A Community of Faith and Fellowship: St John’s Youth Group Flourishes in 2025
In the heart of Norwich, a remarkable transformation has taken place at St John’s Cathedral, where the youth group has evolved from a small gathering of dedicated young Catholics into a thriving community of faith. Throughout 2025, the group has consistently welcomed between 40 and 60 teenagers every Tuesday evening, creating a space where young people can explore their faith, form meaningful relationships, and grow spiritually. This impressive growth hasn’t happened by chance—many within the community attribute it to the work of the Holy Spirit, breathing new life into the young Church in East Anglia. The weekly gatherings have become a cornerstone for many teenagers’ spiritual journeys, offering them not just religious education but a genuine sense of belonging in an increasingly disconnected world.
The youth group’s approach to faith formation is refreshingly straightforward and relevant, never shying away from difficult topics that young Catholics face in today’s society. A particularly impactful example was the four-week series on Theology of the Body called “Love vs Lust” held in May 2025, which created space for honest conversations about relationships from a Catholic perspective. The talks, often led by members of the Ignite Team or by emerging young leaders from within the group itself, strike a balance between theological depth and practical application. This peer-led approach helps make the faith accessible and relatable, showing that Catholicism isn’t just a set of rules but a living tradition that speaks to contemporary challenges. The youth also benefit from encounters with people engaged in meaningful ministry, such as when Rachel from Rachel’s Vineyard visited to discuss pro-life issues with compassion and sensitivity, demonstrating how faith can inspire service to vulnerable populations.
The influence of St John’s Youth Group extends well beyond their Tuesday evening gatherings. Up to 15 young people regularly serve at the Cathedral’s Tuesday evening Mass, making their faith visible through their dedication at the altar. Their commitment to putting the Gospel into action is perhaps most beautifully illustrated through their charitable initiatives. One standout moment from the year was their participation in Operation Christmas Child, where the group packed 85 shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need around the world. This practical expression of love and generosity reflects the youth group’s understanding that faith must be lived out through concrete acts of service. These experiences help the young people connect the teachings they discuss on Tuesday evenings with tangible expressions of Christian love, bridging the sometimes difficult gap between belief and action.
While faith formation and service are central to the group’s identity, the youth leaders understand that authentic community also needs space for friendship and fun. Each session begins with games that break the ice and create an atmosphere of warmth and welcome. Shared meals further strengthen the bonds between members, making newcomers feel immediately at home. The group continues to innovate in this area, with plans to introduce a rotating “games master” role in the coming term to bring even more creativity and laughter to their gatherings. These seemingly simple elements of community building are actually profound in their effect, creating a space where teenagers can be authentically themselves while exploring the deepest questions of faith and meaning. In a world where young people often report feeling isolated despite being constantly connected through technology, the genuine human connection fostered at St John’s provides a powerful alternative.
The youth group has also become a natural pipeline for developing young Catholic leaders. Older members, particularly those in sixth form and university, have embraced Enkindle, a new initiative designed to equip young Catholics with the confidence and skills to share their faith effectively and live it out in their daily lives. The strong foundation of fellowship established within the youth group has enabled many to transition into this program together, enhancing its impact. These emerging young leaders aren’t keeping their gifts to themselves—they’re already serving the wider diocesan community by supporting events and assisting with sacramental preparation programs for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This multiplication effect demonstrates how investing in youth ministry creates ripples that extend far beyond the original group, raising up a new generation of committed Catholics ready to serve the Church and the world.
The transformative impact of St John’s Youth Group is perhaps best captured in the testimonies of its members. Simone Mathias, who joined in Year 13 and later became a leader, describes the group as “the biggest blessing” she received, helping her to grow personally and understand “what it truly means to live out faith and put it into practice.” Enzo, who joined in Year 11, appreciates how the group offers both relaxation with friends and a deeper understanding of his relationship with God. These personal stories reflect the essence of what makes St John’s Youth Group special: it’s a place where young people can simultaneously deepen their faith, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of belonging to a supportive and prayerful community. As they look ahead to the coming year, the group carries a profound sense of gratitude for all that God has done in their midst and excitement for what lies ahead for the young Church in East Anglia. Their story reminds us that even in challenging times, faith communities can thrive when they combine sound teaching with authentic relationships and a commitment to serving others.
