|PIC1|The Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) has launched a new experience for young adults looking for a challenging and rewarding year out in a church environment.

The one-year JUMP Programme has been crafted out of the Church's desire to give youth a jump start in future work in that place.

Interns will begin their placements in parishes across all Ireland when the programme commences in September 2008.

"For the young adults involved this will be the start of a new journey into what it is like to work full time within the Church," said the Church of Ireland.

"For the parishes and communities involved this will be the start of a new expression of their youth work, a chance to see new things happen for their young people and church community."

The JUMP Programme will complement the CIYD's existing range of services and programmes for young people, youth leaders, youth workers and parishes.

For more info go to www.ciyd.org