World Youth Sunday is a celebration established by Pope Francis to recognise the important role of young people in the life and mission of the Church. It is marked locally each year on the Solemnity of Christ the King, bringing together parishes and communities to celebrate the faith, energy and witness of young people.

As he prepares to celebrate the 11am Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Archbishop John Sherrington reflected on the hope that young people bring to the life of the Church:

“What gives me hope is seeing the path, energy and generosity of young people in our parishes and schools. You bring the light of Christ to the world. I saw this especially in Lourdes this year when 400 young people in their yellow shirts were in Lourdes helping the sick and those with disability. They were a wonderful sign of hope to the world, shining out, bringing love to others.”

Later in the day, young people from across the archdiocese are invited to come together for the Youth Alive Mass at 5:30pm, held at St Mary’s, Lowe House, North Road, St Helens (WA10 2BE). This special celebration will be an evening of praise, worship and reflection, as young people gather to share faith and friendship.

As Pope John Paul II once encouraged:

“Dear young people, aspire to great things,
to holiness, wherever you are.
Do not settle for less.
Then you will see the light of the Gospel grow every day, within you and around you.”

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Pope John Paul II, Message to young people at Tor Vergata for the Jubilee of Youth

World Youth Sunday is an invitation to celebrate that light, to recognise the gifts young people bring to the Church and to encourage them to live out their faith with courage and joy.

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