Help! I'm 36!

[Joy2day]

Hi Everyone,

In the parishes in our city where I live, there are good organisations for evangelisation for the youth - ie those aged 18 - 35, and even younger (those in high school). There are friday night groups, world youth day trips, theology sessions in pubs, and a whole host of youth activities and faith information/building sessions for which youth (18-35) can bond and learn about the faith. However, after 35, this all appears to stop. There is very little, except for a scarce family group once in a while, and a morning tea session after the sunday morning mass. If you don’t work, there occasionally is a prayer group on a weekday morning.

What do those who are over 35 do in the catholic church? They too need evangelisation and faith building, even if they are married and settled in their relationships. They too need to build friendships at church.

I am not wanting to complain, but there does appear a gap for the over 35’s and there must be something we can do about it.

Any ideas or experiences from your parishes etc?

 

[keenforgod]

Start your own apostolate. I’m not joking… why not talk to your parish deacon or priest and volunteer to do a prayer group for 36±year olds? It could be based on the new “Symbolon” series, or a get-together for food to talk about the current Lighthouse Catholic Media talk of the month, etc. There is a lot one can do. Don’t lose hope!

God bless you on your journey,

KfG

 

[McCartney]

Have a regular coffee and chat for parishioners

 

[Inego_de_Loyola]

Is there a bible study you could join? Perhaps you could join the Legion of Mary?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I doubt that the young adult group is going to “card” you to prove that you’re not over 35. I think the age limits are more aimed at getting people with similar interests rather than being rigid limits. So attend their meetings if you wish.

Assuming there are others in the group who are 30+, maybe you could start talking with them about what comes next. As others have already suggested, there’s nothing to stop you (and others) from starting a group for a slightly older crowd. You can think about whether you want to model it after the existing group or make some changes to it to suit your interests more. Put a plan together and talk with your pastor about moving forward.