Young adult ministry event to host lay leaders from around Ireland

21 Jun 2024

Tomorrow, about 150 young adults from across the island of Ireland will gather for the inaugural ‘Intentional Young Adult Ministry’ event in Clongowes Wood College.  Themed Into the deep and hosted by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, it will consist of participant-led activities, reflections and the celebration of Mass.  You, or a representative, are invited to apply for accreditation to attend.  Details:
 
When              Saturday 22 June 2024, at 1.00 pm, for testimonies and photo opportunities
Where             Clongowes Wood College SJ, Clane, Co Kildare, W91 DN40
What               ‘Building Intentional Young Adult Ministry in Ireland’ youth leadership event
Who                In attendance: youth leaders; Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork & Ross and chair of the Bishops’ Council for Pastoral Renewal & Adult Faith Development; Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down & Connor and chair of the Bishops’ Council for Justice & Peace; other clergy, and keynote speaker, author Father Stephen Wang, who will speak on the theme: ‘The Heart of Catholic Young Adult Ministry’.
 
Looking forward to the gathering, Bishop Fintan said, “I have fond memories of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon.  It was an uplifting experience for all who participated.  After WYD, youth leaders and bishops gathered synodally to reflect on how we could develop an ‘intentional’ approach to youth ministry in Ireland.  Last January, in the context of a ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ held at Knock Shrine, we felt the undeniable prompting of the Holy Spirit, urging us to be more intentional in bringing faith in Jesus to young adults.  This is at the heart of our mission.  Accordingly, this conference is the fruit of our continuing journey with young adults and leaders to enable us to discern together and develop new ideas.  We are here to listen, to learn, and be open to the creative movement of the Holy Spirit.”
 
For media accreditation, please contact the Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth, on [email protected]  
 
ENDS

Notes for Editors
  • Short biography of Father Stephen Wang: a priest from the Diocese of Westminster, he is currently Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome – one of the five seminaries serving the Catholic Church in England and Wales.  Since his ordination in 1998, Father Wang has worked in pastoral ministry in various London parishes, schools, hospitals and prisons.  He has been Dean of Theology at Allen Hall Seminary, Visiting Lecturer in Philosophy at Saint Mary’s University and Visiting Lecturer in Theology at Heythrop College.  Most recently he worked as Senior University Chaplain at Newman House Student Centre and as Catholic Chaplain at the London School of Economics.  Father Wang is the author of Aquinas and SartreA Way of Life for Young CatholicsHow to Discover Your VocationThe New Evangelisation; and, The Christian Faith.  His most recent book is Sycamore: The Catholic Faith Explained.  Father Wang is involved in various evangelisation projects including the Sycamore Programme and the Pause for Faith YouTube channel.