Scottish Catholic Observer

Young Catholics from across the country are being encouraged to sign up now for what will be the Church in Scotland’s biggest youth event during the Year of Faith.

This summer, hundreds of young people from parishes and schools across the country will gather together to celebrate Scotland’s Rio, a national youth event, organised by the Catholic Youth Service Scotland (CYSS), to run in conjunction with the international World Youth Day 2013 celebration in the Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro.

From July 25-28, Stirling University premises will be transformed in to a mini Rio de Janeiro and a venue fit to host a large-scale celebration of the Catholic Faith.

February deadline

Christine Riddoch, chairwoman of the CYSS, believes that Scotland’s Rio, which is open to young people from the age of 14-25, will give people who are unable to travel to World Youth Day 2013 in Rio an opportunity to enjoy the next best thing and experience the flavour of what takes place at an international World Youth Day  gathering.

“Catholic Youth Service Scotland is currently finalising the programme for Scotland’s Rio and task groups are working on fundraising, Liturgy, music, speakers, workshop leaders and social events,” Ms Riddoch said.

“It is an exciting time for everyone and the Year of Faith gives us an additional emphasis on bringing young people together to share their faith and to experience their own gifts and talents.”

Young people have until the end of February to book their places for Scotland’s Rio and are asked to contact their diocesan youth offices (list below) as soon as possible to do so.

—For information on attending Scotland’s Rio or for further information on how you, or your group, may be able to help in fundraising the event, the following diocesan youth officers/offices can be contacted:

Paisley: Christine Riddoch, 0141 8476133.

Aberdeen Diocesan Office: 01224 319154.

Argyll and the Isles: Denise Roberts, 01838 200216.

Dunkeld: Caroline Laidlaw, 01382 225453.

Galloway: Fr Stephen McGrattan, 01290 421031.

Glasgow: Rachel Romain, 0141 433 9521.

Motherwell: Elizabeth Duffy, 01698 269114.

St Andrews and Edinburgh: Anne McEvoy, 0131 6238917.

— This story was reported in full in the January 25 print edition of the SCO

—Pic: Paul McSherry