The Archdiocese of Toronto’s largest Catholic young adult conference is returning this month, with Renew Toronto 2025 set to draw in crowds of more than 700 across Christ the King weekend for praise, worship and communal fellowship.

Running from November 21 to 23, the weekend conference is set to take place at Whitby’s Canada Event Centre and feature various keynote speakers, workshops, Holy Mass, adoration, and new breakout opportunities tailored specifically to men, women, working professionals, students, young families and those seeking vocations.

With Friday evening being added to this year’s typical weekend conference, Renew Toronto continues to sport a similar loaded itinerary to last year’s event. Young adult event and program coordinator for the Office of Catholic Youth, Amanda Pereira, shared her joy of once again seeing so many faithful join together for a time of shared Catholic witness.

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“With the size of something like Renew Toronto, I think about how big, but also how intimate the Catholic community is here. I always see someone that I haven't seen in a while, and we all have the same goal, the same purpose, to get to heaven,” she said. “Seeing so many people on that journey together is beautiful.”

Renew Toronto 2025 is being celebrated under the theme this year, stemming from John 15:27 — “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me.” The theme is the same for  World Youth Day 2025, with Renew’s various speakers set to unpack the Scripture and encourage attendees to renew their courage and hope as witnesses to Christ, even while living in an increasingly secular world.

Complimenting the crowds of approximately 700 to 750 young adults aged 18 to 39, hungry for spiritual growth, this year’s Renew Toronto ministry team. Heather Khym, the assistant director of evangelization at Franciscan University, will act as the event’s keynote speaker on Friday and Saturday. Fr. Larry Richards, pastor of St. Luke Church and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, is confirmed as the priest lead, while Catholic speaker and author Lisa Canning presides as host alongside singer-songwriter Joe Zambon leading the event’s worship team.

Breakout speakers Stephen and Elizabeth Rebello, Ruth D’Souza, the current youth minister at Toronto’s St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Sister Hae-Jin Lim of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco and Fr. Matt McCarthy, director of vocations for the Archdiocese of Toronto, round out the ministry team, delivering an aspect of the conference Pereira is particularly looking forward to offering.

“With all of the great breakout and keynote sessions we will be offering,  there is something for everyone. We've made it a little bit more interactive this year, especially the vocation breakout on Saturday, where directors from different orders can have a sit-down conversation with young adults who are interested. I'm excited to see all the fruits that come from those breakouts,” she said.

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With a wide age range, Pereira shared OCY’s hopes of providing opportunities for faith development in all phases of life.

“Especially this year, we're trying to cater to ( students, young families and working adults) a little bit more with our workshops and sessions.”

The weekend will also feature a networking session led by Young Professional Catholics of Toronto, lunch sponsored by Ignite Ministry Canada, extensive Catholic vendors, Eucharistic adoration and confession opportunities.

At 2 p.m. on Nov. 23, Renew Toronto will conclude another year of the conference with Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Francis Leo at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, with a social gathering afterwards.

Pereira hopes that, going forward, young adults take the undeniable energy waiting at this year’s conference and continue forward with it in their own lives by boldly witnessing their faith in both ordinary and special ways.

“ The only way to be a witness is to get out there, boots on the ground, and build those relationships with other Catholics, being an example of what a Catholic gives to non-Catholics. We want young adults to be continually inspired, not afraid to be a Catholic in this secular world and involved in this community of support, even when at times it feels like all hope is lost,” she said.

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“In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we need to be that beacon of hope;  everyone has a unique gift that they bring, and there is a space for everyone here at Renew Toronto.”

For more details, including specifics on location and scheduling, see Renew Toronto 2025’s website.