Young adult ministry event hosts lay leaders from around Ireland

27 Jun, 2024 | Bishops, Church, News

On 22 June last, over 160 young adults from across the island of Ireland gathered for the inaugural ‘Intentional Young Adult Ministry’ gathering in Clongowes Wood College SJ in Clane, Co Kildare.  Themed Into the deep and hosted by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the event comprised participant-led activities, reflections and the celebration of Mass.

In attendance were lay youth leaders; keynote speaker and author Father Stephen Wang of the Archdiocese of Westminster, who spoke on the theme: ‘The Heart of Catholic Young Adult Ministry’; Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh; Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin;  Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA of Cashel & Emly; Bishop Ray Browne of Kerry; Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford & Lismore; Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore; Bishop Niall Coll of Ossory; Bishop Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin; Bishop Gavin, Bishop McGuckian, and other clergy.

Welcoming all to the event, Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork &Ross and chair of the Bishops’ Council for Pastoral Renewal & Adult Faith Development, said,”I welcome in a particular way the young adults who are joining us in such great numbers.  We are a wonderfully diverse group – ordained, religious and laity, old and young, professionals and students, men and women – all sharing  in the one Baptism; this is an important synodal gathering for the Irish Church.  I have really been looking forward to this gathering.  It is good to be here.”

In his remarks, Father Wang said, “I am hugely excited to be involved in the ‘Intentional Young Adult Ministry’ event organised by the Irish Bishops, bringing together young people from all over the island of Ireland.  There seems to be a great deal of energy and enthusiasm in the Irish Church at the moment, and a desire to discover new ways of connecting with young people today.  I pray that the meeting will be a catalyst for renewal in the Church, and will allow the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of all those who will be present.”

Read the full text of Bishop Gavin and and Father Wang’s statements for the ‘Intentional Young Adult Ministry’ gathering in Clongowes here.

ENDS

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