The Pro-Cathedral was filled with music, laughter, and prayer last weekend as over 100 young adults gathered for HopeFest@North City Centre Deanery – a vibrant celebration of faith, youth and community in the heart of the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Organised through a collaboration of local young adult groups – including the Dominicans, Jesuits, Shalom, Jesus Youth, Legion of Mary, CFC Youth for Christ, Aughrim Street Parish, Católicos Hispanos en Irlanda, Católicos Em Dublin, North Wall–Seville Place, and the Office for Mission and Ministry of the Archdiocese – the event was a powerful expression of unity, collaboration, and the Church’s accompaniment of young people.
To start with, participants were invited to share their faith and experience of community through fun activities. Teresa Menendez, from the Office for Mission and Ministry, of the Archdiocese of Dublin, offered then a heartfelt reflection on the role of community, service, and hope in today’s world, encouraging attendees to be light in their local contexts. Later, Father Michael Casey of Sean McDermott Street Parish led participants to the nearby statue of Venerable Matt Talbot as, providentially the weekend marked the centenary of Talbot’s death. Father Michael shared the enduring relevance of Matt’s story of transformation and holiness, especially for young people navigating the complexities of modern life.
From the opening moments, HopeFest was alive with joy. The evening featured music, interactive games, and spaces for deep personal reflection, connection, and community sharing.
According to Ms Menendez, “The highlight of the evening came during Eucharistic Adoration – a time of reverence and prayer before Christ – also led by the young adults. In a beautiful gesture of outreach, attendees brought non-perishable goods to donate to the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless, responding to the call for young adults to take concrete action for justice, service, and charity. The goods will be delivered in the coming weeks by one of the deanery groups.”
Ms Menendez continued, “One participant noted – ‘It was a brilliant evening! There was a good number from our group, and they all said great things about it!’ Another participant said, ‘It was great to meet new people and share in the joy of the faith. That was so lovely – everyone gave good feedback and was so happy to be involved! I hope this will be the first of many.'”
The Office for Mission and Ministry hopes that the spirit of HopeFest will continue to echo throughout the deanery in the months to come, with connections deepening among young adults, new friendships blossoming, and faith continuing to be joyfully celebrated and shared.
In an effort to build local community across the deanery, the diocese – together with youth leaders from the Howth Deanery – are organising another HopeFest this coming Friday, 13 June, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Portmarnock Parish (D13 WK33). Local young adults are invited to come along and share an evening of fun and faith activities, opportunities to chat and connect, inspiring workshops, and a time of prayer.
Register your interest HERE. For more information contact: [email protected] or WhatsApp 086 813 1820.
ENDS
