Young Adult Ministry
Young adults are parishioners in their 20's and 30's. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish ministers to young adults in three basic ways:
(1) By encouraging their participation in parish ministries. Right now, we’re looking for young adults to serve as ushers, who are responsible for taking up the collection at Mass. For other opportunities to get involved.
(2) By promoting regional events for young adult Catholics.
(3) By organizing special events for young adults on the parish campus.
Millennial Study Group
One-fifth of Americans are not affiliated with a religion. One-third of Americans aged 18-29 are unaffiliated. This is not because they are young adults going through a “phase.” In the 1970’s, only 12% of young adults were religiously unaffiliated. The Millennials – Americans born in the 1980’s and 90’s – are shaping up to be the least religious generation in American history. Who is in the best position to share the Catholic faith with them? Other Millennials! This is the purpose of the Millennial Study Group.
How do we invite our friends to attend Mass with us? What do we do when conversations turn against our Catholic faith and values? In order to share our faith with Millennials, we need to understand both our faith and our generation better. For one hour a month, the Millennial Study Group will do just that. We’ll read an article about our generation or modern perspectives on religion each month. At the meeting, we’ll have a discussion – not about our feelings, but our insights – what we learned from the article, where we disagree, and how we can use our insights to reach other young adults. Fr. Jon will also present a 10-minute lesson on a Catholic belief at each meeting.
Q. Sounds boring. Why would I want to attend?
A. Because church will be cooler with your friends. Imagine what a Catholic parish would look like if there were dozens of young adults at each Mass, not just a handful. Church is not a club for people who happened to be raised Catholic and are still “into” it. It’s a way of life for everyone. If you believe that – if you want to obey Christ’s command to “make disciples of all nations” – then it’s time to start in Lindenwold and Stratford with your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers.
Q. Can’t I just invite them to Mass with me?
A. Even the friends who accept your invitation may not understand much about Mass if they aren’t Catholic or never learned much in religious education or Catholic school. Imagine going to a baseball game without knowing anything about baseball. You’d probably spend the game asking questions about what was going on. Since that’s not appropriate at Mass, it’s important that you share the answers to the questions they’re likely to ask ahead of time. You’ll learn those answers at the Millennial Study Group.
Q. Will there at least be food?
A. No, but we will visit a local establishment after the meeting to enjoy each other’s company.
Sarah Creel
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
