Young people from the parish of St Stephen’s, Blairgowrie, have been invited to take a leading role in the Jubilee Year celebrations, following a call from parish priest, Fr Gregory Umunna.
Fr Gregory highlighted the parish’s commitment to the Jubilee, noting that the parish has already marked ten out of the sixteen sectors of society recognised in the celebrations.
“Here in St Stephen’s, of all the over sixteen sectors of society with Jubilee celebrations, we are managing to celebrate ten with remarkable presence,” he said. “Last Sunday, 10th August 2025) we celebrated the Jubilee for youth. Two members of our parish youth gave talks on how young people can be agents of hope in our society in response to the Jubilee celebrations. I thought they were outstanding.”
Three young people in the parish – Dominic Paco (16), Kian Donnelly (16) and Rholmark Colanse (16) – shared their reflections on hope as a guiding force for their generation.
Dominic spoke on “How Young People Can Be Agents of Hope”, urging his peers to live their faith authentically, show kindness, stand for truth, and offer forgiveness even when it is difficult. Acts of service, he said, are powerful seeds of hope, whether through volunteering, helping those in need, or being a friend to someone alone. He encouraged young people to reject cynicism and believe in positive change with God’s help.
Kian addressed “Being a Pilgrim of Hope”, describing hope as the motivation to keep going – whether for a better future, reconciliation, personal growth, or closeness to God. He reflected on both moments when hope thrives and times when it fades due to hardship, noting that challenges can renew determination. “A pilgrim of hope,” he said, “keeps hope alive even when it feels impossible, stays positive, and seeks God along the way.”
Rholmark – reflected that Hope, for him as a Catholic, is more than wishful thinking—it is deep trust in God’s promises and belief in His unfailing love, even in uncertain times. In a world marked by wars, injustice, and pressures from social media, his faith reminds him that he is not alone; God, family, friends, and church community guide him. Hope means trusting God’s plan, knowing small actions can help build His Kingdom, inspired by saints and Mary, “Our Lady of Hope.” He is sustained by the Eucharist, prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments. “Serving as an altar server alongside others strengthens my faith. Hope calls me to be joyful, share my faith, and trust God’s future, carrying this hope through my life at St Stephen’s Church”.
The speakers emphasised that while each person’s hopes differ, all share a journey towards their goals, with faith and hope as guiding lights.
The Jubilee Year celebrations at St Stephen’s will continue with events for other sectors of society, aiming to inspire faith, unity, and renewal across the parish.