Youth Ministry

Fr Mike Schmitz with servers at the Mass.

A group of 50 young adults from the Diocese of Cork and Ross travelled by bus to Dublin to attend the Parables Tour with Fr Mike Schmitz at the National Stadium.

The evening began with Mass at St Kevin's Church, Harrington Street, where many members of the Cork and Ross group helped to animate the liturgy through music and serving. The Mass was organised by the Irish Bishops' Conference's Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal and was celebrated by Bishop Fintan who is Chair of the Council. 

In his homily, Fr Mike Schmitz encouraged those gathered not to overcomplicate the call to follow Christ, but instead to allow God to meet them where they are.

Click here to watch the promo video. Fifty young adults from the Diocese will travel to Dublin next Monday to attend the Parables Tour with Fr Mike Schmitz

Fifty young adults from the Diocese of Cork and Ross will travel to Dublin next Monday to attend the Parables Tour with Fr Mike Schmitz at the National Stadium on the South Circular Road.

They will join hundreds of young people from across Ireland for a special Mass in St Kevin's Church, Harrington Street. Bishop Fintan Gavin will be the principal celebrant, with Fr Mike Schmitz preaching. The liturgy will be led by young people from across Ireland through music, ministry and prayer.

Speaking ahead of the gathering, Bishop Fintan said, “Father Mike is a gifted communicator, and would already be known to many in Ireland for his popular podcast The Bible in a Year. This is a wonderful opportunity for people from across the island to come together, deepen their faith, and to hear the message of the Gospel presented in a novel, energetic and engaging style that speaks into our lives today.”

Watch the video

Beginning with Mass for the volunteers at 6pm, the evening continued with Eucharistic Adoration, soft music and candlelight, offering a space where people could step away from the noise and busyness of the city.

Throughout the night, young volunteers headed out onto the nearby streets, gently inviting passersby to come inside, even if only for a few moments. Many people responded to this simple invitation, lighting candles, sitting quietly in prayer or simply taking time to reflect.

Inside the church, a steady presence of prayer was maintained by volunteers who remained before the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for those who came through the doors.

Light Fever took place on Friday evening in St Augustine's Church, Washington Street

Young adults were invited to an information evening to learn more about the Diocese of Cork and Ross pilgrimage to Lourdes as Young Adult Helpers in September 2026.

Attendees heard details about the upcoming pilgrimage, which will take place from 18th–23rd September 2026, and the important role Young Adult Helpers play in supporting pilgrims while in Lourdes.

The evening offered an opportunity to better understand what is involved on the pilgrimage, as well as to reflect on the personal and spiritual benefits of taking part. While on pilgrimage, there will be opportunities for prayer, formation, and reflection, providing young adults with a meaningful way to grow in faith while serving others.

Attendees at the Lourdes Young Adult Helper Information Evening

The Diocese of Cork and Ross invites you to Light Fever in St. Augustine’s Church, Washington Street on Friday 27th March from 6pm.

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. 

The evening will begin with Mass at 6pm. Afterwards, for a couple of hours, young people will go out in pairs to gently invite passers-by from the busy city streets into the quiet, prayerful atmosphere of the church. Others will remain inside in prayer for all who enter. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available on the night.

This event offers a wonderful opportunity to give witness to our faith and to share a welcoming, uplifting experience of the Church with others.

All help is greatly appreciated! If you’d like to get involved, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Are you aged 18-30 and interested in serving others while deepening your faith?

The Diocese of Cork and Ross invites young adults to consider travelling to Lourdes as a Young Adult Helper from the 18th-23rd September 2026.

Young Adult Helpers play an important role in the pilgrimage, supporting pilgrims who need assistance, both in the hospital and by accompanying them to liturgies and other pilgrimage events. They also help with various aspects of the pilgrimage, including supporting and helping to animate the liturgies.

For the young adults themselves, the pilgrimage can be a very meaningful experience in their faith and life journey, with opportunities for formation, prayer, and reflection included as part of the pilgrimage.

To learn more, come along to our Information Evening on

Thursday 20 March
at 7pm
Mardyke House, Cork (T12 W8RP)

This evening will give you a chance to hear more about what the pilgrimage involves, what it’s like to be a Young Adult Helper, and how you can get involved.

Register for the information evening here

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cork City Hall was filled with energy and applause as almost 500 young people lit up the stage with a concert.

The Maranatha 2026 concert featured post-primary school students from parishes throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Twenty-three schools came together for the celebration, transforming the historic venue into a powerful showcase of talent and conviction.

Maranatha blends music, faith and fun — creating a space where students can express who they are, celebrate their identity and build lasting connections and friendships in an atmosphere of joy and community.

Watch our promotion video here

Please join us for Maranatha on Thursday 26th February in Cork City Hall.

Maranatha is a high-energy, faith-based concert that celebrates young people, joy, belonging, and faith.

Young people from parishes across the diocese attending post-primary schools have been preparing for Maranatha 2026.

The full day event cumulates in a concert in Cork City Hall on Thursday 26th February with over 500 young people singing together.

Maranatha was created to bring young people together to celebrate their faith through music and have fun at the same time.