How to start a Young Adult Ministry

[jscofield]

Along with a few other parishoners, we have been tasked by our priest to start a young adult ministry. This will cater to anyone from about 20-40. We are all pretty new to this and are looking for ideas on how to put it together and how to make sure the people who join are fed enough spiritually. We are looking for ideas on events, etc. Any ideas, resources or websites would be great.

 

[Oumashta]

I don’t know how it would work in your parish, but in my parish it’s quite simple, we have a room that we use for games, eating, and socializing. We usually hold gatherings and events for young people from our parish or non-Catholic young people who don’t go to church to come. Our priest just organizes an event (like getting to know each other and the Catholic Faith more) for young people and any other parishioners that want to come and is published in the parish bulletin and the announcements at the end of Mass. Usually it’s an event where the priest speaks about a specific doctrine or dogma that is relative to the lives of young people or Catholics in general, such as chastity (perpetual virginity of Mary), etc… And then at the end of the event, there is usually some food, or we play a game that is relevant to our topic. The person usually in charge of these events are the RCIA teachers and the priest.

I hope I have answered some of your questions based on what I know my parish does.

 

[Castello]

Fr Barron’s “Catholicism” Series

“The Great Adventure” Bible studies.

Begin with the video, then have discussion and food. Build faith along with friendships. Oh, and either welcome children or have child care available.

 

[Redbaron998]

Fr Barron’s “Catholicism” Series

This

My main advice is to not condecend to them. Most young adult Catholics I know are chomping at the bit for real instruction on the truths of the faith. Sure do fun things and hang out, but always incorporate real teaching into the meetings.

 

[Joannm]

Theology on Tap is very successful with young adults.

 

[boeck249]

try reading the YouCat. most young adults have never been properly catechized

 

[Kenny_Kamel]

I am 29 and live in Springfield, Illinois and have been living here for about 3.5 months now after having moved from the St. Louis, MO area. I pride myself on being as active in the Church and my community as my schedule allows. I was able to do a lot of good work in St. Louis (ie St. Vincent de Paul Society, etc) but it didn’t lead to any social enhancement. Springfield has been better in the social sense but not as good as far as service and faith enrichment goes (thus far).

The Diocese of Springfield has a terrific program called YAM (Young Adult Mass) that is primarily for 20’s-30’s Catholics and it has been my lifeline for meeting peers and partaking in things I like to do as a Catholic. Check out their website: springfieldyam.com/

We usually have a service project and at least one social event every month as well as 8pm Mass every Sunday at our Pastoral Center. I’m working hard to get more people involved and to garner more interest in different activities. YAM does Theology on Tap every month as well, it usually draws a nice sized crowd.