Calendars 2026

Diocese of Galloway Youth Office

Youth Newsletter AUGUST 2026. Now available here

Upcoming Youth Evenings

SUMMER YOUTH GATHERING: Join Youth (P5-S4) from across the Diocese as they gather for their Summer Gathering on Saturday 15th August from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. The day will include a wide range of fun games, including old favourites and a few new ones, two short talks on the theme of the gathering: St Maximilian Kolbe, the patron saint of young people, Mass, and lunch (pizza and BBQ). There’s no charge to take part, but if you’re coming, please scan the QR code to register! Free transport is provided from Ayr, Saltcoats, Dumfries, and Cumnock.

YOUTH EVENINGS

NOW OPEN TO P5 UNTIL THE SUMMER!

We know that there are lots of P5s who’ve been excited to start joining our events, and now, until the summer, they can! As we look towards the summer, our Youth events are now open to P5 to come along and to get involved as they approach P6.

As part of the annual National Pilgrimage to Whithorn on Sunday 30th August the Youth Office will be running a Youth Pilgrimage. Join with young people (P5-S4) from across the Diocese as we gather to learn more about the life and witness of St Ninian. In the morning we’ll have games, activities, lunch and a talk on St Ninian, before walking to the beach for Mass with Bishop Frank. After Mass, we’ll enjoy a packed supper before heading home. Free transport is available from: Saltcoats, Kilmarnock, Ayr, Maybole, Girvan, Dumfries, and Kirkcudbright. Please register by scanning the QR code or going to the Youth Office website: youth.rcdg.org.uk. There is no charge, but please bring a packed supper.

2027 GALLOWAY’S SEOUL

7th – 11th August 2027 - £400.

In 2027, Pope Leo will travel to Seoul, South Korea, for World Youth Day. While it isn’t possible for us to travel to join him, we’ll be following along and experiencing our own World Youth Day…Galloway’s Seoul. The five day camp will follow a similar programme to World Youth Day and include a talk each day (Sun – Tue) from a different speaker, Mass, following along with some of the gatherings in Seoul, while in the afternoons we’ll be enjoying the facilities offered by Gowanbank, with an extensive programme of outdoor activities both on and off site, as well as lots of breakout and chill out space. Young people will be accomodated on site in shared rooms with their friends and other young people of a similar age. All meals, activities, and resources are included in the cost, so there’s no additional cost to young people.

We have bursaries and grants available to support any families in need, or families with more than one child wishing to take part. We’ll also be carrying out fundraising with young people invited to take part to help subsidise the cost of their place. When regsistering, we ask for a £50 deposit however should your child raise their full fare, this will be refunded. For more details and to register, scan the QR code.

2026 ADVENT YOUTH RETREAT

Following the success of our 2025 Retreat, our 2026 Retreat will take place from 27th – 29th November. For 2026 we look forward to returning to Gowanbank Scripture Union Centre and welcoming along young people in P7-S4 (current P6-S3). The weekend costs £160 with an early bird discount to £140 if you register before Easter Sunday. When registering, you’ll only be asked to pay a £50 deposit, with a further £45 due in June, and £45 in October.

Registration opens on Monday 2nd February with places being allocated on a first come first served basis – so be sure to sign up early to guarantee your place!

YOUNG ADULTS ONLINE SESSIONS: Can’t make it to our Diocesan Young Adults evenings in person? Aged S5-30? You can now join their monthly evenings online via Microsoft Teams to hear the talk and to take part in the discussion. Interested? Register your interest on the Diocesan Youth Office’s website: https://youth.rcdg.org.uk/online-participation/ and ahead of each evening you’ll be emailed a link to enable you to participate online.

SUPPORTING YOUTH MINISTRY: The Youth Office’s new online store is now open for business! Go to youth.rcdg.org.uk/shop to get a range of different items including their 2026 Calendar featuring photos from all of their events this year, including the launch of their Youth Evenings in Ayr and Ardrossan. email youth@rcdg.org.uk for an order form. By buying these products you’ll receive a great quality product and be helping to support youth ministry in the Diocese.