Mi n i s try Pr o f i l e
FAITH, F E L L O W S H I P, F O R M AT I O N
I
n conversation with the Catholic Key, City on a Hill Director Catherine Cheney
discussed faith, fellowship, formation and the mission-focused future awaiting City on a Hill, a 16-year-old diocesan ministry that’s gaining new ground as a recently formed independent
City on a Hill’s mission is “to be the community that inspires and forms the young adult generation to be saints.” Please share more about your heart for individuals in this age range.
Photo courtesy of Catherine Cheney
non-profit organization.
CK
CC: I was living in Columbus, Ohio, and had served as the diocesan marriage formation coordinator for four years. Working in the intersection of marriage preparation and the young adult space allowed for some observations. I saw angst around marriage and dating, and a lack of roots of various kinds, leading to restlessness and stagnation. In the spring of 2021, I experienced a direct call from God to start bringing young adults to Him. I told the Lord, “If you’ve given me this call, You’ll need to open a door, and I’ll walk through it.” I realized the model of City on a Hill dovetailed with the exact needs I was seeing. Then, the door opened for me to serve as director for the newly formed lay apostolate. City on a Hill was transitioning from a diocesan ministry to its own nonprofit organization. I joined the staff in February 2022.
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CK
How does City on a Hill carry out its mission?
CC: We welcome individuals in their 20s and 30s into low-threshold opportunities for community through sports leagues, Tuesdays at the Boulevard and other events. Those occasions transition into chances to grow into deeper community, through Sisterhood or Band of Brothers, retreats and trips, such as the mission trip to Guatemala. Ultimately, our goal is for individuals to encounter Christ and deepen their commitment to Him. What makes City on a Hill unique is that it seeks to invite and form young adults to be apostles and lead the initiatives. These young adults are witnesses to those they encounter, showing “radical hospitality,” meaning that no one is lost in the crowd. We honor people individually, yet show that there’s a larger community in which they can get involved.
Catholic Key • December 2022 /January 2023 • catholickey.org
CK
What is your vision for City on a Hill over the next few years?
CC: We are focused on solidifying our approach to outreach, formation and community, making sure that everything we do is repeatable, scalable and ensuring that we accomplish the mission of City on a Hill in the most fruitful way possible. Because we work independently from, yet in partnership with, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, we have the freedom to expand our work on both sides of the state line.
CK
How can others get involved?
CC: I encourage everyone to visit the Get Connected page on our website (kansascityonahill.org), to sign up for The Loop, our weekly email, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our work and upcoming events.