MARCH 2025

FLAME 2025 was an unforgettable experience for almost 1,000 young people and leaders from the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, centred on the Jubilee theme Pilgrims of Hope and the call to be Unstoppable. Gathering with over 10,800 young people at the OVO Arena, Wembley, they were inspired through powerful music, prayer, testimony and worship, including a message from Pope Francis reminding them that Christ is the living source of hope. The scale of participation from the Diocese was made possible through the support of Significance, which enabled many young people to attend who otherwise could not have afforded to take part.

Founded by Fr Dermott Donnelly, Significance contributed directly to the success of Flame 2025 by covering half the cost for every young person who attended, ensuring that as many as possible could share in this national celebration of faith. Fr Dermott had been closely involved in the planning of Flame and always believed deeply in removing barriers so young people could experience moments that affirm their worth, potential and belonging within the Church. Thanks to the generosity of Significance supporters, young people returned home inspired, confident and ready to act as ambassadors of hope in their schools, parishes and communities — a powerful continuation of Fr Dermott’s vision and legacy.

FEBRUARY 2025

On Sunday 9 February, 106 young people from schools and parishes across the Diocese gathered at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, with their families and supporters to celebrate the completion of the Pope John Paul II Award. It was a joyful afternoon that recognised commitment, faith in action, and thousands of hours of service given to local communities.

With the support of Significance, this celebration became more than an awards ceremony. Through encouragement, partnership and practical backing, Significance helped ensure young people were not only recognised, but truly seen — their efforts valued, their voices heard, and their impact amplified.

NOVEMBER 2023

Thanks to the generous support of Significance, Beth was able to attend World Youth Day and take part in an unforgettable, faith‑filled pilgrimage alongside thousands of young Catholics from across the world. As a first‑time attendee, the opportunity made possible through Significance’s grant opened the door to an experience that was joyful, challenging and deeply enriching from the moment the journey began.

Throughout the week, Significance’s support enabled full participation in the heart of World Youth Day — including the opening Mass, the Pope’s welcome ceremony, catechesis sessions, the vocations fair, and the Vigil and Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Alongside these central moments were opportunities for fellowship, cultural exchange and reflection, from shared celebrations with other UK groups to time spent exploring Lisbon. Together, these experiences created a vibrant week of prayer, music and community that strengthened faith and left a lasting impact.

JULY 2023

On 1 July, more than 400 people gathered at the Emmaus Youth Village to remember Fr Dermott on the first anniversary of his death and to give thanks for a life devoted to young people. Families, clergy, educators and youth leaders came together during the Youth Ministry Team’s Festival Fortnight to celebrate a priest whose ministry reached across generations. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Seamus Cunningham in the festival marquee, was filled with people of all ages — a powerful reflection of Fr Dermott’s belief that young people should be welcomed, trusted and given space to grow in faith. His influence was evident not only in the scale of the gathering, but in the many lives shaped by his encouragement and care.

Fr Dermott founded Significance to ensure that his vision would continue: creating opportunities for young people to recognise their God‑given worth and to become all they were created to be. Through Significance’s support, his legacy lives on in the work of YMT and the ongoing development of the Emmaus Youth Village. Young people shared how experiences such as retreats, national events and gap‑year programmes — all rooted in Fr Dermott’s original vision — have transformed their confidence, faith and sense of belonging. Plans for new initiatives at Emmaus, first set in motion by Fr Dermott himself, were also shared, demonstrating that his ministry did not end with his death but continues to grow, dream and respond to the needs of young people through the work of Significance