Youth 2000

Who we are

Our vision is that, Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Youth 2000 seeks to raise up a new generation of saints to evangelise the nations

Our mission is for every young personto be Connected to friends, Committed to Christ and His Church, Commissioned for the Mission and Set on fire with the Holy Spirit

Youth 2000 is an international spiritual initiative established to draw young people to a deep and lasting union with Jesus Christ, placing the Eucharist “the source and summit of the Christian life” at the centre of its mission. 

It was founded in 1990, by a young English man named Ernest Williams who was inspired by John Paul II when he appealed to young people to build “a civilisation of love” during World Youth Day in 1989 at Santiago de Compostela.

The centre of Youth 2000’s mission is a retreat experience which seeks to initiate and deepen young people’s love for Jesus through devotion to the Eucharist (through Mass and Adoration) and encourages a devotion to Mary, especially through the Rosary. Young people are also introduced to the life transforming love and power of the Holy Spirit and the heart of their loving Father. As well as encouraging young people to benefit from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Youth 2000 also inspires individuals to develop their love and knowledge of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.

What is also central to ministry of Youth 2000 is that its events are “run by young people for young people” in partnership with priests, religious and older lay people. This method of peer to peer ministry, where young people bear witness to and serve their own age group, both in word and action, lies at the heart of its success. There is also the opportunity to hear vibrant talks, testimonies and make friends in a relaxed atmosphere where social and fun times are an integral part of every event. 

The success of this model of ministry is manifest when we consider the international as well as the national picture. Not only has Youth 2000 been established in the USA, Germany, Ireland and France but it has also hosted events in over 40 countries across the world and with a strong presence at World Youth Days.

Many young people, both in the UK and beyond, attribute an encounter with Jesus and the Church at Youth 2000 as a major factor in their discernment of a vocation to the priesthood, religious life or married life.

In 2019/20, Youth 2000 plans to run 3 regional retreats and one Summer Festival at Walsingham. Theregional retreats attract between 100-300 people and this year’s Walsingham Festival welcomed over 850 people which is the largest event of its kind within the Catholic Church. Youth 2000 also enjoys widespread support among the bishops, clergy and religious communities.