A record number of adults were baptized in the Dublin Archdiocese during the Easter Vigil Mass, with 70 individuals embracing the Catholic faith. This surge in baptisms is attributed to a growing trend of young adults seeking spirituality and community.
According to Patricia Carroll, director of the office for mission and ministry in the archdiocese, many young adults are looking for a sense of belonging and spiritual guidance. “A lot of parents here decided that they wouldn’t bring their children through the sacraments,” she said. “So that generation is starting to come to the fore, seeking and searching, looking for something.”
The archdiocese has been working to support this growing interest in faith by training catechists and providing resources for those seeking baptism. In May, 52 laypeople received certificates in catechetics, and the archdiocese offers a dedicated course for those interested in the ministry.
One example of this trend is Mahon McCann, a 30-year-old man who was baptized during the Easter Vigil Mass. Raised as an atheist, McCann began exploring Catholicism and discovered a sense of community and purpose. “I was raised as an atheist, not just with no religion but in opposition to religion,” he said. “I never went to Mass and would have gone to a few funerals.”
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, has noted a resurgence of faith in Ireland, particularly among young adults. “Beneath the surface in Dublin, another story emerges, albeit faintly,” he said. “Small numbers of young adults are discovering their faith and gathering to celebrate it.”
Carroll is optimistic about the future, citing the growing interest in faith among young adults. “I expect the numbers to continue to go up because I think in the city of Dublin itself, there are a lot of what I would call ‘seeking and searching’ young people, and they’re looking for a home, they’re looking for somewhere they can be accompanied and grow in faith.”