Renew Toronto draws 750 youth in search of purpose, shared faith, discerning God's will

TORONTO (OSV News) -- Hundreds of young Catholic adults flocked to Whitby's Canada Event Center to celebrate their faith as one during this year's Renew Toronto conference.

The spirit-filled day kicked off Nov. 23, where young adults ages 19-39 were treated to various keynote presentations, workshops, breakout discussions, Mass, adoration, confession and general fellowship through shared faith. Billed as a celebration of Catholic culture, this year's Renew Toronto tackled topics of identity, purpose and discerning God's will throughout the conference under the theme taken from Isaiah 40:31: "Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary."

Father Paul Magyar, the director of the Office of Catholic Youth who organizes the yearly event for the Toronto Archdiocese, said Renew Toronto 2024 exceeded expectations in terms of both attendance and participation.

"This year held the most people we have ever had (at Renew Toronto). We communicated it very well, and in the end, we had over 750 young adults come out to celebrate on Saturday," he said about the Nov. 23 events.

With a packed house of faithful eager to learn and grow, the conference's itinerary did not disappoint. Attendees were greeted by host Michael Chiasson, founder of the Canadian charity Access52, before viewing a welcome video from Cardinal-elect Francis Leo when doors opened. Throughout the day, Steadfast Worship performed as the event's dedicated worship team.

From there, keynote speakers Andrew and Sarah Swafford spoke to audiences about heroic virtue, a talk that received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the crowds.

The day would continue with guest speakers such as Father Matt McCarthy, director of vocations for the Archdiocese of Toronto, speaking on the tone of God's voice, and Christy Dupuis of Catholic Christian Outreach, who spoke on the mission to witness. Those in attendance were also invited to listen in on breakout sessions presented by speakers such as Father Alex Colautti, the Swaffords and Sister Beata Victoria of the Sisters of Life, each delving into various topics pertinent to specific faith experiences.

"People are able to choose where they are in life as we cater to people in different stages of their faith development and since it ranges from 19- to 39-year-olds, that 20-year faith development is different for each person," Father Magyar explained. "We make sure that spiritually and psychologically we cover these different developmental stages and then give them the chance to bring that renewed faith back to their parishes -- that is what it is all about."

Father Colautti, vocations director for the Companions of the Cross, echoed the importance of Renew, describing it as a positive not just for the Archdiocese of Toronto, but for the church as a whole.

"We have all seen the studies of churches closing, dioceses restructuring and declines in faith practice, so to see so many young adults together who love Jesus and who are hungry to grow in their faith is so encouraging and edifying," he said.

"It is the temperature of the culture in which we live, one that has not created more meaningful and joyful lives but has resulted in depression and anxiety," Father Colautti told The Catholic Register, Canada's national Catholic newspaper based in Toronto. "The fact that young people are showing up to a conference like this is a sign that they are hungering for meaning, purpose, truth and for the joy that the Gospel gives and that Jesus offers the world."

The eagerness spilled over into Sunday, where 400-500 people joined Leo for World Youth Day Mass at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica Nov. 24.

Father Magyar praised the active and engaged participation of each young adult.

"It just flowed so well. Each young person came with a purpose, they were goal-driven with expectations and goals to be encountered with Christ. They fully engaged mentally, spiritually and physically," he said. "The sense of Catholic culture was very evident and I have not heard any complaints from over 750 people."

The Office of Catholic Youth is already looking forward to an extended offering next year that will include a Friday evening curriculum as well as their upcoming pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee year in 2025.