I was fortunate in January last year to spend a couple of days at the gathering; well over 100 young people, and presenters, lay people, religious sisters and brothers and priests from around the world, gave ten days of their new year to focus on faith.  Unfortunately I cannot be there this year, but you might know of a young person who could be there, and perhaps as a Godparent, Grandparent, parishioner or friend you could help them to get there. The cost of the event is just under $500 for everything that happens on site, and travel of course would be extra.

Registrations for Hearts Aflame 2015 close on Sunday 7 December, but that’s enough time for you to make a call to a young Catholic and ask if they would be interested and willing to accept a challenge to attend. No problem if the young person is not regular at Mass. The team are skilled at taking people where they are.

And it saves you having to go out into the Christmas rush to buy a present for them – a present that will probably not be around in a century. But their faith will be a reality in a century and the gift of ten days at Hearts Aflame might be just the encouragement they need.  You might even send them a link to this page with a note saying that if they are willing to take up your challenge, you will cover their costs…