chronicle Live here.
Read article with photos from Northern Echo here.
Read and post your comments on Ant & Dec’s Official Website here.
View Photos and Caption from BBC Website here.
Read Article from the Sisters of Mercy here.
Post your messages below.
July 7th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Great news…
The Youth Village has been talked about (in a very excited and hope-filled) way for some time now, and it’s really great to see it opened.
The youth setup in H&N is really amazing and I’m sure the entire youth ministry community wishes you all the best of luck.
July 10th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Jack, Thank you for your message. we apprecaite your support and affirmation. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to serve the church. Thanks Dermott