catechesis of the good shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children both spiritually and educationally for ages 3-12.years. It is grounded in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy of the Church and the spiritual and educational principles of Dr Maria Montessori, the great Italian educator. Using concrete materials (such as 3D figures for the Infancy Narratives) the children are introduced to a biblical text or a liturgical moment. The essential truths are given in the catechesis for young children and then revised and expanded upon with the older children.
Children from all over Ireland attend the Catechesis once a week for an hour and a half. For more information check out the website here and get in touch with Jo.
youth 2000 retreats
Every year Youth 2000 runs a summer festival every year and a Christmas retreat for young people aged 16+ (along with smaller retreats and weekly prayer groups around the country). Click here for more.
Campa mhuire mháthair
Campa Mhuire Mháthair was an online children’s camp held in July 2020, it was run by Holy Family Mission Ireland. All the online resources / videos / songs etc are available on their YouTube channel here.
events for young people in leopardstown
The Creidim Centre in Leopardstown, south Co. Dublin runs mother and toddler groups, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, K4J monthly faith activities, camps, Bible studies, youth clubs and retreats for older teens. For their brochure with all their events get in touch directly with them here.
catholic education conferences
The Legion of Mary host conferences for Catholic educators in Dublin. Check out their Facebook page for more.
family days, camps and formation
Holy Family Mission on the Waterford/Tipperary border is a residential Catholic community for young people aged 18-30 who desire to become effective Disciples of Christ in the world.
They lead monthly Family Days with faith based activities for children, provide camps for children. Your child might like to consider attending a yearly formation programme they run during a gap year. Click here for more.
family events in limerick
The Dominican Sisters in Limerick run a variety of activities for families and young people - from Family Film nights, to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and other activities, check out more info here.
rosary initiative - aid to the church in need
Every October, the month of the Holy Rosary, Aid to the Church in Need host a prayer campaign titled ‘One Million Children Praying the Rosary’. The prayer initiative invites teachers, priests, parents and grandparents to pray the rosary together with children for peace and unity around the world. For more information check out here. ACN Ireland also distribute rosary beads to schools.
conference on catholic education
Every October the Irish Catholic newspaper organise a conference on Catholic education in Ireland. It is well worth attending.
shoebox appeal
Is your child looking to help other children? Each year Team Hope launch their shoebox appeal to ensure a Christmas present for children less fortunate than themselves. Click here for more.
pope john paul II award in secondary schools
The Pope John Paul II Award is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.
The Award enables participants to take an active part in the life of their Church – in the life of their community and society. It enables young people become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world and to engage at a deep level with Christ.
Click here for more.
national day of prayer for children
Since 2007 the Society of Missionary Children has celebrated the National Day of Prayer for Children on the 2nd Friday of every October. They provide a free resource book to help everyone to pray on the day! It provides a “Let’s be Family” prayer service, a Mass and the Mission Rosary, all of which could be held in your local parish church, parish centre, school or individual classrooms. Click here for more.
youth group - south dublin
There is a Youth group for teens aged 13-18 that meet on Saturday nights in Shankill, south County Dublin.
camp veritas for teens
Camp Veritas is a one week sleep away pilgrimage experience for young people aged 12-18. The recipe is play-and-pray with a full immersion in the Catholic Faith through sacraments and activities. The camp is usually held in Clongowes Wood College from the end of June to the beginning of July each year. Click here for more.