Ahead of a faith gathering of young adults from around the country, which will take place in Knock on 14 June – and which is expected to be the largest such gathering of young adult faith leaders since the visit to Ireland of the late pope, now Saint John Paul II, over three days in September/October 1979 – Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork and Ross led a retreat in Portarlington, Co Laois, in order to facilitate a renewed commitment to the sacred work of youth ministry across the island of Ireland.
Over 15 and 16 May, the Bishops’ Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal, gathered youth ministers from across Ireland for a time of retreat and connection. Bishop Gavin, who also serves as the chair of the council, addressed the group, “God has called us to embrace youth ministry with Christian hope and energy. However, the landscape of Irish youth ministry today presents real challenges – vast dioceses with limited resources, single individuals responsible for entire regions, and the complex task of building bridges with young people who are unfamiliar with Church. Yet within these challenges lies opportunity. But we are inspired by Christ’s promise that ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,’ and I consider that the path forward is not primarily strategic, rather it is personal, rooted in authentic encounter with Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Gavin continued, “Jesus says, ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If the Master washes feet, how much more should we? Youth ministry in Ireland today is fundamentally a foot-washing ministry. It is about kneeling down in service, reaching out to support young people, especially those who feel vulnerable, to offer cleansing, care, and healing. Sometimes those feet are muddy with doubt and anxiety, sometimes calloused from loneliness and hardship, sometimes blistered from walking difficult paths. It is to those places we wash feet – bring Christ the healer and servant leader.
Bishop Gavin concluded his remarks with words inspired by Saint Joan of Arc. He said, “God has chosen each youth minister for this time and place. Let us remember the words of Saint Joan of Arc, ‘I am not afraid, God is with me. I was born for this!’ As our council prepares for the Jubilee of Youth gathering in Rome over July/August, and the upcoming ‘Dare to Hope’ event in Knock Shrine on 14 June, we continue to build our network of youth ministers and young people as we encounter, love and follow Christ.”
To read the full message of Bishop Gavin during the retreat visit CatholicBishops.ie. To register for the ‘Dare to Hope’ faith gathering visit EventBrite.ie.
ENDS
Photo collage from the ‘Intentional Young Adult Ministry’ event held at Clongowes Wood College SJ, Co Kildare on 22 June.
