Archdiocese of Armagh Diocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith
20–22 March 2026 | Armagh City Hotel

The Archdiocese of Armagh is preparing to gather for a historic Diocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith, bringing together delegates from parishes, schools and communities across the archdiocese.

This Congress marks an important moment in a journey that has unfolded through years of listening, prayer and discernment. Since 2020, the people of the Archdiocese have been reflecting on the future of the Church in our time, sharing their experiences of faith, their hopes for renewal, and their desire to see young people and families fully at the heart of the Church’s life and mission.

The reflections and proposals contained in the Preparatory Document, now being shared with delegates, arise directly from this shared journey but this Congress is about more than discussion. It is about mission.

In 2032 the Church in Ireland will mark the 1600th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Patrick, the missionary whose courage, faith and perseverance helped plant the seeds of the Gospel on this island and in the Archdiocese of Armagh. Saint Patrick’s story reminds us that renewal often begins in unexpected places. Taken to Ireland as a young slave, Patrick encountered God deeply in prayer. When he returned later as a missionary, he did so not with power or prestige but with humility, courage and faith.

Today we stand at a similar moment.

In a changing society where faith can no longer be taken for granted, the Church is called again to rediscover its missionary heart. The Congress on Youth, Family and Faith invites us to ask a simple but profound question:

What does it mean to be Saint Patrick’s people in Ireland today?

Across the Congress, delegates will reflect on priorities for the future life of the Church, including:

  • Building genuine belonging in parish communities
  • Strengthening the partnership between parish, school and family
  • Renewing prayer and spiritual life
  • Developing stronger faith formation and catechesis
  • Deepening participation in liturgy
  • Expanding digital evangelisation and mission

Each of the 19 proposals linked to the priorities above is rooted in the conviction that the renewal of the Church begins with the baptised community, where every person shares responsibility for the life and mission of the Church. 

March 2026 Congress – The Preparatory Document and Preparatory Materials

Over the three days of the Congress, delegates will pray together, listen to speakers, share in discussion, and help shape the pastoral priorities that will guide the Archdiocese in the years leading to the Patrician Jubilee of 2032 and beyond.

Like Patrick, we are called to be pilgrims of faith, hope and charity, carrying the Gospel into a new generation.

The Congress Preparatory Document

Click Image Above to Access the Preparatory Document

Podcast Series for Delegate Preparation