National drive for clubs
By Hugh Kay
WITH the active backing of the Hierarchy of England and Wales, the National Federation of Catholic Youth Clubs is leading a campaign for the development of the Church's action in this field, as part and parcel of the overall national effort.
While the specific identity of the Catholic club will be maintained, the aim is to avoid an exclusive or rival network to the national movement.
In contributing to the general campaign, the Church will stand to gain, as well as to give, in the cross-fertilisation of ideas, and also in reaping the financial benefits now available as a result of the Albemarle Report.
The Catholic Federation is not designed to incorporate all the Church's smelt clubs in a single structure, but acts as an advisory body and "ginger group", with its advisory services available to any Catholic club in the country.
WILL TRAVEL
The Hierarchy has approved the appointment of a fuIl time national organiser with a mandate to get the whole of our youth service really on its toes. He is Mr. Cecil James, a young married man who was formerly a tutor with the London Federation of Boys' Clubs. He has worked in an approved school, has been warden of an S.V.P. hostel, and has studied social science at London University.
He will travel to any part of the country to advise and help parish priests and other organisers. particularly in relation to making use of the facilities available from local authorities.
His London headquarters are at 46, Harleyford Road, Vauxhall, S.E.11, where 1 met him last week, and here are some of the main talking points that
emerged from our discussion: 1. The club is not meant to be a means of bribing young people with expensive equipment into a Catholic atmosphere.
It is a social centre — with a canteen. light games and record player in the background — where intelligent human relationships are formed. informal discussions can get to grips with problems and interests of all kinds, and joint activities can he planned.
2. The need is not for organised classes, but for interested adults Continued on page 6 CoI.