World Youth Sunday, marked by the Catholic Church on the Feast of Christ the King, serves as a celebration of faith, unity, and the active participation of young people in the Church's mission. This event emphasises the role of youth as integral members of the Catholic community, inspiring them to embody the values of Christ's kingdom—justice, peace, and love. Celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, World Youth Sunday on the Feast of Christ the King invites young Catholics to engage more deeply with their faith and to reflect on Christ's sovereignty not only in religious life but also in society. 

It is an opportunity to thank our young people for their presence and the energy they bring to our parish communities, but also a chance to ask ourselves ‘Is there more that our parish can do to make young people feel welcomed and valued members of the Church?’

During a Mass over the weekend of Christ the King we ask parishes that run the Pope John Paul II Award to re-present medals and certificates to the young people who volunteered in the parish over the last 12 months, also to commission the new JPII participants for the year ahead.

Please find below a resource for this Mass: including an introduction; short commissioning service and prayers of the faithful.

The Diocese of Clogher proudly hosted the Pope John Paul II Award ceremony at Saint Joseph’s Church in Monaghan on Friday, November 8, 2024. The event honours young people who have made significant contributions to their parishes and communities through service, leadership, and faith.
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The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including award recipients, their families, clergy, and local dignitaries. The event celebrated the achievements of 90 young people from across the diocese who demonstrated commitment to Christian values and community engagement.

Photos from the Diocese of Clogher Lourdes Pilgrimage
​5th -10th(11th!) July 2024

The Youth Ministry team at Knock Shrine, are recruiting for young people to join their summer volunteer programme. It's a great opportunity to spend some time in this wonderful and holy place, meet new people, make new friends and offer some of your holiday time for the benefit of others!
*The VAKS programme can count towards your Pope John Paul II Award*

2024 Volunteering Weekends
July 5th – 7th               
July 12th – 14th
July 19th – 21st
July 26th – 28th
August 9th – 11th
August 13th – 15th (over 18’s – past VAKS only)
August 20th – 22nd
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More information at: https://www.knockshrine.ie/vaks-volunteer-at-knock-shrine/

Information below. For further details and booking, contact: [email protected]

Our friends the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal are celebrating the Feast Day our National Patron, Saint Patrick, with an evening of events in Slane, County Meath.

Find out more information on their website: www.franciscansisterscfr.com/st-anthony

The Knight of Columbanus are organising a Young Adult (18-30) Retreat Day in the beautiful setting of Lough Derg in County Donegal on Saturday 27th April, from 10am to 4pm.
Online Registration
More information
Call: +447759496677
Email: [email protected]

Blessed Carlo was born in London to Italian parents, but grew up in Milan where his family relocated when he was just a child. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary devotion to his Catholic faith and attended Mass daily, regularly received the sacraments as well as developing a deep love for the Eucharist.
On October 10, 2020, he was beatified by Pope Francis, becoming the first millennial to be declared ‘Blessed’ by the Catholic Church.
The Church said that his beatification highlighted “the significance of his witness, particularly for the younger generation, demonstrating that holiness is attainable even in our modern world”.
Blessed Carlo Acutis would be celebrating his 33rd birthday this year on May 3rd, had he not died of leukaemia in 2006, at the age of 15.  Acutis was known for centring his life around the Eucharist and attending Mass and Adoration daily.

More information on the diocesan website: www.clogherdiocese.ie/carloacutis

Clogher don Óige is returning to Lourdes as part of the 2024 Diocesan Pilgrimage, from 5th-10th July. We are looking forward to gathering and travelling with a group of young people from parishes across the diocese.
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION HERE.

Please keep our young people and those that work with them in your prayers, especially all those involved with the work we undertake across the diocese.

Below find some ideas and resources to help you celebrate World Youth Day in your parish this weekend....

The best way to celebrate young people is to involve them! 
Readings... Prayers of the Faithful (ideas below)... Collection... Offertory Procession...
​Youth Choir...

​Recognise the Young People in your Parish involved in the Pope John Paul II Award:
Re-present the medals and certificates awarded at our diocesan ceremony on November 10th, or commission the young people who have just started working towards their JPII Award.