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The title is a bit misleading, is it not? I do not think I could ever speak of my experience as a young Catholic in the language of self. One, holy, Catholic, apostolic faith is what I have grown to learn throughout the years. To see the Church as the Bride of Christ. This should not be taken lightly. In my experience, the young adults (18-39) in the Church are strong, bold, and thirsty for Christ in a way that is almost unexplainable. The longing for a deep connection with Christ that is so strong it leads others to the Church through conviction, is a common story. This is a beautiful image, something that I hope comes true, but I could see fading if not cared for by the Church as a whole.

I can see this becoming a sensitive topic for both the elders of the church and the young. So, let us start with what we have in common. We all desire the same thing: To worship God here on earth to the best of our ability in the hopes that by God’s grace, we make it to Heaven. Though issues arise, we should approach them with sincerity, as we are all broken. Let us open a conversation with each other in hopes that Christ can delve into the brokenness of the Church and mend those wounds caused by each other's afflictions. This is our best chance for souls to be united with the Cross of our salvation. 

Over the past three years, I have been volunteering my time as a young adult leader in my combined parishes. By the grace of God and the generosity of others, I am grateful a program like this even exists. With Saint Meinrad’s call to minister to young adults, my parish took up the offer to pursue a new way of growing and supporting the young Church. Although the age range is vast, the communities really consist of post-graduates and early-stage families (1-2 kids) who meet at least three times a week. This sets the stage beautifully for a consistent community, whose goal is to be offline and enjoy true interaction. The support from Saint Meinrad, with their leadership retreats and funding, invites young leaders to the table and provides a call to action to plan valuable experiences for young adults around them. This is a successful framework that in time will prove its reliability. 

Now that your ear is open, let me take you through the feelings of being a young adult. I have experienced both being served by this ministry and serving in this ministry for three full years.  Speaking for One Body can be nerve-wracking, but I come with personal experiences in talking to a wide range of young adults. There are three things that the elder members of the Bride of Christ might miss about young adults in their parish. First, we are part of the flock. Second, we have a craving for a Church that is in stark contrast to what we see around us. Finally, we desire a call to action by the elders of our Church.

I have been wrestling with this idea that we need to make young adult ministry separate from the Church as a whole. Yes, there is a need for the young to relate to each other, which can only be experienced by spending time with one another. The more time we spend together, the better we can live a relational life, calling each other to a higher purpose. Here is the trouble: if the young only live here, this can quickly become a non-reality. We grow up without ever giving opportunities for the older generation to pass down their wisdom, ideas, and experience. However well-intentioned this is, it divides the flock. In order for the Church to not be divided in such a way, there needs to be elders anchoring both groups to each other. Though I would love to give a solution to this issue, it should be a parish decision. Each parish is responsible for their flock and knows how to best help them.

Now I know what you might be thinking. “These young adults are always wanting the smells and bells. I am tired of hearing them talk about (you can fill in the blank).” In my experience, the reason that young people want this is because of the world we are growing up in. Where a common knee jerk reaction is to throw away the things that we do not understand. To disown a family member if they disagree politically. To look up answers on our phones instead of going to elders for advice. This can cause destruction of beautiful opportunities for connections in our parishes. The young are craving mystery, romance, and worship that does not feel of this world. This is a desire that seeks to give the Body and Blood of Christ a sliver of what He is owed for laying down His life for us. The young in the Church want true beauty. They crave meaningful relationships with those around them. We want others in our churches to crave this desire for the beautiful. 

Lastly, as we all fumble through life on this road to Salvation, let us not forget those around us. As a teacher of a preschool classroom, there are so many things I have learned about behavior. One lesson I have taken away from my time as a teacher is that, where a reasonable expectation is set, the student will rise to meet it. This is practically performed in the classroom by jobs. For everyone to feel included and know that they have a meaningful part to play in the classroom, each student is given a job. You should see their little faces light up when they perform their job with precision (sometimes) and receive the call to contribute to their community. I feel the same for the young of the Church. Please, instead of commenting that you see no young adults in your specific ministry, consider asking: Have you invited them to your ministry? Is your ministry accessible to young people? How many have you invited? I see so many young hearts on fire to serve the Lord, only to see their flame pitter out when they are not called higher. They are hungry for the challenge, they just need to be asked. I promise the young who are on fire for their faith will bring new ideas, conversation, and a new breath into the Church.

God, with your hand continue to create the Church anew! Create in us a spirit of wisdom and understanding across generations so that we may become more fully Your Bride. Take us on a journey, while the Holy Spirit prompts us to stay true to the Father’s Will. May we sit with ears wide open and hearts full of joy ready to proclaim Your good news to the world. Amen.