Fall

This autumn bonfire captures the faith-filled dimensions of the Halloween season with a mass (or prayer service), food (ideally potluck), and fellowship (with thought-provoking conversation).

This program has a two-fold purpose: It gathers young adults to explore life and faith themes presented in the books they are reading and it connects young adults to the larger parish by inviting parishioners to donate books for them to read (and later discuss them together).

Gather young adults at a convenient outdoor spot for a midweek lunchtime Bible study.

This six-session program uses story-telling, discernment, and small group faith sharing, to help young adults explore God’s call in their lives.

This program provides a chance for young adults to reflect on what it means to be part of a greater ministry, voice their comments about what works and what doesn’t, and offer concrete suggestions about how to grow and support their young adult Catholic community in several different areas.

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 27. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Invite young adults to read and discuss Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment. This conversation will reveal ways God is calling all of us to greater care for God’s creation.

Young adults come together to celebrate the liturgy and then share a simple meal. Subsequently, they are invited to participate in another meal, hosted at the home of a young adult, and discuss issues of hunger, food security, and simplicity. It’s a great program that can be replicated throughout the year.

“Springtime Chores” image by Tony Alther licensed under Creative Commons “Attribution 2.0” https://www.flickr.com/photos/78428166@N00/

Through Care & Repair, small groups of young adults spend time with and do household tasks for parishioners who are not able to complete these tasks themselves. One person sits and visits with the host (care) while the other one to two people help with jobs around the house (repair).

“Girl on Tracks” image by Barta IV licensed under Creative Commons “Attribution 2.0” https://www.flickr.com/photos/98640399@N08/

In a local pilgrimage, a group of young adults travels to a site of religious significance and prays together along the way.

“Surprise Party, among the trees” image by Stuart Mudie licensed under Creative Commons “Attribution 2.0” https://www.flickr.com/photos/smudie/

This is a social event that serves as a community building opportunity for your parish young adults or the wider young adult community in your area.