In a few days the Archdiocese of Montreal will once again become a gathering place for a rising generation of young Catholic leaders as it hosts Rise Up, Canada’s national young adult Catholic conference, organized by CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) from December 29 to January 1 at the Sheraton in downtown Montreal.

The last time Rise Up was held in Montreal was in 2015. Fifteen years later, the conference returns at a providential moment, as the universal Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope and young adults across the country respond with a renewed hunger for purpose, prayer, and mission.

Rise Up 2025 is more than a conference. It is a movement. It is a response to a generation seeking meaning and belonging in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain world. Under the theme “A New Generation,” this four-day experience invites young adults ages 18 to 35 into a deep encounter with Christ, a vibrant community of faith, and a renewed sense of missionary discipleship.

The Archdiocese of Montreal: A Church That Welcomes, Accompanies, and Sends

The return of Rise Up to Montreal is a sign of profound openness and collaboration within the local Church. The presence of Archbishop Christian Lépine at the conference underscores the Archdiocese’s commitment to its young people and its desire to walk closely with them, listen to them, and send them forth as witnesses of hope in the world.

Mission Jeunesse, the Office for Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Montreal, is working closely with CCO to ensure that local young adults experience Rise Up not only as an event, but as a catalyst for lasting transformation in their parishes, movements, campuses, and communities.

For Mission Jeunesse, this partnership reflects its very mission: to accompany, form, and empower a new generation of leaders rooted in Christ, alive in the Church, and sent on mission. Several members of the Mission Jeunesse service team will be participating throughout the conference, walking alongside participants and supporting the spiritual life, hospitality, and sense of belonging that define this experience.

A special aspect of this year’s edition is the close collaboration with Montreal’s Cathedral Basilica of Mary, Queen of the World and Fr. Frank Scalia, the Cathedral is opening its doors and its heart to the Rise Up participants, welcoming them into the spiritual and historical centre of the Archdiocese.

Several priests from the Archdiocese and beyond will also make themselves available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the conference. This generous presence speaks to the pastoral richness of the local Church and ensures that confession, adoration, and prayer are woven naturally into the rhythm of the days.

4 Days That Change Everything

Participants can expect a powerful schedule rooted in both structure and freedom:

• Daily Mass, Adoration, and Confession
• Dynamic keynote talks from leaders reshaping Catholic culture
• Life-giving praise and worship that opens hearts to the presence of Christ
• Small groups and intentional community-building
• Workshops designed for both first-timers and returning participants
• Free time to explore historic Montreal and build authentic friendships
• A New Year’s Eve banquet to welcome 2026 in a spirit of joy and hope
• A final commissioning Mass on January 1, sending each participant forth on mission

The return of Rise Up to Montreal is not simply a coincidence. It is a sign of the times. It is a response to a generation longing for something more — more meaning, more truth, more communion, more God.

With over 200 participants expected from Montreal alone, this event will leave a lasting mark on the city, the diocese, and the countless lives touched by grace over these four transformative days.

As the Jubilee Year of Hope meets the theme of A New Generation, the Church in Montreal stands ready to receive, accompany, and send her young people to the ends of the earth — beginning right here, in the heart of the city.

For more information or to register, visit: cco.ca/riseup

Isabel Correa
Senior Director of Evangelism and Christian Life