The ‘incredible shock’ at a beloved teacher’s sexual offending

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Damian Patrick Young was known as a talented, passionate teacher with compassion for his students, who he went above and beyond for.

At the same time, he dedicated his life outside school to continuing to help young people, working with foster care organisations and as a regional manager for the Camp Quality charity – aimed at providing children with cancer a happy, fun filled life.

He’s now a convicted sex offender.

The 56-year-old was sentenced to two years, seven months’ imprisonment at the Christchurch District Court in June for sexually abusing three of his pupils. Read more

Additional reading

News category: New Zealand, News Shorts.

Tags: Child sex abuse

Fifth Gospel Living – book review

Simple, sweet, sometimes heart-breaking, and always invigorating, Fifth Gospel Living is the latest publication from Fr John O’Connor and his Food for Faith ministry. It comprises stories of personal encounters with God. The 96 reflections are the result of a Read more

Treaty of Waitangi should be considered as a covenant relationship

A hīkoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill has made its way to Wellington. Those who took part in the hīkoi, along with supporters around the country, both Māori and non-Māori, consider the Bill to be a betrayal of the commitments Read more

Christianity stands on threshold of new Reformation

Keynote speaker Tomáš Halík (pictured) a leading Catholic intellectual and author from the Czech Republic, says Churches must transcend national, religious, cultural boundaries A new reformation for the 21st century must transcend “the current forms and boundaries of Christianity,” resist Read more

CathNews New Zealand