National Youth Week is a nationwide celebration led by young people, highlighting their gifts, energy, and contribution to communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Coordinated by Ara Taiohi (with support from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport NZ), Youth Week encourages 12–24 year olds to take on challenges, share ideas, and help shape the society they belong to. The 2026 theme — Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard | Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi — is a timely prompt for all of us to make space to listen well, honour young people’s experiences, and affirm their dignity.
At the conclusion of Youth Week, churches around the country are also being invited — across denominations — to mark Sunday 24 May as a National Youth Sunday and a National Day of Prayer for Youth. In 2026 this falls on Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out on the whole Church. It is a natural day to pray especially for our rangatahi: that the Spirit will strengthen them with hope, deepen their faith, and raise up in them the courage to speak, serve, and lead.
How parishes, schools, and communities can take part
Include intercessions for young people at every Mass that weekend (name local schools, youth groups, and those preparing for First Holy Communion and Confirmation).
Invite young people to minister: readings, music, welcoming, serving, or sharing a short testimony of where they see God at work in their lives.
Preach with Pentecost in mind: the Spirit who gives gifts for mission is at work in the young today — not only “the future of the Church,” but part of the Church now.
Offer a brief time of Eucharistic Adoration with a simple prayer intention for rangatahi and those who support them.
Pray on the land: where appropriate and safe, consider a small group gathering at a local place of significance to pray a decade of the Rosary, a Psalm, or spontaneous intercessions for tamariki and rangatahi.
Connect generations: invite grandparents, parents, godparents, and parishioners to write a short note of encouragement or a promise of prayer to a young person they know.
Prayer intentions (for Prayers of the Faithful, small groups, or personal prayer)
In thanksgiving for the young people of our diocesan communities: for their gifts, questions, creativity, and generosity.
That every young person may know they are loved by God, created with purpose, and welcomed in the life of the Church.
For listening hearts among leaders, teachers, whānau, and parish communities — so that young people’s voices are heard with respect and care.
For those carrying heavy burdens: anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, or self-harm — may they find support, safety, and the peace of Christ.
For freedom from whatever harms or enslaves: addictions (including devices and substances), bullying (including online), violence, discrimination, and abuse.
For a renewed sense of belonging and hope, especially for those disconnected from school, community, or whānau.
That the Holy Spirit may draw young people closer to Jesus, awaken faith, and stir up vocational callings to holiness, service, marriage and family life, priesthood, and consecrated life.
For all who accompany young people — parents, caregivers, chaplains, youth ministers, teachers, and coaches — that God will grant them wisdom, patience, and joy.
For unity among Christians in Aotearoa New Zealand, that together we may witness to the Gospel and stand with the next generation.
