The Beaches Catholic Young Adults Community

As Catholics, we know that faith is ultimately best practiced in community. In fact, Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

With this important community aspect in mind, our parish, along with St. Paul’s in Jacksonville Beach, is a part of the Beaches Catholic Young Adults community, or BCYA, for parishioners ranging from late teens to 30s.

“It’s important to have a group like BCYA to dive deeper into your faith and meet other like-minded young adults,” says member Lauren Harrison.

For today’s young adults, being Catholic in our society can at times feel lonely. Thus, the BCYA mission is to “serve the Catholic young adult population at The Beaches through service, socials and spiritual development and to engage young adults in parish life through increasing awareness of parish events, encouraging regular reception of the sacraments and supporting evangelization efforts.”

Members have used the time during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet virtually for coffee hours, speakers, and a Thursday Bible study. Before the pandemic, regular meetings were held on Thursdays at Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Paul’s. The group has a monthly Holy Hour on the first Friday of the month at Our Lady Star of the Sea, with a social to follow. The socials will resume after it is deemed safe to gather.

While BCYA ministry coordinator Mary Kate Phillips misses the opportunity to meet in person, she is glad the members still have ways to connect virtually. This ministry is certainly an important part of her faith life.

“This group allows for young adults to connect and deepen their relationship with Christ, as well as support each other on their faith journeys,” she says.

Mary Kate is especially thankful for the opportunity Kate says. “I knew I needed community to help me be to meet people she never would have met otherwise if successful in living out my Catholic faith.” not for BCYA. In turn, she has formed friendships that Serving as an essential avenue to connect adults to are genuine and Christ-centered — which is not always their parish community and encourage stewardship, the easy to find. BCYA is truly a great ministry for young adults to help

“When I graduated college and moved to a new city, live out their faith in their parish. it was hard because I was disconnected from the faith “Anyone who is looking to meet people and know community I had in school and from growing up,” Mary Jesus more should join,” Lauren says.

If you would like more information about BCYA, or to get involved, please contact Mary Kate Phillips at marykate.phillips5@gmail.com or 314-221-2111.

The annual Friendsgiving event, held in honor of Thanksgiving holiday

Virtual Coffee Hour with the BCYA