The Upper Room Leadership Programme will take participants on a journey of profound discovery and formation, both practical and spiritual. Its aim is simple: to form young Catholic leaders and to give them the tools necessary to lead young people in their parishes.
Over the course of a year, the young leaders will be given the necessary training for building and leading youth groups in their parishes, as well as growing in their own spiritual life.
The call to leadership is an invitation to make a real difference. We warmly invite you to apply, to begin this journey of discerning what the Lord is calling you to do.
Applications will open on the 18th May 2026!
Testimonies
The Upper Room Programme has been an immense blessing and I would urge any young Catholic to take part in it. Not only has it widened my community of Catholic friends, but empowered me to share my faith in new ways with young people. I’ve grown in knowledge and faith, and am so excited to share that in Lourdes with the other Redcaps. It has allowed me to be a part of something bigger than my own faith journey, and in doing so has really made me even more passionate about sharing the love and joy of God. The monthly sessions have resulted in me considering the faith from many different perspectives, in art or prayer for example, and has been a great reminder that we can see the Lord in everything. I would really recommend people to try the programme for themselves, as the formation, community and joy that you can gain from it really is wonderful!
The Upper Room programme offers a well-rounded experience, combining practical skills like organising youth events with meaningful insights into Church teachings and youth ministry. It was inspiring to meet other Catholics engaged in their parishes and to share ideas about what works and what could be improved. Well-organised and clearly structured, it’s definitely worth participating in – even if you’re just curious about getting involved.
My experience on the Upper Room Programme was providential and inspirational. The Upper Room in Scripture is where the disciples gathered in fear and uncertainty. But, above all, they gathered in faith; transformed by the descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). It is the place of trust, of transformation, and of vocation. Likewise, this programme transformed me, and I felt the Holy Spirit burning within me, calling me to carry out His good works.
The Upper Room programme has been brilliant. Before entering the programme, I felt a calling to do more within my parish and diocese – but quite frankly felt unequipped to face the challenges of youth ministry. Over the last 6 months, the programme has allowed me to develop and hone the very tools needed to catechise. I now feel like I can lead a session from start to finish, and walk with those on their way to the light of Jesus Christ. The programme has also created true friendships – and allowed me to find new brothers and sisters in Christ. I am looking forward to playing a part in my parish youth group, and serving in Lourdes! I am blessed to have been a part of the Upper Room, and recommend it to all that would like to get more involved in parish and diocesan life.
Overall, I have really enjoyed being part of Upper Room. It has been a wonderful opportunity to grow deeper alongside other young adult leaders who are on a similar journey. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to have open and meaningful conversations about faith, life, and vocation.
One thing that I have found especially helpful is that the programme creates space for deeper reflection. It has helped me slow down and think more intentionally about my vocation and my journey in sharing the Word with young people. I have also learned a lot from the experiences and perspectives of others in the group.
As a result of this programme, I am really looking forward to continuing to work with both teenagers and young adults, and to being more intentional and more involved in youth communities. I am also very excited about the upcoming Lourdes pilgrimage and the opportunity to continue growing through this experience.
Thank you again for all the work that goes into organising and leading Upper Room. I truly appreciate it!
Programme Content
See the drop-down menu below for session details; please note that some dates may be subject to change, but any changes will be communicated with sufficient advance warning. During the candidate selection process, priority will be given to those who can attend all sessions.
Please note: Dates for the 2026-2027 Cohort are now live below.
October
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Time: 17:00-20:00
Location: SPEC Retreat Centre, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EP
We launch the course with our first session being held at the Retreat Centre here Pinner. In this session, we get to know our new ‘Upper Roomers’, and we dive into the WHY driving our journey over the next few months. The evening will include a workshop, a commissioning Mass, and a shared meal.
We will also begin to process your DBS certificates for your role as youth ministers.
November
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: SPEC Retreat Centre, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EP
In today’s session, we will dive further into the ‘Four Fs’ of a great youth session, and will learn about how to construct a session from beginning to end in the planning stages. We will look at the importance of icebreakers and discover how each youth session is a journey in itself.
We will be encouraging you to either assist with, or launch a youth group in your parish, so this session’s training is a concrete step in making that happen.
December
Date: Saturday 12th December 2026
Time: 10:00-17:00
Location: SPEC Retreat Centre, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EP
This session will explore how we can practically and spiritually keep young people safe through safeguarding practicies, assessing risks and handling difficult topics. Jesus calls us to grow in the spiritual qualities required to be great leaders, but he also called us to be grounded and responsible leaders. With this in mind, today we cover essential training in building safe spaces in which youth can thrive. The day will also include an essential first aid course provided by MiniFirstAid, from which you will receive a certificate.
January
Date: Saturday 9th January 2027
Time: 10:00-17:00
Location: SPEC Retreat Centre, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EP
This session explores the deeper role of a youth leader within the Church community. We will look at how does my role manifest itself through chaplaincy, accompaniment and advocacy for the youth in the parish.
We will reflect on how personal formation impacts your leadership and how the parish community can come together to support youth initiatives.
During this session, you will also receive important information about the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, on which, if you choose to, you will serve as chaplains to the Redcaps.
February
Date: Saturday 13th February 2027
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: SPEC Retreat Centre, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EP
In this session, we cover the final stage in your planning training as youth workers. We will look at the four dimensions of the Church’s life using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, preparing you to deliver youth ministry in 4D. This will not only draw you and your young people deeper into the Church’s teaching, but also equip you with the skills to use the most handy tool the Chruch has- better than AI.
You will also receive essential training in talking to teenagers; whether you are planning on working with teens or young adults, this training is immediately applicable, transferrable, and formative. We will learn some of the principles of active listening, accompaniment, and biblical principles of communication.
March
Date: Saturday 13th March 2027
Time: 10:00-17:00
Location: SPEC Retreat Centre, Pinner HA5 3EP
PIT STOP. In this session we reverse the roles. The student becomes the teacher. In this session, we will put our training to the test as you plan and prepare a youth session in groups, and present to the rest of the cohort, giving you an opportunity to practice your presentation and public speaking skills!
April
Date: Saturday 10th April 2027
Time: 10:30-16:00
Location: TBC
The young people we encounter are faced with everyday topics that compete for their attention. It is important as youth leaders to be aware of what they are faced with on a day to day basis. In this session, we will walk around Soho to identify some of the big marketing tactics and themes and place ourselves in the shoes of our young people. We will then reflect on our own parishes and identify how we can make them places where young people can flourish.
May
Date: Saturday 8th May 2027
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London, SW1P 1QN and Westminster Cathedral
As we continue to look towards Lourdes and our task as chaplains to the young Redcaps, we turn towards Our Lady as our Mother and role model as leaders. Today we particularly look to Mary as the model of discerning leaders, and we examine why discernment is crucial for good leadership.
We will discover Mary as the model of some important skills in our leadership:
- Mary as the model of the leader who listens
- Mary as the model of the humble leader
- Mary as the model of the proactive responder
- Mary as the model of the leader who trusts in God’s promise
We will finish by praying the Rosary together, focusing particularly on how Mary would have discerned how to best love and serve God through the various events we encounter in Christ’s life as we pray through the mysteries.
June
Date: TBC (towards the end of June)
Time: TBC
Location: TBC
Lourdes is just one month away, and this month you will play a key role in helping to train and support other volunteers and leaders coming with us on the pilgrimage. There will be a training day for all those serving in Lourdes; a day of community-building, discussion, prayer and preparation for Lourdes, in which you will be given roles to assist with the delivery of the day. You will also have the chance to meet, and learn from, volunteers with many years’ experience of the diocesan pilgrimage, and it will be a precious opportunity for you to grow and prepare.
July
For those who have expressed an interest to go to Lourdes, in July we will be joining the Diocesan pilgrimage to serve the Redcaps as Chaplians.
This is a great time to utilise the skills you have gained on the pilgrimage, support the youth in the service, as well as pray for the intentions of your own parish youth ministry.
FAQs
Who is it for?
Young people between the ages of 17-30
You must have turned 18 by the session in January
When is it?
October – July
Why in person?
As Catholics, we believe that we are all members of one body, the Church, and that we are best able to build each other up when we are with each other. We also believe that the physical world is the REAL world, where word becomes flesh and lives among us. Communion, in the Eucharist and in our togetherness, is impossible to achieve digitally. We need to come together.
What if I don’t live in the Diocese of Westminster?
In the event that you live just beyond the Diocesan boundary, or you are temporarily living outside the Diocese but have a strong personal connection and are likely to return in the near future, we will consider your application.
Do I have to be Catholic?
In registering for this programme, you are beginning preparation for a Catholic leadership position, and so being Catholic is a requirement.
What is expected of me?
By being selected to join the Upper Room programme we expect that you attend each monthly session, have a working relationship with your parish priest and set up a parish youth group (where possible).
What can you expect from the Youth Ministry team?
You can expect us to provide you highly quality training as well as accompany you on the journey to ministering to the youth of your parish. We will support you in whatever means we can to ensure the success of your parish youth mission.
Do parish priests need to do anything?
We ask that your parish priest is involved as best as he can be. It is essential for the programme that you have a working relationship with him as he is the decision-maker of the parish, and thus need his permission to start a youth group. We will be asking your parish priest for a reference when you sign up as well as be in contact to track your progress within the parish.
What if I am unable to set up a youth group in my parish?
If for whatever reason you are unable to set up a youth group, we encourage you to speak with your parish priest if you can be involved in sacramental preparation. The tools you gain on this programme will help you to flourish as a well rounded leader. Most often sacramental catechisis can be a gateway into opening a youth group in the parish.
What good will it do for my parish?
In many parish there is a question of how do we keep the young people coming to church, what can we provide for them? Quite often there are many prayer groups, men’s and women’s gorup, coffee mornings, but only sacramental preparation for the youth, that is usually only one year and then they vanish into thin air. The Upper Room Programme seeks to change that by equipping young adults to lead groups where the youth of the parish can feel part of the wider community. It requires a specific set of skills and language to minister to young people and we provide them over the course of the programme.
Is there a cost to the programme?
We ask for a donation of £150 per participant to cover the cost of running the programme. Where possible, we would encourage you to speak with your parish priest about whether the parish might be able to support this cost.
In addition, for those who choose to serve as chaplains for the Redcaps on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, the Youth Ministry will provide a 50% subsidy. We would encourage participants to fundraise for the remaining amount, making use of the skills developed during the course.
We are keen to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. If finances may be a concern, please do not hesitate to email youth@rcdow.org.uk or indicate this in your application.
Sign Ups go live on the 18th of May 2026