Soroti Catholic Diocese Sets Dates for 2025 Youth Deanery Conferences
Soroti Catholic Diocese has officially released the dates and venues for the 2025 Youth Deanery Conferences under the theme “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5). The announcement was delivered by the diocesan youth chaplain, Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Ongereny, through the diocesan director of communications, Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket.
The conferences, which will run from late August through mid-September, are expected to draw hundreds of young Catholics from across the diocese’s 15 deaneries. They will be organized under the broader diocesan youth movement titled “Young Pilgrims of Hope,” which encourages the youth to embrace faith, hope and resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.
According to Fr. Ongereny, the gatherings will not only focus on spiritual nourishment but also on building unity, instilling Christian values and empowering young people to actively participate in the life of the Church. “Our young people are the future of the Church. We want to walk with them as pilgrims of hope so that they discover Christ as their guide and strength. These conferences are opportunities for encounter, prayer and renewal,” he emphasized.
The diocese released the full program for the conferences, which will be hosted by individual deaneries as follows:
Katakwi Deanery – August 25th to 29th at Christ the King Olilim Parish.
Toroma Deanery – August 26th to 30th at St. Simon Magoro Parish.
Ngora Deanery – September 2nd to 6th at St. Joseph Ngora Parish.
Soroti Deanery – September 2nd to 5th at The Most Holy Name of Jesus Dakabela Parish.
Kidetok Deanery – September 3rd to 6th at Our Lady of Fatima Kamod Parish.
Acumet Deanery – September 4th to 10th at Our Lady Queen of Peace Kapelebyong Parish.
Orungo Deanery – September 7th to 11th at St. James Abeko Parish.
Lwala Deanery – September 7th to 12th at Blessed Sacrament Kakuya Parish.
Kumi Deanery – September 8th to 12th at Mukongoro Parish.
Amuria Deanery – September 8th to 12th at St. John the Evangelist Amuria Parish.
Anyara Deanery – September 8th to 12th at St. Joseph the Worker Kamidakan Parish.
Bukedea Deanery – September 9th to 13th at St. Jude Thaddeus Kidongole Parish.
Kabermaido Deanery – September 9th to 13th at St. Karoli Lwanga Parish.
Wera Deanery – September 9th to 13th at St. Michael Parish Wera.
Kyere Deanery – Dates and venue yet to be confirmed.
This comprehensive schedule ensures that each deanery has a platform to host and spiritually engage its youth while fostering collaboration across parish boundaries.
The choice of theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” reflects the diocese’s recognition of the challenges young people face in society today, including unemployment, peer pressure and the lure of destructive lifestyles. By drawing inspiration from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the diocese hopes to remind young Catholics that authentic hope in Christ leads to perseverance, joy and fulfillment.
Rev. Fr. Deogracious Opure, explained that the theme is particularly relevant for the youth. “The world today often tells our young people to put their trust in material things or fleeting pleasures. But true hope is found in God’s love, which never fails. We want them to walk away from these conferences strengthened in faith, committed to the Church and ready to become witnesses of hope in their communities,” he noted.
The conferences are expected to attract not only parish youth but also students, young professionals, and catechists working with young people. Clergy, religious, and lay leaders will serve as facilitators and mentors during the sessions.
As anticipation builds, parishes across the diocese are already mobilizing resources and preparing delegations to represent their communities. The diocesan youth office has encouraged early registration to allow smooth planning and accommodation at host parishes.
