New Group at St Augustines in Leeds

Earlier this year, SPARK was fortunate to gain additional funds through the Assumption Legacy Fund, focussed on Catholic Social Teaching.  This fits with our current priorities of social justice; climate change, local poverty, refugees and people seeking asylum and the rights of people to live in peace and free from racism.  Our work with young people is centred on enabling their voices to be heard.  At SPARK, we want to listen and enable our members to actively participate in their local communities.  We raise awareness of the local and national issues that matter to them and offer support in finding local solutions.  Our offer focuses on the personal development of each individual and on activities which are devised and directed by the young people.  SPARK aims to create events that offer opportunities of enrichment, leadership and personal growth encouraging everyone to learn more about social justice and leading on action for change. 

This new fund has allowed us to expand our existing work, earlier this month we had our first parish session at St. Augustine of Canterbury.  This is a lovely, welcoming parish in Harehills, home to a vibrant group of young people, who demonstrate strong leadership and enthusiasm.

In 2025, the parish made a conscious commitment to ensure that the voices of young people are heard as active contributors in their church and to nurture their personal growth.  Thanks to Fr Ghebreyesus and Cassandra James who leads the youth work in the parish, along with the team who helped on the day we all had a memorable afternoon full of fun and pizza!  More sessions are planned and we are looking forward to working with the parish of St. Augustine.