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.
"The question that God is asking every one of us tonight is: Does God have your permission to love you as you are right now?" Fr Mike encouraged everyone to take the next step in faith, trusting that God will provide the light needed for the journey.
Following Mass, the group made their way to the National Stadium for the Parables Tour. Through engaging storytelling, personal reflections, and spiritual insights, Fr Mike explored the timeless parables of Jesus, showing how they continue to speak to the challenges and questions of modern life.
Fr Mike also shared that he has Cork ancestry, prompting a loud cheer from the Cork and Ross young adults.
Bishop Fintan was the main celebrant at the Mass in St Kevin's Church
