A few years ago the "New Start with Jesus" events brought many challenges to the life of the Diocese, and people responded as best they could to meet those challenges. In The English Martyr's Deanery in Preston one of the best responses came through the challenge to adults to go into our Catholic High schools and befriend and share-faith with our Catholic young people. It could be a daunting task...for everyone concerned...but a number of adults across the deanery enjoyed the encounter so much they wanted it to continue in a more regular way. Thus the Building Bridges Project was born.

Behind the project there's no great schema...no great master-plan for success...no great need to put bums-on-seats in our church-buildings (although several more active, well-rounded young Catholics around would be great!)...just the need for our parishes and high schools to show love support and connection with our Catholic young people once they have left the security of the parish primary school.

To do this, adults from each of the supporting parishes want to organise events which will invite our young people to know that they are wanted and cared for...that they matter in the life of the church. These adults need support, training and some inspiration in this work.

Therefore the supporting parishes want to appoint a trainee Youth worker to the post of Building Bridges Support Worker. We are looking to appoint a suitable person to start work in September 2005 and who will support initiatives across the supporting parishes, working with adults and young people in a variety of settings and situations. There will be plenty of scope for a suitable candidate to make a very real difference to the way the Catholic identity is lived and appreciated across our part of Preston.

If this project appeals to you or someone you know and you would like more information please contact: Fr Steve Pearson, St Gregory's Parish House, 246 Blackpool Rd, Preston PR1 6HQ. Tel 01772 795328 or email at frstevepearson@hotmail.com