YOUNG CATHOLIC ADULTS GROUP Deepening the faith … and connecting with peers

BY JESSICA ROHR

It was through the invitation of a college friend that John Dunne, age 29, first connected with the Young Catholic Adults organization. Despite his initial skepticism, he decided to make an appearance at one of the group’s Literary Series sessions on a Wednesday night at St. Helena’s parish hall. “I’d never been to a book club before, let alone a religious one,” he said. But almost immediately, the young real estate agent saw that there was more to gain from the event than he anticipated: “What drew me in was the community. Hearing people’s stories and experiences with their faith was something that I could relate to, provide insight for, and learn from as well.”

Literary Series, a recent initiative of YCA, is the initiative of Siobhan O’Connor, Diocesan Director of Young Adult Ministry; its first session took place from January to March of this year, with a focus on the Catholic perspective of how to initiate and carry out romantic relationships. The Dating Without a Script series quickly gained popularity, and soon, young professionals like Harry Villareal, Sofia Rodriguez, Miguel Saucedo, and Michaela Stawasz began to step up to lead the group discussions as the second session got into full swing. Young Catholic Adults itself is an organization that focuses on cultivating a life of prayer, service, socializing, and faith formation among the young men and women of Corpus Christi – a much-needed initiative at a time when many young people are disconnected from any religion.

Jacob Oster helped to host the first several meetings of the second session in his home before the group gained access to St. Helena’s parish hall. He has been a consistent attendee of YCA’s events for a couple of years. “Being Catholic in today’s secular culture, especially as a young man, is increasingly difficult,” said the 30-year-old marine biologist. “It is easy to become discouraged or distracted in my faith journey and then drift through life. However, the friendships I’ve made through YCA have encouraged me and kept me grounded as I navigate my various challenges.”

Matthew Kelly’s The Seven Levels of Intimacy was the book of choice for session two, and the meetings continued to expand, requiring larger accommodations. 20 or more young adults began to squeeze into St. Helena’s parish hall for hours of discussion, laughter, and of course, food. Every Wednesday evening would begin with a light meal before they split the men from the women to discuss the latest chapters in separate rooms. After the two groups spent almost an hour delving into the text, they would each brainstorm a provocative question to pose to the opposite sex: “How do you ask a girl out without seeming weird?” or “As a man, how do you handle delayed gratification?” Then, the groups come back together, and everyone takes a turn answering the other group’s questions. Responses are met with support, understanding, encouragement, more questions – amidst laughter and banter.

“I joined YCA back in February for the Dating Without A Script session,” said Michaela, 27, one of the discussion leaders. “The Literary Series is the highlight of my week. It scratches the deeper-discussionsitch I was aching to scratch.” Roly Bolanos is a new member from Florida. He fits YCA hang-outs and events around his busy military schedule. “From my experience,” he said, “YCA is very welcoming to unique personalities and opinions, and everyone is eager to make connections and build friendships.”

YCA already hosts a monthly night of adoration at Our Lady of Corpus Christi, followed by a social hour in the adjoining cafe. However, a fun, new initiative for worship and fellowship has launched as well, dubbed Mass & Brunch: this event is headed by Elizabeth Morales, the Social Media coordinator for the Diocese, who just started a one-year term as YCA Coordinator. These occur on Sundays, once a month, and present a wonderful opportunity for young adults to attend mass with their peers. Typically, many of them attend mass alone, so it can be a huge source of comfort and encouragement to not only attend mass with friends but to share a meal afterward as well. “Since we all attend Sunday Mass on our own, I thought M&B once a month would be an easy and great way to bring people together to share in our faith and meet others,” Morales said.

YCA member and occupational therapy assistant Yvonne Wright, 37, enjoys being able to celebrate mass with some of her friends, then enjoying a meal. The Mass and brunch locations change – one of the most recent events included mass at St. Philips, followed by brunch at Chops & Eggs on Yorktown Blvd. There were more than a dozen young adults gathered around the table, including the recently ordained Fr. Thomas Swierc.

Between official events, spontaneous beach days, karaoke nights, and Hooks games, there is never a dull moment. Sarah Lichtenberger, a 24-year-old Pre-K paraprofessional, has recently begun to frequent these events with her friends from St. Helena’s. “I have been introduced to so many people through YCA! I haven’t been around a group of Catholic young adults besides the few at my church, so I love seeing everyone together: It really pushes me to practice my faith daily. Even if I’m not doing something intentionally, I can still feel Jesus among us.”

Liana Bandillo, who just completed her one-year service as coordinator, said: “There is a hunger for what we do… as young adults, often without family members around, it is a great opportunity to remain and grow in our faith.”

YCA is always open to new members and welcomes anyone who is willing to take the lead on a project or activity. Please contact YCA at ycacctx@gmail.com