Men ‘flocking’ to Catholic groups as new Irish Forge launches

The Men of St Joseph group in Tuam has doubled its membership in just over a year, according to Father Mark Quinn. The group began in September 2025 with approximately 40 men and has grown to about 105 members, with 65 attending the most recent gathering.

Father Quinn, a curate in Tuam, said the group was established after he noticed more young men returning to confession. Participants range from age 18 to retirement age and include single, married, and engaged men, as well as those entering or returning to the faith. Father Quinn noted that men attend these specific gatherings to find meaning, support, and spiritual formation.

This growth has led to the launch of the Irish Forge, a new formation program for men.