Youth Ministry

Despite the wet Sunday evening, Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church in Cork City Centre was filled for a special Mass animated by young people.

Hosted by the City Centre Family of Parishes, the young adults took charge of every ministry for the celebration, including welcoming, singing, serving, and reading, while also organizing the hospitality that followed after Mass.

Bishop Fintan Gavin was the principal celebrant of the first Mass, joined by Fr Marius O’Reilly from the Family of Parishes, and Fr Laurence from Holy Trinity Church.

The Young Adult Mass will now take place on the second Sunday of each month — with the next celebration on Sunday, 14th December.

The Young Adult Mass will now take place on the second Sunday of each month in Ss Peter and Paul's Church at 7pm

The Youth Ministry Special Collection will be taken up this weekend (November 8th and 9th) in all parishes across the diocese.

The Youth Ministry Special Collection will be taken up this weekend (November 8th and 9th) in all parishes across the diocese.

It is important for us to support and encourage our young people in every way we can and encourage them to take part in their local Parish. This collection directly supports the work of Sheila Kelleher, our Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator, and the many volunteers dedicated to nurturing faith among our youth.

Over the past year, new initiatives have taken root, including Altar Server Workshops, Alpha Youth (fostering collaboration between schools and parishes), Maranatha (a faith-based high-energy music event for Post-Primary school students), the continuation of the Sycamore & Foundations in Theology programmes, Lourdes pilgrimage, the Jubilee of Youth and Connect (for young adults).

Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music.

300 people stepped into St Augustine’s Church on Washington Street during Light Fever, a special evening of prayer, music, and reflection held on All Hallows’ Eve.

Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music. Young volunteers invite passersby to come inside, light a candle, and take a moment for prayer — with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The evening began with Mass for the volunteers, followed by Eucharistic adoration. While some participants prayed quietly in the church, others went out in pairs to invite people from the streets of Cork to step away from the masks, noise, and bustle, and into the peace and warmth of Christ’s presence.

Parishioners from across the diocese gathered over two evenings for a workshop aimed at renewing and strengthening the Altar Server Ministry in local parishes.

The sessions, held in Clonakilty Parish Centre and in Frankfield & Grange Parish Centre, brought together priests, parents, and parish youth leaders who share a commitment to helping young people take an active role in parish life through altar serving.

The workshops introduced a new approach to altar server formation, empowering parents and youth leaders to take a more active role in training and supporting young servers within their own parishes.

Altar Server Workshop attendees in Clonakilty Parish Centre

Over 120 young adults gathered for Connect 7

Last Saturday, over 120 young adults gathered at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne in Cork for CONNECT 7, an event organised by the Diocese of Cork and Ross

CONNECT has become a much-anticipated occasion for young adults across the diocese to come together, combining faith, friendship and fun.

The theme for this Connect gathering was, “Finding Purpose - God’s Plan for My Life”, which centred around what God is inviting us to do with our lives, whether married, a priest, a religious or single.

Lorraine Buckley, Faith Development Coordinator with the Diocese of Cork and Ross, and Fr Conor McGrath, Vocations Director with the Diocese of Down and Connor, were the keynote speakers. Both offered insights and personal reflections on discerning God’s call and finding meaning in one’s life.

Connect 7 is taking place on Saturday 18th October in the Cathedral of St Mary at St Anne’s

Watch Fr Conor's invite video

Young people aged 18-35 are warmly invited to CONNECT 7

Connect 7 is taking place on Saturday 18th October in the Cathedral of St Mary at St Anne’s, Cork City from 2-7pm.

The theme of this Connect is ‘Finding purpose – God’s plan for my life’, which will centre around what God is inviting us to do with our lives, whether married, a priest, a religious or single.

Our keynote speakers are Fr. Conor McGrath, Vocations Director in the Diocese of Down and Connor, and Lorraine Buckley, Faith Development Coordinator in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

The day will include a presentation by the two guest speakers, Mass, Adoration, time for a panel discussion and an opportunity for Confession.

There is a registration fee of €10, which includes pizza.

Register Here

The Diocese of Cork and Ross is delighted to announce CONNECT 7, an event for Young Adults aged 18-35.

Connect 7 is taking place on Saturday 18th October in the Cathedral of St Mary at St Anne’s, Cork City from 2-7pm. 

Connect is a gathering for young people of faith and for those who are searching between the ages of 18-35. Previous CONNECT events have been very successful in bringing young adults together to celebrate their faith and find support and nourishment for their faith journey today.

This Connect’s theme is: ‘Finding purpose – God’s plan for my life’, which will centre around what God is inviting us to do with our lives, whether married, a priest, a religious or single. Our keynote speakers are Fr. Conor McGrath, Vocations Director in the Diocese of Down and Connor, and Lorraine Buckley, Faith Development Coordinator in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

The day will include a talk by the two guest speakers, Mass, Adoration, time for a panel discussion, confessions, pizza and more.

Register Here

The Sycamore and Foundations in Theology programmes begin on Wednesday 24th September

The Diocese of Cork and Ross, in collaboration with UCC Chaplaincy and the Presentation Brothers LEAF Project is offering two exciting programmes for young adults (18-35 years).

The Foundations in Theology and Sycamore programmes will be begin on Wednesday 24th September from 5.45-8pm in Mardyke House, Cork, T12 W8RP.

Both programmes will run concurrently over the next 10 weeks:

Foundations in Theology: This introductory programme explores the fundamentals of our Christian faith. Sessions will be presented by various expert speakers. 

Sycamore Formation Series: A welcoming and accessible starting point for young adults interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.