6 June 2025
In May, those from our diocese who had completed the Catalyst training course for volunteer and paid children, youth and families workers, gathered with other participants from across the country for a celebration and graduation service in Cambridge, at St Mark’s Church, Newnham.
Eleven participants from Chelmsford Diocese have completed the course which was run through Ridley Hall in Cambridge.
During the course students learnt how to develop their practice in their own context whilst learning together with others. The topics covered included children, young people and learning, culture, discipleship and inclusion.
As part of the course students are required to complete a presentation about youth and families ministry in their own context. They also join other Catalyst students from across the country at a residential weekend, which for this cohort was held at Swanwick in January.
The awards were presented by The Revd Fiona Green, Vice-Principal and Dean of Ministry Students of Ridley Hall.
At the celebration, the course graduates for Chelmsford Diocese were joined by our diocesan facilitator and Barking Area Children, Families and Youth Adviser, Emma Anderton and The Revd Canon Rob Merchant, our Dean of Mission, Ministry and Education.
Emma commented:
“It’s an absolute joy to work with the Catalyst students and to facilitate shared learning and experiences. The final presentations demonstrate some of the incredible ministry with children and young people happening around the diocese.
Catalyst student, Sheryl Dyson, shared this prayer with the group at the graduation:
“Praising God for the gifts He has given us all, celebrating each of us for the achievements we’ve made in following his call. Praying for and sending hugs to all who can’t be with us. Thank you all for your support and encouragement in this journey, you have all inspired me and helped me grow.”
More information
Catalyst has been fully funded by the Church of England and is a part of the 30K project which aims to bring about change to raise up 30,000 new children and youth leaders by 2030.
If you are interested in being part of the next cohort of students on the Catalyst training programme please email Emma Anderton.
This article has been taken from the latest edition of WePray, our quarterly prayer diary which brings together our Cycle of Prayer and stories from across our Diocese.
