A few words about Dominican Council of Youth

As a group of young people from different walks of life we feel drawn to follow Christ in the way of St Dominic. Through prayer, study and community we are seeking together to live out this way of life.

Prayer and study, especially of the scriptures, sharing our faith and cultivating awareness of "joys and the hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted" (Gaudium et Spes, n.1) are fundamental to our life and mission. Our community life is enriched when it includes all these elements. This in turn will strengthen our preaching mission and enable us to give witness through our lives, without which are preaching will be empty. It is important to remind ourselves that: - We preach as community - We preach through the witness of our daily lives

We strive, at both national and local level, to examine in practical ways how to respond to real needs. We can best do this when we "listen not only to people's voices but to eyes and hearts," (The Ministry of Preaching, Damian Byrne OP).

We feel a special call to ministry to young people and to all those who for any reason feel unwelcome, uncomfortable or not at home in Church or in society. The ministry of liturgy is also particularly important to us.

All this requires the formation of our members. This means - deepening our understanding of our Christian faith through prayerful reflection on the Scriptures and through learning more about essential areas of Christian belief and Christian living. - applying the Gospel to the society and culture in which we live - exploring what it means to be Dominican - learning how to be genuine communities of welcome and witness

We celebrate the idealism and enthusiasm which animates us. This idealism finds expression in and derives from our Vision Statement. We rejoice in our membe"s endeavouring to live out of this Vision Statement. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that there are whose who find themselves at different levels of understanding and commitment. The real test of our witness as community will be our readiness to accompany all in their search for wholeness.

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3.)