The consultation opened with an overview from Tim Nichols, who traced the origins and development of the Tine Network, recalling its founding vision: to foster unity, strengthen relationships and encourage collaborative mission across Ireland. He highlighted the importance of the connection between leaders who often carry significant responsibility in their local contexts, and the value of creating intentional spaces for shared discernment.
A Missionary Moment for Ireland
The keynote address was given by Bishop Fintan Gavin, who offered a compelling reflection on the urgent need for a renewed approach to evangelisation in Ireland.
Acknowledging the profound shift in Ireland’s faith landscape over the past 25 years, Bishop Gavin noted that faith can no longer be assumed as culturally inherited. While many still identify as Catholic, increasing secularisation — particularly among younger generations — means the Church must move from a culture of maintenance to one of intentional mission.
Drawing on the Irish Synodal Pathway and the wider teaching of the Church, he emphasised that evangelisation is not optional but intrinsic to the Church’s identity. Every baptised person is called to be a missionary disciple. He outlined the need for intentional pathways that lead people from welcome and relational connection, to personal encounter with Jesus Christ, to formation, and ultimately to mission.
While naming real challenges — clergy fatigue, administrative burdens, cultural scepticism and sacramental minimalism — he also pointed to clear signs of hope: growing numbers of adult inquirers, vibrant new movements, and the openness of young people seeking meaning and belonging. The call, he concluded, is for a Church that is relational, Spirit-led and courageous in this new missionary era.
A Global Horizon: Towards 2033
Henry Cappello, President of Global 2033, broadened the conversation to the global Church and the significance of the year 2033 — the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s death and resurrection.He outlined the vision of Global 2033 as a worldwide, collaborative effort across Catholic, Evangelical and Pentecostal communities to mobilise the whole Christian body for evangelisation. With billions either unreached or distant from living faith, he stressed that the Great Commission remains unfinished and requires a genuine paradigm shift.
Central to the strategy is the mobilisation of 10% of Catholics as intentional missionary disciples — a catalytic core capable of renewing parishes, universities and communities from within. Particular emphasis is placed on young leaders, families, clergy and cultural influencers. Practical tools such as the “Commission” small-group series are designed to form and multiply missionary disciples in collaboration with existing parish initiatives.
Henry concluded with a call to bold action and faithful prayer, inviting participants to see themselves as part of a global movement of the Holy Spirit leading towards 2033.
A Shared Commitment
Throughout the day, participants engaged in facilitated conversations, sharing experiences, challenges and hopes from their local contexts.
The consultation concluded in prayer, with leaders interceding for the needs of parishes, dioceses, ministries and communities across Ireland. There was a tangible sense of encouragement and renewed purpose as participants departed — strengthened by shared vision, common mission and deeper collaboration.
The Tine Network Consultation marked not simply a gathering, but a renewed commitment: to move from maintenance to mission, from isolation to collaboration, and from assumption to intentional evangelisation in Ireland and beyond.