Vicky describes how a simple invitation changed the course of her life

The people we meet every day can have a huge influence on our lives. Here Vicky, YCW National Coordinator, describes how she first heard about YCW in the Parish of Francis Street, in the heart of the Liberties, and the influence it has had on her life since.

 

Photo of Vicky Rattigan

« People often ask me how or why I got involved in YCW. The simple answer to this question is, I was asked. I was working in an office, a difficult enough job. One evening walking home from work I met a former teacher from school, who having long since retired from teaching was doing a stint as the Parish Sister. She stopped me in the street and simply invited me along to a chat about "Youth" in the Presbytery. Not being a "Church goer" at the time, I reluctantly agreed and went home to ask my mother where the Presbytery was.

 

As agreed, I attended the meeting which was also attended by a number of others, some the same age as myself, some older, others who like me had been invited to come along and hear what a group of young people from YCW had to say. It was during this meeting that I actually found out what the initials 'YCW' actually stood for. As someone who had absolutely no contact with Parish, Church or any other form of religious practice, you can imagine how the C part of Young Christian Workers struck me. "Here come the Bible Bashers" I thought to myself and kept a close eye on my watch ready with my excuse to bolt out the door as soon as I could. The lecture didn't come. What I did hear was a group of young people talking about the things that they felt strongly about, the things that were important to them. Work, unemployment, life and other social issues were being discussed and acted on by these young people who were just like me. There was nothing earth shattering about that first encounter with YCW but I did agree to come back the following week to what was to become Francis Street YCW's first meeting.

 

No matter what the group or organisation, people join things for many different reasons, why they stay, however is what's really important. I joined YCW because I was invited to do so, the reasons I stayed were many and varied. I wouldn't say I was actually searching for something, I had a job, friends and a good social life, as far as I was concerned there was nothing missing in my life. Looking back on my time in the Movement I realise that what I actually found was a place where I could belong. Being part of a group of my peers where what I said really mattered was one thing, but being part of an International Movement which offered opportunities to travel was quite another story altogether. In our group in Francis Street we looked at different issues, situations which we as young people were facing everyday of the week. Using the YCW method of See, Judge, Act we looked at each situation, reflected on it and took actions that made a real difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us. This same method was changing the lives of thousands of other young workers throughout the world.

 

As Christians we believe that we are created in the image and likeness of God, while this is true it is also very difficult to believe. Every day people are being mistreated in the workplace, in their homes and in society in general. They can so often feel let down by their parish community and their Church, this is especially true of young people. In founding the YCW Movement in Belgium in 1925, Joseph Cardijn was certainly a man with great vision and belief in the ability of each young person to bring about change in their lives, in society and in their Church. "A young worker is worth more than all the gold in the world" Cardijn said and he believed it with every fibre of his being. He dedicated his life to Young Workers so that they may experience the true meaning of the Gospel message.

As a member of YCW I have been amazed by the tremendous expressions of Christianity among the young people in the Movement with whom I come into contact. This may not necessarily manifest itself in their attendance at Mass, but is very evident by their Actions towards their fellow man. For many in YCW 'Faith Development' is not high on their list of things to do but that is what happens. With the YCW Movement I am constantly reminded of the line in the second letter of St. James, "Faith and Actions": '(...) So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no action, then it is dead." (James 2:14-26). That is what YCW is all about, living out our faith in our everyday lives, whether working, unemployed at school, college or at home. From the person in work who is being ignored by his colleagues to the housing situation and how it affects young workers, these are just some of the issues of Social Justice which we in YCW deal with on a regular basis. Bridging the gap between what our Faith tells about how we should be treated, and treat others, and the reality of everyday living. That for me is being a Christian.

 

The age group that YCW is aimed at is also very significant. While we have our IMPACT! Programme for 16-18 year olds, we also cater for those 18+. YCW is first and foremost a Movement for young workers, those that have left full-time education, mainly the eighteen plus age group. Young people in this age group are often 'un-churched' and have little or no contact with any formalised religious practice. YCW meets these young people where they are at and offers them the opportunity to look at the things that are important to them. For me, I know that had I not joined YCW I would have long since joined my peers in their exodus from the Church. There are many different groups and organisations working with young people today. Some are issue based, others more Spiritual in their approach. YCW worked for me because it combined everything, from the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects to the very practical everyday things like knowing your rights and entitlements. I have met many young people throughout Europe who have been changed by this Movement, young people with a true sense of their own worth and of their ability to bring about change in the workplace, in society but most importantly in their Church.

 

As Cardijn himself said: "We are only at the beginning, at the very beginning. We must persevere." »

 

Vicky Rattigan, YCW National Co-ordinator

 

 

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If you would like to share your experience of the YCW Movement we would love to hear from you. You can contact us at the YCW Office.