Join the Team

Applications for mission team 2024/2025 now open!!!

serve

A year with our mission team allows you to immerse yourself in dynamic hands-on experiences in various areas of youth ministry! As a team member, you'll take the lead in delivering outdoor activities and creating meaningful times of prayer and reflection during youth retreats.
Connect with young people on a personal level by engaging in conversations, fostering relationships, and ensuring their time in Alton is nothing short of extraordinary. Your role extends beyond structured activities to the heart of their experience, making a lasting impact on their journey. You'll also head into schools where you'll lead impactful sessions during Mission weeks and Outreach days, where you'll raise awareness of key faith and world issues. You'll also get involved with the broader diocesan community by participating in events like the Lourdes pilgrimage, World Youth Day, and other exciting events such as Born for This, Summer Camp, or It's a Knockout.

"Being able to work in such a beautiful place whilst doing activities that I love...what could be better?"
Lucas
(Mission Team 2019-2021)
(Programme Leader 2021-2024)

grow

Embark on a transformative journey with our mission team for a year that will fuel your personal and spiritual growth! Immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals who will uplift and support you on your faith journey.
During your year, you'll deepen your understanding of your faith through regular catechesis sessions, where your questions will be thoughtfully addressed. Engage in valuable training opportunities such as the Alpha Course and participate in school chaplaincy training days, expanding your knowledge and skills in meaningful ways.
But that's not all – our mission team also focuses on practical skills and experiences that go beyond the spiritual realm. Gain hands-on expertise in outdoor activities like mountain biking, archery, and first aid. What sets us apart is that you'll leave with nationally recognized qualifications in these areas, enhancing both your personal and professional portfolio.

"You should join our mission team because it allows you to grow as a person, and within your faith. You walk alongside amazing likeminded people who support you”
Brie
(Mission team 2022-2024)

belong

Become a vital part of a close-knit community where friendship, faith and fellowship are at the heart of what we do! A year on our team offers a unique and enriching experience as you work and live alongside your team members, providing mutual encouragement and support for personal growth.
You'll take part in weekends away and community time filled with diverse activities, ranging from mountain climbing and football matches to thrilling adventures like escape rooms and water park outings. These shared experiences not only build camaraderie but also create lasting memories that go beyond the day-to-day responsibilities.
The bonds formed during your year on the team will extend far beyond your time in Alton. Through shared challenges, laughter, and the support of a like-minded community, you'll develop connections that are deep, meaningful, and often last a lifetime.

"I made friends for life. It's a life changing experience that has helped me to develop many new skills which I will use forever."
Beth
(Mission Team 2018-2020)

What is a year on team actually like?

A year with the Kenelm youth ministry team provides an opportunity for those aged 18-25 to minister to young people whilst living and working with other young Catholics. Our Mission Volunteers work at our retreat centres (Alton Castle and Soli), providing retreat experiences for young people and young adults (ages 9 and up).

During their volunteer year, our volunteers have opportunities to develop skills, to become leaders in outdoor education pursuits (obtaining nationally recognised qualifications), to network with others in youth ministry, and to volunteer abroad, travelling with Kenelm to Lourdes for pilgrimage. (Our volunteers also have the opportunity to work in one or both of our retreat centres. Scroll down to see more information on what each of our centres are like to work in.)

Many of our volunteers stay for second years, or return to help out whenever they can. Once you've been a volunteer for Kenelm, you'll always be part of the Kenelm family.

Download our Gap Years Brochure

but what's the difference between Alton Castle and Soli?

castle

At the Castle you'll be working with young people in Years 3 - 9 to help them encounter Christ through creation, community and challenging activities. You'll be leading outdoor activities, games and reflections, as well as supporting and leading large and small group times of prayer.

more info about the castle

soli

At Soli you'll be working with young people in Years 10 and above to enable them to grow and develop in their faith. Through outdoor activities, small group times and peer ministry. You'll walk alongside the young people and enable them to overcome challenges, deepen their faith and experience times of fellowship.

More info about soli

See what past team have to say...

Apply now!

Think you've got what it takes to be a Mission Team Volunteer? Then apply now!
You can apply for a full gap year, or apply for a January - July placement for 2024.
Click the links below to download a copy of the application form. Once completed, return the email to [email protected]

If your application is successful, we will invite you to come and visit us for a taster retreat and interview. On your taster retreat you will get the opportunity to shadow our current mission team who will show you what it's like to lead activities for young people. We can't wait to meet you!

Download an application form (PDF.)

Download an application form (word doc.)