The Beacon Parish Scheme is a model of youth-centred parish renewal. The scheme is designed to work with at least five parishes each year, supporting parishes to develop their youth ministry with young people over the course of two years (or, a million minutes).
We seek to be the first organisation in England and Wales that ‘operationalises’ the Holy Father’s vision, modelling a Church that is a ‘field hospital’ for the young with a ‘heart for all’ in practice. We want to share our experiences and research on how young people can be accompanied on their personal journey of discernment.
Million Minutes’ vision is a Church that is unconditionally and actively welcoming, no matter where it is encountered. This is at the heart of the Beacon Parish Scheme’s mission.
Our Focus On Parishes
We want to see Catholic parishes actively valuing young people, showing them that they belong in the heart of the Church because they are in the heart of God. Parishes should be compelled to reach out to young people, both within the visible communities and beyond the Church walls.
We believe parishes are central to this mission as they are the meeting point of our love, mercy, service, and mission in the local geographical area in which we also have schools, religious houses, outreach projects, and the wider community.
Beacon Parishes
We want to encourage parishes to recognise their unique potential in the role they can play in the Church’s youth ministry. Million Minutes is offering to accompany parishes while they gain the confidence and resources needed to provide a beacon of hope to not only young people but to parishes across the country.
By journeying together through the muddy waters of youth engagements, we can provide real-life experiences of how a parish can shift towards a more youth-centred approach. Working with parishes at all different stages in their youth ministry journey will showcase the progress that can be made when working with young people no matter what resources are on hand.
There is no ‘minimum requirement’ for a parish to become a beacon, in terms of resources or experience. The Scheme is entirely free of charge and designed to work around the parish and their wider community. Each parish’s journey is entirely bespoke and tailored to their community.
Beacon Parishes will journey with Million Minutes to:
Identify their vision for youth ministry
Understand the reality, gifts, and needs of young people in their parish and locality
Discern their priorities
Develop pastoral plans for their mission to young people in collaboration with others
Needed from the parish:
Energy and openness to try something new
Core team of volunteers being committed to the vision
Desire to include the whole parish
Commit resources and time
Two-way relationship with Million Minutes
Attendance at arranged meeting dates (either training or meet-ups)
Have a mind for success planning
Million Minutes is offering:
Training and support (on vision development, engagement, and discernment)
Specific resources and training for the parish’s priorities, including specialist mentors, if needed
End of the phone / e-mail advice and support from Beth (Senior Parish Engagement Officer)
Regular face to face (online when necessary) coaching of volunteers
Regular networking events (such as Beacon Parish Scheme Meet-Ups)
Online forum (Facebook Group) with other Beacon Parishes