The Archdiocese of Dublin hosted its first-ever YouthCon on November 22, drawing well over a hundred young adults to St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, for a full day of faith-sharing, prayer, workshops, and conversation. Organised to mark World Youth Day on the feast of Christ the King, the gathering was designed to strengthen connections among young Catholics and highlight opportunities for deeper involvement across the diocese.
Natalie Doherty, Faith Development Co-ordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, described the inaugural event as “a very positive experience” and an important milestone. “It was the first time we tried something like this,” she said. “It was great to get the first YouthCon under our belt and cement it as an important date in the diocesan calendar.”
Attendance peaked at around 130–140 participants, with young adults travelling from “the length and breadth of the diocese … from Balbriggan to Arklow”, Ms Doherty noted. Many arrived not knowing what to expect, but the atmosphere quickly shifted as people began to meet and talk. “By lunchtime it was like they had known each other all their lives,” she said.
One of the strongest impressions of the day was the hunger for connection. “Many young adults can feel isolated in their parish,” Ms Doherty explained. “An event like this shows them there are so many others just like them.” She highlighted the presence of several RCIA candidates, who found the peer support “vital” as they shared their stories and journeys of faith.
The theme, ‘Encountering Christ Together’, shaped both the keynote workshop by Fr Joe McGrath and a series of afternoon inputs from groups including the Capuchin Day Centre, Trócaire, and parish-based ministries. But organisers were careful that YouthCon did not become another “one-day high point”. Instead, the programme pointed participants toward concrete next steps—local prayer groups, service opportunities, ministry training, and the diocesan Youth Ministry Leadership Course beginning again in January.
Ms Doherty emphasised that the day emerged from a synodal process of listening. “Young adults told us clearly that they wanted connection, formation, and opportunities to serve,” she said. “YouthCon responded to that.”
The planning team will meet again in the coming weeks to discern the feedback gathered and begin preparing for next year’s gathering. “We’re already looking to build a bigger and better YouthCon,” Ms Doherty said. “This is only the beginning.”
