We're Back!!!

Arrived back in London town on Monday! It's taken me all week to unpack and sleep. I'm still exhausted after an incredible week in Madrid!

Currently in the process of uploading pictures onto Flickr and will continue to add more. I'm dani_blue19 if you are interested in seeing what we got up to.

In the meantime, to get an idea as to what we got up to last week, have a look at Tree Behrens blog southwarkwyd.tumblr.com for SCYS to get a flavour of how Southwark's pilgrimage went.

Goodnight,
Dani =) x

Onwards and upwards...

Now that SE London has quitened down, I can began again my rampage of excitement about the weekend. I have packed (with a few additions to be made), I have sorted out everything and am honestly relieved to be getting out of London (but a little scared aout the 40 degree heat).

Vickie has suggested that hats and sunglasses should feature in packing, but I don't have a hat face. Very sad times. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

In case people didn't realise, there is a London 2012 Test event happening on Sunday, which may affect your respective journeys to airports. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more info.

Wishing everyone all the best with packing,
Dani =) x

Riots in South London

Don't really want to say much on this catastrophic event that unfolded over the weekend, but my thoughts and prayers are with the people of North and South London- in particular those who have lost their homes.

Let's keep them in our prayers,
Dani =) x

Useful Information

On the third day of WYD, my dear Lord pray for me...

Following further consultation from Southwark's veteran pilgrim Vickie, she has compiled a list of Dos and Donts (which I have commented on) for next week that I thought people may find helpful:

Do:
1. Bring a travel radio, vital for Mass with the Pope.
2. Sunscreen Sunscreen Sunscreen! (Also, found this great sun protection thing for your hair from Lee Stafford- other hair brands are available).
3. Bring things to swap, even if they are homemade, you will be meeting lots of people from lots of different countries and having things to swap is essential.
4. A journal
5. Travel games (I'm planning to pack Peppa Pig playing cards)

Don't:
1. Bring a Hairdryer, Straighteners, curlers or any other hair paraphernalia (it's going to be 40 degrees, by the time you are out the shower your hair will be dry).
2. Too many clothes, pile up what you want to take and then put half of it back, it's 8 days, 3 bottoms and 3 tops are all you need, learn to mix and match! (Not sure I can manage this one Vickie- but I have packed vest tops and they don't take up much space, do they?)

If you haven't already seen the official WYD rucksack, head over to the SCYS Fb page and have a look at the goodies you'll be getting in just over a week.

Praying it doesn't rain this weekend (family wedding),
Dani =) x

Trading Items

On the second day of WYD my dear Lord pray for me...

Found these super cute items to trade with pilgrims next week! Was really tempted to pick up Will and Kate memorabilia, but thought better of it.

From what I've heard, having things to trade is an important suitcase addition when travelling to said International young people events.

I think it's a lovely idea that we will go with our little paper bags of goodies and come home with far more trinkets from all over the world. In my overactive imagination, it's parallel to the way in which we bring ourselves before Christ. We turn up with literally who we are and what we have inside our hearts and He fills us up with all the things from the Spirit.

Made the decision to abandon all packing until next week,
Dani =) x

12 days of World Youth Day

On the first day of WYD, my dear Lord pray for me..

I've started packing (I know, early but I am SUPER keen) and already my suitcase's overflowing!!

There's a joke in the Adams household that I am the Queen of packing. Whenever we are going anywhere I ask people to leave their stuff out and let me work my magic.

But I think next week will be my turn to ask for help. My rucksack is only 65l so I don't think it's big enough, so I've opted for a suitcase. But I've run out of room to pack clothes and sleeping equipment. And I forgot a towel.

I've counted tops so many times that I literally don't know if I've packed enough or not.

Maybe a fresh pair of eyes next week will make it easier.

Planning to check out the official Facebook app (http://apps.facebook.com/a madrid/premiere.php- reviews appreciated) soon,

Dani =) x

Youth Cake Sale

Thank you to all who took part in the cake sale at St Peter's a few weeks ago. Much appreciation to all those who had meetings in the hall who still put their hand in their pocket to help us out.

Deciding what to order for takeaway,
Dani =) x

Leaders' Briefing

This morning I managed to dodge the rain and pop up to London for the highly anticipated leaders' meeting for WYD. I've already started mentally planning the journey from our neck of the woods to the airport and my nerves are starting to kick in.

I guess today was the first day I realised how major a responsibility it is going to be for me- probably the biggest responsiblity I've ever had in my life but today reassured me that we will be well supported with our respective groups once we get to Spain. As long as noone goes missing, I'm sure we will have a wonderful week!

It feels so much more real now that we have our tshirts and caps and I'm sooo excited about everything; from sleeping outside in a field, to getting to know the group, to sightseeing (hoping to pop down to Real Madrid's grounds) and I'm sure the other 1.5 MILLION pilgrims around the world feel exactly the same =).

The next challenge is to make a checklist of all the things I need to get between now and August (as well as chase up the last of the money, figure out how we get to the airport, squeeze in a meeting....)

You can imagine my distress when I read 'Don't pack things just in case!' in the paperwork today. I was the girl at school everyone used to come to when they had forgetten something becasuse 'Dani always has ...'- I've taken packing the kitchen sink to a WHOLE new level. God knows what'll end up in my suticase.

Eight weeks to go now,
Dani =) x

Commissioning Service

Had a lovely afternoon at St George's as part of preparation for our pilgrimage. Met some really lovely people and received well wishes from our Archbishop Peter. We also got to hear the World Yorh Day song, which is going to leave some people with sore throats with its high notes.

I'll leave you with the affirming chorus:

Firmes en la fe, firmes en la fe!
We go forward in Christ,
hes our companion and he is Lord!
Glory be to him! Glory be to him!
We go forward in Christ, made stronger in our faith.

Good luck to all those taking exams in the coming weeks,
Dani =) x

Keeping shtum for a WHOLE school day...

Inspired by our Million Minutes friends, our thoughts and prayers are with one brave young person who is doing a sponsored silence at school next week to raise funds for our trip to Spain. We've created an event page on Facebook 'Greenwich Deanery Sponsored Silence', so for students at St Ursula's, Greenwich you can see our young person's progress and find out how you can support her. A big thank you to the Head, Mrs Warnock for allowing us to host this event. Let's hope we can raise some more money!

Not liking this sticky weather,
Dani =) x

Heart Gives Unto Heart Catholic Roadshow

After the great success of Heart Gives Unto Heart radio station during the Holy Father's visit to the UK last year- they're back! The radio station that made me famous is going on tour of the UK starting on the 14th of this month until June. Tickets are still available and range from £5.00 to £12.00. With the likes of Edwin Fawcett, members of Rise Theatre, Don Mclean AAND free workshops AND more, you'd be silly not to get involved.

To find out more about the only festival this year that guarantees you tickets, visit www.hguhroadshow.co.uk

Wishing @HGUHRadio all the best,
Dani =) x

Thank you Julie!

Our sincerest thanks to ITV Newsreader Julie Etchingham, who has kindly donated funds to support our money raising efforts to go to Spain. I'm amazed at people's generousity and continue to pray for more good fortune!

Off to pop the kettle on,
Dani =) x

Million Minutes

Blogged about this a few months ago when I was down in Whitstable baking biscuits and I thought I'd remind everyone that the big event is close upon us. This weekend, lots of people are pledging their silences to raise money for this amazing initiative. With lots of projects lined up to inspire and support young people, why wouldn't you want to get involved?

With 628, 100 minutes already donated, it's not to late to sign up and donate even a quid for one of these brave people who are vowing to keep shtum. For more information about how you can get involved and donate, visit www.millionminutes.org.uk.

We wish them all the best of luck.

Sadly wondering where my Easter Holidays has gone,
Dani =) x

JPII, we love you! Blessed be your name =)

At last, it's finally happened! Lots of people were tweeting about this great holy and celebratory event that took place in St Peter's earlier on today. John Paul was loved by so many people and what wonderful to honour his service to the Church by makning him blessed. He was a holy man filled with love and even though I don't remember much about him, I remember how devestated my mum and nan were when he passed. He meant so much to so many.

ALSOOOOOO.. he gave us World Youth Day!! Shall I say anymore?

For more light reading, visit the BBC News page http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13251415

Still wincing as Arsenal almost scored a second,
Dani =) x

The Royal Wedding

Okay, so this is the first and last time we will talk about the 29th April 2011. I think everyone has done a pretty grand job for the rest of us. It's not that I have a problem with the royals, it's just that after four months of obsence and ridiculous coverage (I'm surprised noone found out whether Catherine was doing her makeup herself or not)I'm happy to say that Prince William and Kate Middleton finally did it. Congrats to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Can we leave them alone now please?

Wincing at the 1-0 lead Arsenal have,
Dani =) x

Science revision DVDs

Many many people are having their Easter taken over by papers, textbooks and boredom. Yep, it's that time again- revision. As part of our fundraising for Greenwich Deanery, we are offering the chance for students to purchase science revision DVDs by John Campbell a univeristy lecturer who makes science look like a piece of cake. The DVDs are 1-2 hours in length and include diagrams and models to help bring the science to life.

They are £2.00 each and all proceeds will go towards supporting our young people's efforts for Spain. We have six topics to choose from, including the digestive system and basic cell biology.

On the premise that once you purchase one, you won't sell it on further (because that's illegal) you are more than welcome to buy one or all six and it's for a good cause!

For those of you who aren't familiar with John Campbell the man who saved me from sheer confusion, just type his name into YouTube. We must thank him for his generousity in allowing us to do this to help us raise money.

If anyone is in need of some GCSE or A-Level biology revision guides or would like more information about them, send me an email: dani@scys.org.uk.

Not happy about the grey skies,
Dani =) x

Holy Week

Hope you've all had a lovely Easter weekend! I must admit I was surprised to discover #holyweek on Twitter, lots and lots of people over the Easter periood were tweeting about the masses they had experienced and what they doing on the holy days.

I suppose it gave me hope and really cheered me up to know that people are free to express their love for our Christ without feeling like it's not a hot topic for the likes of social networks.

I haven't quite finished reading 'Why Go to Church?' but I've just finished reading a chapter that talks about the disappointment the disciples felt when Jesus snuffed it and disappeared on them. There's this great joyous feeling when you know that God defeated everything when he died for us and rose again. There's a real power in knowing just how much God loves us and how powerful He is. But what do you do on Easter Monday when that excitement has passed (go and see Limitless in the cinema, maybe) and you realise you've got bills to pay an essay to write and shopping to do?

We must find a way to relive that joy in our everyday lives to keep us alive in God's spirit until Lent starts again. But how do we do that? When the 'real world' just rolls on by, how do we roll with it and keep Christ close to our hearts?

If anyone has any ideas on how we can do this, please share.

Looking forward to leftover Sunday Roast,
Dani =) x

Boring Reminders

This Easter Sunday, 24th April is the deadline for the next installment for WYD.

If you are interested in going to Brightlights as part of our preparation, please bring that money with you too.

All this can be popped through the presbytery door in a labelled envelope.

Loving this surprising sunshine,
Dani =) x

New beginnings

As I travelled to the dress fitting for my cousin's wedding, I started thinking about Palm Sunday and how this is the time in my lentern journey where I feel like it's the beginning of my preparation for this Easter celebration.

Easter is such a momentous event in our liturgical year as we remember the death and resurrection of Christ and I've found that reading is really helpful and this Lent I've been reading 'Why go to Church?' by Timothy Radcliffe as part of my lentern preparation.

So I'll leave you with a little something to reflect on from the book. Radcliffe's work is available in all good bookshops.

'Christians believe that the culminating crisis, of deepest loss and closest intimacy, came on the night before Jesus' death, which we are about to re-enact as he asked us. This was not just the sad end of a good man, but the ultimate crisis in God's relationship with humanity. God was incarnate in this human being. God came to enfold us in his life and love and we said 'No'. This person was, we believe, God's Word, God's Wisdom, the one in whom we discover the meaning of our lives, and why there is anything rather than nothing. So that night put in question whether than anything makes any sense at all.'

Happy Palm Sunday,
Dani =) x

Fish and Chips Friday

Had a meeting this evening in the parish for us ladies involved in setting up 'Little Church', a children's liturgy group and at last! We look like we will be able to start in the coming weeks- so for those of you at St Peter's Parish: WATCH THIS SPACE!

We all sat round the table over a plate of fish and chips and it was just a perfect picture of what our parish community is all about. We shared a meal and ideas as we prepared for our ministry together as a team. There is so much going on in London and with our ever growing capacity, it is fantastic that our parish priest is doing what he can to support all the age groups that come through our doors.

As we prepare to minister to the youngest members of our parish, today we realised how privellged a group we are. We are preparing the future of our church, we will watch them grow and every time we interact with them we too will learn and grow in our faith. Everyone is getting really excited about working with these excitable energetic little people and after six months of meetings and planning and disucussing and paperwork, we ae finally getting things off the ground. Little Church, here we come.

For those of you in the parish, please keep an eye on the electronic notice board and parish newsletter for more details. If anyone would like to volunteer and join the team, please speak to a Little Church catechist or Fr Michael.

Catching up on the soaps,
Dani =) x

It's not just R1BW happening this summer ...

Many disappointed young people are finding out today if they have won tickets for Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle. I have to admit, I was one of the 800,000 people to register for the 20,000 available tickets this year and yep I'm left emty handed.

But it's okay because not only do I have a wedding to look forward to that weekend but there are a few festivals and events happening in my own diocese to keep me out of trouble. Aylesford Festival is happening on the 26th June for 12-16 year olds to spend a day in the sunshine with perhaps their parish group, where there will be a variety of workshops, praise and worship and mass for the young celebrants to enjoy with other communities from the Southwark and Brentwood areas.

Also... Brightlights festival after its move to Southwark will also taking place in the beautiful setting that is Aylesford Priory. This festival is for young adults and is a great celebration of faith with live bands and excellent activities for reflection , group work and generally fun.

For more information on both of these events, visit Southwark Catholic Youth Service's Facebook page.

Bye for now,
Dani =) x

Free pills in Wales

Did anyone else see the news at the beginning of the month about the morning after pill being made free without prescription in Wales?

Honestly not sure where I stand on this. I appreciate that it makes birth control easier (and it's not my place to judge- some people don't feel ready to have kids), especially for young girls AND removes the awkward appointment with GP and he or she knowing what you got up to last night. I also understand that other parts of the UK are already (Zane Lowe style) 'on board' with this program and that the contraceptive pill is free if you go via a GP, but would be around £25 without a referral.

I am however, left wondering that surely if you weren't embarrassed enough to take part in your night of unbridled passion, you're mature enough to discuss the implications with a medical professional? My other worry is that you make it easier for irresponsible, unsafe sex because hey you can just pop to the local chemist on your way to school/work tomorrow. And hang on a minute, I thought we were in a recession?

Would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. But please keep your replies clean- this is a family blog =)

BBC Radio 4 shared their views on the decision: http://bbc.in/f0q82o

I suppose part of our Big Society plans will involve being active in sharing our thoughts on big social political issues such as these, so start helping out your society today by leaving a comment.

Wondering what to have for lunch,
Dani =) x

British Dancers in Spain!

The Catholic Herald published an article about a UK based dance group, 'More Than Dance' that have been asked to perform during our holy pilgrimage to Spain. The group are already packing weight under the belts fresh from their performance at Hyde Park so are certainly well experienced. Like us, they are also doing what they can to raise money to send the group to Spain.

Here's a link to the article if you would like a spot of light reading: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/catholiclife/2011/03/31/dancers-bound-for-madrid/

Our prayers and best wishes are with them.

Hoping that Ronnie in Eastenders does the right thing,
Dani =) x

Facebook expert anyone?

Heart Gives Unto Heart is a Catholic Radio station that was launched in the run up to the UK's Papal's visit last year and they hosted a variety of religious and lay people's shows, provided a variety from music from the local secondary schools and even featured an assembly I did at my old school the week before the Holy Father's arrival.

This year the radio station is on a roadshow from 14th May- 25th June. It's set to be a joyous and exciting roadshow with Ooberfuse, Edwin Fawcett and Rise theatre company all signed up to be invovled. Tickets are £5-£15 and they will be in Liverpool, Bolton, Westinster and Canterbury and more places! Visit www.hguhroadshow.co.uk to find your nearest event and buy tickets. Alternatively, follow them on Twitter @HGUHRadio to keep up to date with the event plans.

If anyone is pretty handy on the old Facebook and would like to support the promotion and coverage of the roadshow, please email heartuntoheart@hotmail.com. It's just a few moments of your time to help make the show a success.

Hope you've enjoyed the sunshine wherever you are,
Dani =) x

You Tube search

Just had a quick gander on You Tube's website to see what kind of videos and footage are up on WYD. Found a video that's had over 100,000 views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLOcE5rl8M4

Clearly God's message is spreading far and wide and even though there was a few dislikes on the video, it was lovely to watch people, young people going nuts jumping and dancing and singing- all in the name of the person we are called to follow. Quite a positive and inspiring way to start the weekend.

Emmerdale's on now,
Dani =) x

18 days to go!!!

Till the next deadline for money. The next installment is £200.00 and although we have quite a few sponsors and donations- we need more!

If anyone has any fantastic ideas to raise money within the parish and some fun ways to get people fundraising at school, feel free to comment.

Getting ready for the match,
Dani =) x

Advertising

Okay, so for those of you who are using social networking and can't imagine life without it, have you visited the official World Youth Day Facebook page?

So far, over 43,000 people from around the world like the page but they need your support too! The page has become a fantastic source for information for people (you can pop questions on the wall), there are competitions you can get involved in and lots more!

If you haven't already, 'like' www.facebook.com/worldyouthday

Only four months to go,
Dani =) x

PS. How cool is this Manga picture? There are more cool pcitures on the WYD FB Page

The sun is SHINING!

Feeling full of the joys today with this gorgeous weather- Spring has started!

We are moving into the latter half of Lent and there is so much going on in the life of the parish. We have a group of ten young people going to Spain and some of the other young people from the youth group are doing what they can to start raising funds.

We've got celebrity sponsors, generous parish groups and incredibly supportive schools helping us reduce the cost of tickets for our group. I can't say thank you enough for your love, support and prayers.

So much to be thankful for on such a beautiful day.

Choi,
Dani =) x

Signed, sealed delivered =)

The forms and deposits were posted today!

Things are finally moving in the right direction and we are one step closer to getting to Spain =)

Keep your eyes peeled on the post Greenwich Deanery, as more information will be coming your way shortly.

So excited that things have got off the ground!

Let's hope for sunshine this weekend,
Dani =) x

Congratulations!

Well done to those three lucky young people who have won their fares for Spain. It's fantastic that they will have the opportunity to come to Spain, especially when times are so hard in the UK for us all (don't even get me started on the whole petrol situation).

At least for a week, these lucky pilgrims will have time for themselves, for God and for each other.

We just continue to pray that all our fundraising efforts pay off to make the cost of travelling to see the Holy Father that little bit easier for everyone.

Choi for now,
Dani =) x

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

My sincerest appreciation goes out to St Catherine's School in Kent this week for their amazing support in our efforts for Spain.

They have raised enough money in the Greenwich Deanery raffle to pay for a young lady's deposit and they plan to continue to raise as much as they can to support her. Not only did they sell the prizes we had on offer, but the Head added an extra prize of dinner to go with the evening out to the theatre AND endorsed a letter written by the chaplain to the PTA asking for a donation. How kind is that?

Thank you to all the staff and students who have taken part so far and an enormous thank you to Catherine, the brains behind the operation. I'll be in touch soon with more projects!!

Please continue to pray for us in our efforts.

It's dinnertime,
Dani =) x

Red Nose Day

For the last couple of years, I must admit I've not been watching the RND BBC night. I guess I found it all too real and distressing but last night I really wanted to see what happened to Whitney in Easties so I flicked over to the BBC and I'm glad I did.

It really was a fantastic show with a variety of things for all tastes- I'm gutted I missed Outnumbered (it's brilliant methinks) and a few weeks ago I saw Hugh Dennis in Waterloo and felt the compelling urge to tell the Twitter nation. So it's fair to say I'm a bit of a fan of the bonkers family comedy.

The little videos of young people in parts of Africa and the UK were stunning. I moan because I have exams, because I can't buy my favourite ham and the tube prices leave me quite furious and then you see someone like that young man Lenny Henry was with who is practically raising a family on his own, (and I swear he was like twelve) it does honestly break your heart.

Radio 1 longest show, the Desert Trek Crew and the InBetweener boys all got us enticed and invovled but we've got to remember it's for those young people, children and families on our doorstep and abroad who really need our love and support.

It's awesome to know that even after all the economic issues we've had here, over £42million pounds was pledged last night to look after those who need it the most. We really are quite a generous nation.

Here's a little treat for you- I sported my red nose last night, (they really need to think about designing it for flat noses- we don't all have ski slopes) and took a picture: http://twitpic.com/4asa60


Back to revision,
Dani =) x

Knights of St Columba

These lovely gentlemen are a Catholic lay order who work to support Catholic churches and communities. They do their bit to support local communities, chaperon at large events, visit poorly people in hospital and suport the young people in our local churches.

As part of their pledge to support young people from Greenwich Deanery going to World Youth Day, they have kindly offered to pay the full fare of three young people from the deanery. The competion which people took part in ended on Monday, so we will soon find out who the lucky three are.

A massive thank you to the Knights for their hard work and support.

To find out more about the Knights and their great work, visit www.ksc.org.uk

Only one day left to get your raffle ticket at STC,
Dani =) x

It's not just us fundraising ...

As many of you have probably seen the Sainsbury's adverts, and the BBC documentary from Riches to Slums, it's that time of year again for digging deep- Red Nose Day.

This year, two radio DJs Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave are doing their bit to raise money for projects in Africa and right here in the UK. They are doing the longest, radio show EVER. They've been on since 6.30am and are set to go through right till tomorow evening (around 19.30). So far they have raised over £200,000 for Comic Relief and are set to continue to raise even more for such a deserving cause.

They've all sorts of exciting things going on to help them stay awake as they work alongside the regular DJs on Radio 1. About an hour ago, Chipmunk was in testing the guys street langauge which made for hilarious listening.

So if you haven't already bought your red nose, visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 to see how you can donate or text 'Chris' to 70011. You can also follow their progress and find out what DJs and celebrities have come in with wake up food and presents to keep the team going on Twitter @BBCR1 and @R1MoreMoyles.

So many people go without everyday and on Friday 18th March we can come together to do our bit for those less fortunate and support those kind hearted humble people who do what they can to provide for those who need it most.

You can also check out what is going on in the Radio 1 studio if you press the red button on any BBC Channel.

Night,
Dani =) x

Further Tragedy

We continue to keep those in Japan in our prayers, as they contiue to suffer at Nature's hands. Many refief organisations have gone over to provide whatever support they can. So maybe we should try doing our bit by praying for them.

Eternal rest...
Dani =) x

Seven Days

Ok, so there's seven days to hand in booking forms and £100 deposits, five days to buy a raffle ticket at St Catherine's and one day to hand in your essay for the Knights of St Columba competiton, where you could win £625.00, which would pay for your entire trip to Madrid.

Lots of exciting things going on and not much time left to get involved!

Keep checking www.facebook.com/takingsouthwarktospain to keep up-to-date with all the happenings in Greenwich Deanery.

Popping out to the youth group meeting,
Dani =) x

CYMFed Congress 2011

Tomorrow is CYMFed's (Catholc Youth Ministry Foundation) big event tomorrow in London. It's a fabulous event that takes place every year for all those working with young people (priest, catechists, chaplains, teachers, youth leaders) giving them a chance for prayer, reflection and some inspiration from some epic speakers including David Wells from Plymouth Diocese.

Let's pray that all those who are attending, that they may be refreshed, renewed and full of great ideas to take back to their local communities. The people behind the Million Minutes will be there so if you're going be sure to find out more and grab some resources.

To find out more on CYMFed, visit www.cymfed.org

Have a lovely weekend,
Dani =) x

Sad News

A tsunami has hit Japan, after a massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast.

Let's hope the rescue teams can get to injured people quickly.

See ya
Dani =) x

Song Contest

Got this posted on the wall of our Facebook page wwww.facebook.com/takingsouthwarktospain today:

Pls listen to this UK ENTRY to the WORLD YOUTH DAY SONG CONTEST and pls VOTE! http://madridmeencanta.org/ficha.php?id=109999207
Canción: Faith In You (Cherrie Anderson)
madridmeencanta.org

Exciting stuff, lots of people doing what they can to get invovled and spread this message of joy.

Night,
Dani =) x

Passports...

To all those who have signed up- when you get a minute, just check your passport is in date =)

ALSO.... Have you heard of EHIC? You may want to have a look at this http://www.e111.org.uk/index-2.html before JUNE and make sure you have yours before we go to Madrid.

Eastenders is on now,
Dani =) x

Thirteen Days to go...

Young people of Greenwich Deanery!!!

You have just under two weeks to hand your deposits and booking forms into the parish. I'll be around in the youth group meetings over the next few weeks and we are hoping to have a meeting on the 20th March will all those who signed up.

If anyone is concerned about money- please don't be. That shouldn't be the only reason that you don't go to WYD. You can speak to Fr Michael or myself and we will see what you can do to assist you, but please try and speak to someone soon.

To get a copy of the booking form, click here: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/wydmadridbookingformnewprice.pdf

Enjoy the sunshine,
Dani =) x

It's Pancake Day!

Happy Pancake Day to everyone!

As the start of Lent is close upon us, Fr Michael raised the topic with the young people and got them thinking about what they are going to do during the season.

Then it hit me that I've not even thought about it. It's so easy to get caught up in 'everyday life', that thinking about what you may want to give up/do better etc just flies past you before you know it.

The awesome bubble that was last year allowed me time to think, reflect and prepare for Easter but THIS year I don't even know whether I'm coming or going. And then you get too busy to pray, to go to mass and before you know it you have an estranged relationship with the man upstairs.

So how do I keep on top of it all, what with studying, family and uninteresting social life? I suppose everyone goes through phases like this and it starts off small and then becomes big. But I don't want it to be big! It's troublesome enough already =(

I guess Ash Wednesday is as good a place to start as any.

Prayers and Best Wishes,
Dani =) x

Getting closer and closer....

Just to remind the lovely young people we have a meeting this Sunday 6th March in the parish hall at 4.30pm. It won't be long and it's really to get an idea of how many people are definitely interested.

Only five months now.

Choi for now,
Dani =) x

Thoughts and prayers ...

... are with those in Christchurch, New Zeland. After the devastating earthquake that happened on Tuesday this week, the death toll is continuing to rise. Many people are using an initiative launched by Google to find missing loved ones. Let's hope those trapped stay strong and are found soon. For those who have already passed, may God be with you and your family at this time.

Condolences,
Dani =) x

Trafalgar Square

Was stood outside the National Gallery admiring the view- well watching pigeons harrass the tourists, and in the quiet I did what I've found myself doing in all my spare moments at the moment- making mental plans for Spain.

I'm starting to get really excited about the raffle next week, almost finished finalising prizes (which includes paintballing for TEN people!) and there's a meeting coming up on the 6th March where we will finally get to meet all the young people who are coming to Europe with us.

Massive thanks to all the parishioners who have supported us so far and even bigger thanks to the young people for their enthusiasm and creativty about fundraising and actually using the time just to be together.

So while the half term comes to an end for some, the real work starts for us next week. Let's hope I have more luck with the final batch of booking forms.

I really hope this nice weather continues.

Night,
Dani =) x

The BRIT Awards

Ok so whilst I'm starting revision for exams, I figured The Brit Awards in the background would keep things running smooth and keeping me concentrated.

And then...

...Tinie Tempah goes and wins an award for Best Breakthrough Act AND Best British Single!!! A massive CONGRATULATIONS to him and all the hard work he put in to his amazing album.

Imagine how chuffed I was when he said 'I wanna big up God and my family for sticking by me when times are hard.' On Live. National. Television.

Can you remember the last time a young Catholic celebrity thanked God somewhere so public?

What an incredible role model for our young people! Some of you may remember me mentioning a few posts ago that a local celebrity was supporting our fundraising efforts? In case you missed the subtlety, yes it is Mr Patrick Okogwu himself who has pledged to support Greenwich Deanery on our trip to Europe.

I just felt it almost vital to stress how MAJOR it is for someone to work hard, be successful and still know that they came from Him upstairs. We are no one without God and it's lovely to see a young man know, recognise and actually say out loud 'Thank you God'. So- you know no matter where God takes you and whatever journey you end up on, He is always there. This doesn't just apply to the priest, to person who works in Sainsbury's but celebrities and if they can show us it's okay to be proud of our faith- what is stopping us?

Off topic, anyone else know Adele was that good a live singer? Stunning.

Back to revision now,
Dani =) x

Million Minutes

So this weekend I was doing one of my favourite things- baking. And these biscuits are uber special because they're for Million Minutes.

It's a non-profit organisation that raises money for young people! They're doing their bit for young people on the streets, young people overseas and even youth leadership. This million minutes initiative is encouraging people to keep shhtum for 24 hours in an attempt to raise 1,000,000! It's a simple and clever plan and has already got the backing of the community at St Vincent's, Whitstable who come complete with a notice board, packs and 'little people' for the schools to scribble down their fundraising achievemtents.

The 'big keep your gob shut for a day' event is happening in May so in the meantime, check out www.millionminutes.org for more information, (Delia Smith has pledged her support) ways to get involved and they've even got a blog which features pictures and info from the launch that took place at the beginning of the week.

Don't forget- they're also on Facebook and Twitter.

I'm off to enjoy to my biscuit now.

Night,
Dani =) x

Evening Scripture

'Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.'

Brownie points to whoever can identify this piece of scripture before I post again next week.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Goodnight,
Dani =) x

188 days to go...

So already I'm panicking about getting the rest of the booking forms in, (with email addresses I STILL can't decipher), permissions slips, meeting with parents (you know-I'm safe, your kids will be safe, we'll all come back safe) and I haven't even thought about how we are getting to the airport.

How do school teachers do it?

*sighs*,
Dani =) x

Fundraising

If anyone has any ideas on how to raise money to send young people to see the Pope, feel free to drop me a line at dani@scys.org.uk.

We are from South East London (so we're all skint)and it would be great to send a great big bunch of young people on a holiday, but realistically many of them won't be able to afford to go.

We've had some genrous donations from parishioners, pledged support from schools and even a local celebrity (but I won't tell you who just yet) is prepared to fork out some money to get us to Heathrow- or Gatwick , I'm not actually sure which one yet.

Please please for those people who don't love Jesus (which is fine because God loves you anyway) don't send me anything mean or nasty to my email address. For those of you who do love Jesus, have a think about what you guys do in your church when times are hard and the roof needs repairing.

Cheers,
Dani =) x

Hello!

For you lovely bloggers who have no idea who I am (I guess that's probably everyone =S) I'm Dani from London who is Catholic and is going to World Youth Day.

This blog is going to take you readers through the journey of the young people of Greenwich Deanery (who I will have responsibility for when we are away- eek!), our preparations, our fundraising and our actual trip to Spain.

We hope this provides helpful and exciting preparation for you as we share our journey with you.

We are also on Facebook ('like' Taking Southwark to Spain) and once we are in Madrid, we will have a Flickr page all set up so you can look at our snaps. So get involved and keep checking back as we give you updates.

God bless,
Dani =) x

The first step

Sunday marked the beginning of our journey to Spain.

After a lively warm celebration of mass, young people gathered over to the parish hall to find out a bit more information about World Youth Day. Forms were filled in (with some slighty interesting interpretations of BLOCK CAPITALS), questions posed and a little family for our summer holiday began to emerge.

No doubt there is going to be a lot of work to do; fundraising, meetings, more meetings, emails- my head is already spinning at the prospect of many a late night but d'you know what? It'll be all worth it to get some 16 year olds that little bit closer to the Holy Father.

The Papal Visit, benedictinsouthwark.blogspot.com opened up a new world for me and such an empowering and refreshing experience of what celebrating faith can feel like that I literally cannot wait to experience that for a whole week.

After doing a gap year working for the youth service, I kind of feel like 'representing the youth' is in my blood. I fell in love with the service you can do someone by showing them who the person of Christ is, and how very present he is in each one of us.

Not quite sure how this blog will take form, with any luck it will be a diary from now until August of many different voices, giving you an insight into where we are on our faith journey and how that develops and changes over the next six months.

Bye for now,
Dani =) x