The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has expressed his concern at the low level of involvement by young people in parishes.
He also said the situation of belief in the diocese was "a source of urgency".
Speaking at yesterday's Chrism Mass in Dublin's St Mary's Pro-Cathedral he said he meets very few young people active in the lives of our parishes, and is not sure enough is being done to engage young people in their questioning about belief.
"We need more dialogue between parish, parents and school. Where I do meet young people I am impressed by the honesty of the search for meaning in their lives. We owe it to them to respond more vigorously, more intensely and in a more authentic way."
More generally he said that renewal in the church is too often looked on in terms only of structures and processes. "New structures may be needed and can indeed well serve the evangelising mission of the church."
He had seen examples of this "in the many vibrant parish communities" he had visited as Archbishop, and also where there is a new wealth of ministries and services, of prayer and caring.
"Rarely have parishes been as vibrant during their history as in our day."
He expressed appreciation to all the parishes which responded with enthusiasm to his call to establish parish pastoral councils in every parish of the diocese
The Archbishop said he understood those who feel that more time is needed to introduce change and to do so properly.
"But let us be clear, we do not have time to spare. The urgency of renewed evangelisation is not an invention of your Archbishop. The reality of our situation of belief in the diocese is the source of the urgency."
With structures in place it was important they supported "the real 'process' of the church, the process whereby, through the sacramental life of the church, the power of the Holy Spirit is at work and where the Word of God encounters in the community a living response to Jesus's message of love".
He hoped that in the coming year the Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre would be able to provide parishes with the support which would ensure that liturgies were worthy of their purpose and were a celebration of the entire community in the spirit of Vatican II.
