The Church of Ireland Youth Department....Frequently asked questions!

Who are we?

The Church of Ireland Youth Department was constituted by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland in 1999 to be,,,

‘...responsible for the development and co-ordination of Church of Ireland youth ministry.'

- General Synod Resolution: 1999

As such, the Youth Department is an all Ireland Youth agency, supporting work with young people and youth leaders across parish, diocesan and provincial boundaries. Our vision simply...

‘...is to see young people and those who work with them, equipped for a life of mission and service.'

- CIYD Strategic plan 2007 - 2010

How many staff work for CIYD?

Currently CIYD has four full-time staff members and one part-time staff member within the team.  In no particular order, our team consists of...

Mrs Barbara Swann - Office Co-ordinator

Mr David Brown - CIYD Youth Ministry Co-ordinator

Mr Shane Tucker -  Youth Ministry Development worker | Republic of Ireland

Mrs Sharon Hamill -  Youth Ministry Development worker | Northern Ireland

Miss Catherine Little - Year Out Co-ordinator (JUMP Programme)

Mrs Claire Geoghegan - POCVA Co-ordinator (part-time)

What does CIYD do?

Well, it's difficult to know exactly how to answer this question. In some ways, a simplistic answer is everything you see on the website. However our work and ministry is directed by our strategic plan 2007 - 2010. Our work therefore for what the Department does, is guided by the following aims...

CIYD Aims 2007- 2010:

Advocacy:

To allow young people opportunities that give voice to their concerns. 

Meeting the Church of Ireland's needs:

To accompany Church of Ireland Dioceses and Parishes in developing ministry with young people

Networking:

To promote the needs of young people in partnership with voluntary and statutory youth agencies

Peace and Reconciliation:

To encourage and support young people in developing meaningful relationships with those from different traditions and cultural backgrounds

Programme Development:

To create opportunities for young people, across the Church of Ireland, to express their faith through a range of learning opportunities and programmes

Prophetic Voice:

To challenge and comfort young people aged between 11-25 years, with the message and claims of Jesus Christ. 

Training:

To resource youth ministry leadership development across the Church.

Supporting Aims:

Communication:

To communicate effectively with key stakeholders in the work of CIYD

Finance and Funding:

To secure finance and funding allowing for strategic aims to be realized and ensuring that financial accountability is transparent.

Management and Governance:

To provide appropriate management and governance structures for CIYD staff, programmes, and resources.

Staff development:

To ensure best practice is followed regarding staff development.

Or to sum up what we do, you might want to read the following!

Activities and Programme development:

  • Adult training regarding Youth work.
  • Residential training opportunities for adults around youth work.
  • Seminar/workshop programme for adult learners.
  • Residential retreats for young people aged 13-17.
  • Overseas residentials for young adults aged 18-30.
  • Speaking engagements across the Church of Ireland.

Services offered by CIYD:

  • Monthly ezine featuring youth work issues.
  • Practical youth work resources
  • CIYD website
  • Diocesan Insurance provision (Republic of Ireland).
  • Parish/Diocesan Youth work consultation.
  • POCVA police check service for Northern Irish parishes.
  • Youth programme facilitation by CIYD Staff.
  • Representation of Youth work issues across the Church of Ireland.
  • Member of Irish youth networks, allowing for advocacy on youth issues.

Where do we get our funding from?

The Youth Department receives its funding from three main sources.

  • 1. The Representative Church Body, (RCB), which acts as the Church of Ireland's central bureaucracy.
  • 2. The Youth Affairs Section of the Department of Education and Science, (Republic of Ireland).
  • 3. The Priorities Committee of the Church of Ireland.

As a Charity, and a not for profit organisation, CIYD is very grateful for the support shown to our work by the above organisations.

What is our primary motivation?

In essence, CIYD seeks to support, equip, and develop young people and their leaders across the Church of Ireland. We seek always to partner Christ in the work He is engaged with across our denomination and networks, and to this end, above all we would ask for your prayers...

Do feel free to get in touch, if you need any more information on the Church of Ireland Youth Department. Simply go to the Contact page and follow the links!

CIYD gratefully acknowledge the support of:

CIYD Supporters

CIYD is a member of the IAYN Network

IAYN