Church leaders say renewal must take root in parish communities
A “real spiritual hunger” is emerging in Ireland as some younger Catholics show a new confidence and intentionality about their faith, Church leaders involved in evangelisation have said.
Julieann Moran, General Secretary of the Irish Synodal Pathway, told The Irish Catholic there are “certainly young Catholics who have a remarkable confidence and intentionality about their faith”.
“Yes, I think there is a real spiritual hunger, although it doesn’t always present itself in explicitly religious language,” she said. “We see people seeking renewal and asking deeper questions about faith, meaning and purpose.”
Her comments come ahead of CHARIS Ireland’s National Day of Renewal in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on September 5, under the theme ‘Living Water for Every Generation’.
Fr Patrick Cahill, one of the keynote speakers, said he sees the same hunger, particularly among younger generations. “There’s so much hunger out there. There’s so much sadness. So many almost broken promises of things that are supposed to make us happy,” he told The Irish Catholic, adding that his message in Maynooth will encourage Catholics to witness to Christ “with joy and with confidence”.
He said personal testimony can be particularly powerful in evangelisation. “Your personal story is far more powerful than you might think. So share it. Share with love, with compassion.”
Rob Clarke, chairman of CHARIS Ireland, said Catholics in Ireland have historically struggled in this area. “Traditionally we haven’t been great at witnessing or giving account for the hope that our faith gives us,” he said. “It needs to change, and it is changing.”
He pointed to groups including Jesus Youth, Living Water, Tine and NET Ministries as helping young Catholics develop “deeper roots and a confidence to share their faith”.
Dominic Fillion, Youth 2000 regional leader for Leinster, said community is central to that confidence.
“I think a lot of people are looking for community,” he said, adding that some young Catholics arrive at Youth 2000 events feeling as though they are “the only young Catholic in Ireland”.
At Youth 2000’s recent summer festival, he said, around half the congregation raised their hands when Fr Cahill asked who was attending for the first time.
“I think there’s a huge desire of new people coming into the faith and coming to these events,” Mr Fillion said.
Ms Moran said the challenge is ensuring that renewal does not remain confined to movements and gatherings. “True renewal has to become visible in local communities,” she said. “Ultimately, it’s about a shift in culture and mindset, rather than another programme.”
