#YouthCon

#YouthCon 2025… paving the way into 2026!

On a cold Saturday morning at the end of November, a very dedicated and excited team descended on DCU, St Patrick’s at 8am. The team didn’t know how the day would unfold, but trusted in the Spirit. #YouthCon 2025 brought a fresh spark of hope and energy to our diocesan community, gathering young people under the theme ‘Encountering Christ Together’. The event was the fruit of months of preparation by a dedicated team of young adults who met faithfully, prayed together, and shaped a day designed to inspire, challenge, and unite. Their commitment was evident in every detail, from the planning, the early morning start, the warm welcome to all who attended, right to the last bit of clean-up on the day.

One of the highlights of the day was the workshop led by Fr Joe McGrath. With his trademark warmth and lively activities, he guided participants to recognise the presence of Christ in ordinary ways in life. After the indoor session, everyone moved outside for a practical exercise that had a flavour of speed dating. Pairs rotated every 30 seconds or so, yet engaged deeply with questions of faith, service, and personal vocation. Laughter, honesty, and a real sense of connection filled the air as all participants discovered how easily Christ can be encountered through one another.

The speed inputs on local ministries made a strong impression, particularly the presentation on the Capuchin Day Centre. Inspired by what they heard, a group of participants took up the opportunity to volunteer the following Saturday for the breakfast and lunch shift. Their willingness to serve was a direct and heartening outcome of the day, showing how formation and encounter naturally lead to action.

Feedback was gathered through post-it notes on the day during a session with Bishop Paul and evaluation forms. Everything submitted was later collated and prayerfully reviewed by the organising team during their evaluation meeting. These insights were invaluable. They highlighted what resonated most with participants and helped shape practical steps for the months ahead.

As a result, #YouthCon 2025 is already influencing the second round of the Diocesan Certificate in Youth Ministry Leadership, ensuring the programme responds to the real experiences and hopes of young people. Plans for Lent are being enriched by suggestions from the day, with new retreat opportunities and outreach events emerging. The renewed sense of networking is helping parishes and groups share resources more freely and support one another. Most importantly, the gathering has reminded us how to spread the good news of all the work already happening on the ground by celebrating it openly and inviting others to join in. #YouthCon 2025 has shown that when we encounter Christ together, we build a Church that is joyful, welcoming, and ready to serve.