Youth

The Greyfriars have always been known for their involvement in various apostolates to the young. Since the early years of the Order, our friars have been ministering to young people through teaching or serving as chaplains of schools and universities. This specific ministry is still continued by the Greyfriars in Britain and Ireland. Today our friars minister to the young people also through their own Franciscan programmes and through diocesan youth organisations.
One of the main sites where our ministry to the young takes place is in our parishes and schools. Our friars serve as confessors, councilors and spiritual directors to hundreds of school children across the countries of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Some of us are also ministering to the university students. The formation we offer to young people is remarkably rich with its unique emphasis on the Franciscan values of simplicity, respect for nature, the spirit of peace and brotherhood, respect for interreligious dialogue, and adherence to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
We are further engaged in promoting various activities aimed at the young, particularly the World Youth Day events, Youth Towards Assisi,  and the Youth 2000 movement.