For immediate release
THE VIRTUAL VIGIL
It is set to break the mould for postmodern and surreal spiritual experiences – described as a world first – the “Virtual Vigil”.
Traditionally, vigils take place inside church buildings and involve people spending all night in prayer. Whilst this may have been the case for the first two thousand years of the Church's history, a youth initiative is set to redefine this, offering its own 21st century interpretation of the practice. This new genre brings together a surprising mix of elements, and even includes video links to YouTube.
The virtual event will take place on the weekend of 25 - 27 May; it is believed to constitute the creation of a unique genre of temporary, but contemporary, spiritual community. It will target the 15 - 22 age range and features, amongst other things, a video of two fighting ninjas and links to information about the Catholic Faith. The initiative is the brainchild of the Sion Community Youth Ministry Team "and Martin" (to find out who Martin is visit: http://www.sionyouth.org.uk/virtualvigil/).
David Beresford (aka 'Fighting Ninja 1') is a Sion Community Team Member and said: "Young people in this age range communicate online and we wanted to offer them a life-giving, entertaining and fun event, where they can explore their 'spiritual side'. There's no travel involved, you don't have to book and you can join the vigil whenever you like."
The theme of the event is 'Open Your Eyes'; attendees will be invited to look at the world with different eyes and broaden their spiritual perspectives. As well as the ninjas, also being offered are: podcast prayer reflections, an interview with chart toppers Delirious, a 'Thought For The Day', a chat room, life stories, an interactive drama where site visitors decide what happens next, and online one-to-one prayer time with a member of the Sion Community team.
One previous young visitor to the site said: "It's a bit mad, but I loved the fact that it was fun but not preachy; God wasn’t in your face. Some of the videos are sure to become cult viewing." Meanwhile, another said: "I never thought I'd have contact with the Catholic Church on a page that features fighting ninjas! The presentation is off-the-wall, but accessible."
Team Member, Sarah: "We hope attendees will be encouraged in their spiritual journeys and discover that Catholicism is made up of a living creative community of people. You'd be mad to miss the world premiere of our latest video titled, 'Medieval Knights and Princesses ... and maybe even a dragon'. This isn't just a web phenomenon, it's a shared experience."
Helen Bardy, Director of the National Catholic Youth Services (CYS), said: "It's really important that we support young people in their spiritual journeys of discovery. Catholicism doesn't mean 'non-creative' and it's wonderful to see new technology being used to express this."
The Sion Community Youth Team is being supported by the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE). To attend this virtual event, please see: http://www.sionyouth.org.uk/virtualvigil/ The fighting ninjas video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V2fXKoFoRM This forthcoming vigil was preceded by two smaller pilot initiatives. See the ‘Virtual Vigil’ MySpace for quotations from previous attendees: http://www.myspace.com/virtualvigil
ENDS
Editors / Journalists
For more information, photographs and interviews, please contact: Sarah Beresford on tel. 07989127727 or David Beresford on 07989126137.
Sion Community
The Sion Community is a community of priests, religious and lay people committed to the task of evangelisation. They are now the single largest provider of parish missions in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. They have a growing youth ministry and work with young people in primary and secondary schools, and at various residential events.
Please see: http://www.sionyouth.org.uk/ Also: http://www.sionyouth.org.uk/
Previous Event Chat Room Contact
* One young woman in her middle twenties was unsure about whether or not to accept a marriage proposal. She chatted with a member of the team and asked for prayer about it.
* One young man in his early twenties was struggling at university with his faith and asked for prayer and guidance on how best to live that out.
* A girl in her late teens was struggling at home and having a difficult time with her parents and family. She felt lonely and was looking for support and encouragement.
CASE is an agency of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. It was launched in April 2004 to support and resource all tiers of the Church in the task of evangelisation; living, celebrating and sharing the Catholic Faith. Website: www.caseresources.org.uk <http://www.caseresources.org.uk/ > and www.life4seekers.co.uk <http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/ >
CYS is an agency of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. As a national agency, it seeks to add value and support the work of the Catholic youth ministry community, by working in partnership with all those committed to enabling young people and young adults to enjoy the fullness of life, and to being an integral part of Church and society.
Website: http://www.ws3.cys.web.baigent.net/section.asp?id=337