The Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) annual Day of Prayer is moving to the Sunday before Advent, November 21.  It previously took place on the Sunday before Lent. 

CIYD is encouraging all churches to make a little space to pray for young people on that day.

Bishop Pat Storey, President of CIYD, said: “As our annual Day of Prayer moves to the Sunday before Advent each year, we remember that Advent is a time to prepare and to look forward. As we exit this pandemic, we will take time ahead of and during Advent to pray for our young people who have had their lives on hold for so long. We pray for their spiritual future and their unique contribution to the Church. We celebrate their commitment and enthusiasm. We long to meet together again and to connect.

“This Advent, our Day of Prayer for our young people and youth ministry thus holds special significance. We bring them before God and we celebrate each one. We pray; God hears!”

Simon Henry, CIYD’s National Youth Officer, said: “Youth ministry has been mightily challenged over the past year and young people have missed out on so much. This is an opportunity to bring them once again to the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.”

A Pdf version of a book published by CIYD in 2019 with lots of ideas of how to pray is available to help local churches to plan ahead for the Day of Prayer.  Please email admin@ciyd.org for your copy.