Members of the Young Adult Rathmines group in Rome. Last few Sundays, I have noticed more youth coming into church each week. I was more than thrilled to see this happen, especially in my parish which is the Rathmines parish. The Young Adults Rathmines was founded by Eoin McCormack, who is a contributor to The Irish Catholic. The youth group in the parish is extremely strong, with by weekly events, taking place each month, a bible study and a book club as well!
Groups
I recently took part in another youth group event which happens to be part of the Whitefriar St Church, called ‘Draw from the Well’. This group, which is growing strong, was founded by Emer Keogh and Clare Harte, who also host meetings by weekly on Wednesdays. They do a simple rosary, a prayer and a homily, and then socialise afterwards. Both these groups do one thing right: by getting the youth back!
It is great to see that the Church is now catering towards the younger people, listening to their needs and wants, and finding ways that more Catholics can meet each other and promote faith to an extent no one has imagined. When I go for these events, I see positivity, friendship and a sense of community, which is lacking today.
I have found young people making more friends and contacts, both socially and professionally, with God being in the centre of it all”
With young people taking over many activities, new ways of expressing faith would be established such as art, activism, music, and social engagement, which bring the Church to life and makes it more relevant. Many people in my age group are lonelier than ever. Often times I hear from my friends who are outside my church circle, “how are you always so busy?” or “how have made many contacts?” I tell them simply, “it’s through the church”.
I have found young people making more friends and contacts, both socially and professionally, with God being in the centre of it all. I see more young people taking up different roles during Mass as well, alter service or creating a youth choir group are the two most popular choices by the youth.
Connection
My generation have taken more common world problems even more seriously over the last few years, such as climate change, poverty and human rights. Peace is something that is enriched in the Catholic faith, and more the youth come to the Church, the more ideas on how to support and promote this cause on a wider scale. More than anything, the youth have grown up and worked with technology – what better time to see this happen.
The rise in groups like these are a perfect example of why there is a great and bright future for the Church and for the Catholic faith”
Different social media posts on how group events go about, different social work, the fun and laughter people have, many would be curious and eager to join such a community. That is the beauty of it all. We are living in times of trouble, where peace is something humans crave. To be a good catholic we need to be role models against all injustice. In a previous article, I mentioned how social media is the key driver to digital evangelisation, and I still stand by it.
What is most important is the continuation of faith for generations to come. Many people were worried that the church might die because there weren’t any youth. I say otherwise, the rise in groups like these are a perfect example of why there is a great and bright future for the Church and for the Catholic faith to be alive and well. Teachings, traditions, and values are essential for living a great life without any fear.
The youngsters of the church is doing a phenomenal job by creating different community groups to spread the good news”
The new Pope has constantly preached for the youth and showed support to them. “Young people of our time, like those of every age, are a volcano of life, energy, sentiments, and ideas” he stated during one of his speeches. Young people must be recognised more in the Church, and they shouldn’t be shy to come approach anyone associated with the Church, both in person and in social media. Faith has a big role to play in people’s lives, and I believe the youngsters of the church is doing a phenomenal job by creating different community groups to spread the good news.
If anything, the “Dare to Hope” event that happened in Knock this month is a pure example of how many young people in this country are now getting closer to God.
If you would like to contact and join the two groups I was talking about, they are: eoin@rathminesparish.com and @yarathmines for the ‘Young Adults Rathmines’ and @drawfromthewell for ‘draw for the well’ on Instagram, both accounts are quite active and responsive. God Bless!