Hundreds of students to take part in concert organised by diocese of Cork and Ross

Hundreds of students from across Cork city and county are getting ready to take part in a City Hall concert that is intended to be the first of an annual series.

Almost 500 young people, from more than 20 schools, are preparing for what the diocese of Cork and Ross plans to be the first of a yearly music and faith-based day for post-primary school students.

The event brings young people together to celebrate faith and identity through music and also have fun.

Maranatha 2025 will take place at Cork City Hall on Thursday, March 6.

The students will gather for a full day of activities, before the Maranatha 2025 concert that evening.

In the morning, organisers say, an engaging workshop will touch on the fundamentals of faith and religious belief.

A full musical rehearsal will take place in City Hall in the afternoon, ahead of the evening concert, which will be open to the public.

The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, said the Catholic Church is finding new ways of engaging with young people.

“Maranatha will be celebrating their lives and faith journey through music and reflecting on some of the issues most current in their present experience.

“The whole day will be underpinned by celebrating our identity as baptised Christians, beloved of God,” Bishop Gavin said.

“I want to thank the schools for coming on board and supporting the diocese in creating this new and exciting initiative for our young people.”

In preparation, post-primary schools throughout the diocese are engaging in workshops of liturgical and inspirational contemporary music.

Sheila Kelleher, diocesan co-ordinator for youth ministry, said the diocese of Cork and Ross had always had a strong musical tradition.

“Maranatha is a way for us to harness that energy and come together to engage our young people with their faith in a meaningful and joyful way,” she said.

Tickets for Maranatha are €15, plus booking fee, and available to purchase via Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/yw766j5k.