CAFOD’s Step into the Gap programme for 18-30s offers a unique opportunity for you to put your Catholic faith into action

Thinking of taking a Gap year, and wondering what to do? In the last 15 years CAFOD STEP IN TO THE GAP volunteers have raised awareness of global justice and inspired a new generation to use their Faith in Action.

CAFOD’s Gap year programme – Step into the Gap – is a great opportunity for those aged between 18-30 to gain experience, develop leadership skills and spend a year inspiring other to act for the poor and most marginalised.

Based in the UK in a retreat centre or secondary school with accommodation, travel and stipend included, you can enjoy an immersive and interactive experience as an ambassador for CAFOD, inspiring others to use their Faith in Action.

The year includes opportunities to build skills and wider life experience as well as a fully funded learning pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.

As well as the full gap year, CAFOD also has opportunities for shorter volunteering placements throughout this year at a variety of summer retreat centres for successful candidates.

“Our Step into the Gap alumni gappers journey didn’t finish with the Step into the Gap programme as they have continued in roles in education, science, politics, engineering, youth ministry, police,and further volunteering overseas,” said Arianne McIntyre, CAFOD’s Young Leadership Development co-ordinator.

“They continue to use their Faith in action and support the ongoing work of CAFOD and the Caritas network.

“We are busy promoting this programme for 2023-24 and other CAFOD opportunities of service, volunteering ,work experience and other programmes aimed at Young Catholics,” says Arianne.

“The CAFOD Step Into the Gap scheme offers:

• In person visit to your conferences, mission days or young adult group meetings leading a session on Service and Leadership with CAFOD and to find out more about the gap year programme.
• Online zoom/teams call for groups of young adults to learn more about the programme, Q & A space and how to apply ( this could also be an evening talk)
• We can offer face to face , online or via PowerPoint information sharing to suit where possible in our diary – Book now to secure dates!

If you are interested,or would like to know more, please get in touch with Arianne McIntyre at youngleadership@cafod.org with any questions or to book in a session on service, leadership, and volunteering opportunities with CAFOD to support young adult Catholic life

To apply for September 2023 go to www.cafod.org.uk/gapyear