The Awakening concert is making it’s return in 2020 thanks to the generous support of Castlebar Parish. Previously hosted in 2016 & 2017, this year will be the biggest event yet with 400 students from schools across the archdiocese taking to the stage of the TF Royal Theatre Castlebar on 7 May. Currently learning the music in their individual schools, the day itself will be a flurry of excitement as all 400 students meet for the first time to rehearse together before showtime. It promises to be a night of high entertainment with a selection of positive, uplifting and inspiring music to look forward to, drawn from both contemporary and church sources. Tickets cost €10 each, and for more information or group bookings contact Trish Gallagher.

The VAKS training day is a mandatory day of training for all aspiring VAKS participants. It will equip our volunteers with all the skills and knowledge they will need to volunteer in the Shrine over the summer, as well as giving them the opportunity to meet new people and enhance their CV. Among the modules covered on the day are communication skills; child safeguarding; first aid; sign language and the story of Knock.

Participants must register in advance – see Knock Shrine website or contact Knock Youth Ministry for an application form.

Catholic Youth Ministry Ireland (CYMI) – the umbrella organisation for youth ministry in Ireland – will host their second annual Youth Ministry Training Day in Dublin on Monday, 26 May. It is open to anyone who works or volunteers in youth ministry, whether in a parish, school or diocese.

Sharing ideas is the aim of the day, with presentations on some of the wonderful initiatives that are happening in parishes and dioceses across the country coupled with workshops on specific elements of youth ministry. Fr. Mike Schmitz, who is renowned worldwide for his outreach to young people through podcasts and digital media, will be the guest speaker at the training day.

The cost of the training day is €20. Contact Trish Gallagher for more information.