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Who We Are

The Team

BCYS and Walsingham House Chaplain and Director - Fr Dominic Howarth

Fr Dominic was ordained Priest at St Joseph the Worker, Hutton, in 2002. He was born in West London (which explains why he supports QPR!) but became an Essex Man from the age of 16 months. Fr Dominic lived for many years in Hutton, near Brentwood. He left Essex to go to University (Oxford) and then he travelled the world, and particularly enjoyed time in Kenya and India. Coming back to the Diocese, he worked at Walsingham House for two years, and from 1996-2002 he trained to be a Priest in Rome. His specialisation there was Moral Theology, in particular issues of social justice in the workplace. Fr Dominic likes swimming, the cinema and the theatre.

Fr Dominic has been Chaplain and Director of the BCYS since 2003 and moved into Walsingham House in 2004. With changes in 2006, Fr Dominic also took on the role of Chaplain and Director of Walsingham House, where he continues to live. Having worked on the Team, he is passionate about the House and the unique role that it has for young people in the Diocese. Fr Dominic loves working with the Team of volunteers and looks forward to continuing to develop everything that the House is able to offer for young people.

For enquiries about booking a retreat for a parish or school group at Walsingham House please contact Fr Dominic or Kylie Burns, secretary. For lots more information about the House and the Team who work there, please visit the Walsingham House website.

His favourite quote is from St Francis de Sales:

"Be who you are. Be it well. And all for the glory of God!"

BCYS Director of Training and Resources - Teresa Carvalho

Teresa joined the BCYS in September 2003, after seven years working with the Sion Community across England and in Ireland. Teresa's family are originally from Malta and Goa, but she is firmly rooted in Forest Gate, where she went to school (St Angela's) and where she still lives. Teresa loves travelling and has a plan to travel the world throughout her life. Teresa hates pink but her greatest act of friendship will be to wear it as a bridesmaid for her best friend's wedding! She is into R & B and soul and loves almost anything creative from drama to art. Her favourite quote changes often as there are so many wise words! At the moment it is;

"Always be joyful, then, in the Lord; I repeat, be joyful. Let your good sense be obvious to everybody. The Lord is near." Phil 4:4

Events Officer - Sarah Barber

Sarah has been part of the BCYS since she first came to Lourdes aged 14! Sarah went to the Ilford Ursuline, and later graduated with an MSc from the University of Westminster. She and her husband, James (who she met through the BCYS!) now live with their two children in Billericay. Sarah likes spending time with her family and friends - going on long walks, visiting London, eating and drinking, going to Ireland and Romania, taking photos, and travelling to Lourdes with BCYS or HCPT Group 206. Sarah is especially grateful to the youth workers who affected her life when she was younger (Fr Pat Sammon and Sister Mary Harrington) and really admires members of the Junior Sports Committee that run activities for youth clubs in the diocese because they are "so committed and work so hard." Sarah loves all sorts of music, from show tunes to Coldplay. She is a Billy Bragg fan but enjoys listening to him talk as much or more than when he sings! Sarah would love the BCYS to grow stronger, and have a wider impact on young Catholics in the Diocese. She would like to see all the involved young people become more "politicised" and learn to work for justice for all. Her favourite quote is:

"Remind me each morning of your unfailing love, for I put my trust in you" Psalm 143:8

Youth Leadership Team

The BCYS is very lucky to have a dedicated group of young leaders from across the Diocese. In many cases they have been part of youth service events, particularly the Lourdes trips, since they were 15. Now still firm friends with those their age, they have remained a vital part of the BCYS, since on reaching 19 they have made the choice to help other young people. As leaders, they also continue to have a great time!

The Youth Leadership Team is made up of those leaders who live close enough to Brentwood to meet up every couple of months, and who are post-university age. This group has a more dedicated role in the planning and evaluating of events and strategy for the Youth Service.

If you are 19-30, and would like to become a BCYS leader, you are very welcome. Please contact Fr Dominic.