January to March update 2026
Find out what’s been happening around Youth for Christ over the past few months…
Longford
Confirmation retreats
In rural County Longford, Marian and a local volunteer helped organise and lead two Confirmation retreats across four different schools. These retreats are designed to support parishes and schools as they prepare young people for this important step in their faith journey. Throughout the day, students explored the meaning of Confirmation and reflected on God’s love as a fruit of the Spirit—something the Holy Spirit desires to grow in each of their lives.
For many of these young people, this was a unique opportunity. Living in remote areas, they may have little or no exposure to Christian youth ministry. That’s why partnerships like these matter so much. By working alongside local parishes, we’re able to support priests, serve communities, and create space for young people to encounter Jesus in a real and personal way.
Killarney
Killarney school retreat
We were invited to deliver a retreat to 80 third year students in Killarney Co. Kerry. This retreat was centered around the topic of Lent with an invitation to students to reflect, grow, and develop resilience through the journey towards Easter. We incorporated games, fun, personal testimonies, and a prayer space experience into this retreat.
You can read more about our retreats here.
Momentum conference
For many years, Youth for Christ has helped lead Momentum, a conference dedicated to inspiring and equipping those involved in youth ministry across Ireland. After a pause in recent years, Momentum was relaunched in February at Ovoca Manor, Co. Wicklow. Claudio represented Youth for Christ on the planning team.
Nearly 40 people from across the country gathered for a time of encouragement, and training. It was a reminder for some that they are not alone in their work with young people.
Momentum plays a vital role in the wider youth ministry landscape in Ireland. With so few youth workers nationwide, spaces like this are crucial for raising up leaders, sharing resources, and strengthening those already actively serving.
Ballina
Soccer cage outreach
On St. Patrick’s Eve in Ballina, the YFC team partnered with Crown Jesus Ministries and a local church to run a soccer cage outreach in the town centre. As people stopped to play, the team connected with passersby. One father, visiting Ballina for the weekend with his two children, shared openly about family breakdown and his journey toward faith. He expressed his gratitude, saying the cage had made his children’s day.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to support a new church plant in showing their presence in the town and build relationships. This is what Nomad is all about, supporting youth leaders and churches in their outreach.
WHERE HAVE WE MET YOUNG PEOPLE?
340 in secondary schools
102 in primary schools
20 through NOMAD
37 in youth groups
Where are we at work?
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Claudio and the local steering group have built some strong relationships but right now they will look to target local parishes and schools to offer retreats in order to reach more young people.
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Having begun building relationships with local parishes and schools, Marian’s goal at present is to establish a local steering group to assist with the long-term growth of Youth for Christ in Longford.
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Claire is working hard, serving the local parish in Mullingar. We are looking to build relationships with surrounding parishes and schools to offer retreats for these.
THANK YOU!
How can you get involved?
#1 Subscribe to our mailing list to get updates and hear stories.
#2 Give to Youth for Christ to see the future of Ireland transformed for Christ.
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Where will your support go?
When you give to Youth for Christ Ireland, your support directly empowers ministry. Approximately 45% of all donations go toward funding our dedicated youth workers who build relationships, disciple young people, and lead life-transforming programs across the country.
Another 32% supports our essential behind the scenes work. administration, communications, and fundraising, which aids ministry growth and sustainability.
The remaining 23% covers practical needs like office space (6%), travel and ministry vehicles (7%), and ministry costs like resources for events and outreach (10%).
Every euro you give helps us reach and invest in the next generation.