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With the huge success of last years Confirmation project to Bolivia, the Parish of St Thomas’ is offering another project for our most recent Confirmandees.
In May of last summer, 61 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thirty seven of them signed up for the challenge of the Italy Project. Like the previous group, they must work together to raise the necessary funds for the duration of their trip but of course the fundraising is not just about money; it puts our young people in the heart of our Parish community where they belong and are very much welcomed. This is evident by the affectionate support and generosity of our parishioners and parish council. From cake baking to car washing and social evenings, they put something back into their community and at the same time build the friendships that will make their project a memorable one.
The project this year will offer a very different experience than last years’ Bolivia Expedition. The first part of the programme is walking in the footsteps of St Francis, this follows the Camino San Francesco
(check out the link www.camminodifrancesco.it ) through the natural and wild beauty of the Rieti Valley to the various shrines were Francis loved to spend time in contemplation and prayer such as Greccio where the first recreation of the nativity took place, Fonte Colombo where he wrote his first rule, La Foresta which is linked to Francis’ poem of all creation; The Canticle of Creatures.
The second part of our trip will take us to Assisi, the spiritual home of all Franciscans; here we will absorb the medieval splendour of the town which Francis loved so well. This promises to be a truly unforgettable Franciscan experience. After this it will be time to rest at the seaside for a few days before continuing our journey to the eternal city of Rome where we will visit the Coliseum, the Roman Forum and Saint Peter’s Basilica amongst other things.
Our trip will balance spirituality, fun and education and of course forge friendships that will last forever.
Our group of thirty seven are fine, outstanding young men and women who have shown great enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to making this trip happen. We are also deeply grateful to our fundraising team and leaders, but we can only do this through your generosity. A big thank you to our parishioners and all who have supported the Italy Project, we aim to keep you updated and share our journey with you as it happens. We will also be keeping our video diary which will be presented to the Parish on our return.
Many thanks,
Every good wish,
Fr Danny
The confirmation Project of 2006 brings me and over 30 other candidates together from the 2005 Confirmation group to undertake a trip to Italy this summer. The trip, which will be carried out in August, involves 6 days walking in the Rieti Valley, a 3 day visit to the medieval town of Assisi, 3 nights in Rome and 4 nights in the coastal town on Pescara. However it’s not going to be a holiday for us, we have many aims we want to achieve through our confirmation trip. We hope to learn from the new experiences and activities that it has to offer, learn new skills and more of the culture of Italy, while also having the chance to deepen the friendships with those around us on the trip and with God. Following the success of the previous Bolivia Expedition of the Confirmation group of 2004, I don’t just speak for myself when I talk of the excitement for the trip! However it has not all been easy, over the past few months we have all been working hard to fundraise the £700 each needed in order for us go to Italy. Bag packing, car washing, Health and Beauty days, Halloween parties and Santa’s Grotto are just a few of the events organised in which we have raised money for our trip. Through much groups efforts, determination and much appreciated help from others we are gradually becoming closer to our target as August seems to become ever closer! The fundraising has also been a learning experience for many of us. We have had to use our own ideas and initiative as well as working as a group to make these fundraising events successful, each undertaking individual roles in a team. As a team I know we are all looking forward to our confirmation trip to Italy and all the new opportunities it has to offer. It is going to be a new experience for all of us, and one I’m sure we will not forget!
By Emma Krzyz