Young Adult Ministry

What is young adult ministry?

Young Adult Ministry:

• Fosters the personal and communal growth and education of young adults toward a relationship with Jesus Christ leading to Christian maturity.
   

• Makes contact with young adults and invites and welcomes them to participate in the life and mission of the Christian community, which proclaims Jesus Christ by preaching the Gospel.
   

• Invites young adults, through healthy relationships, work, and studies, to embrace the mission of Christ to promote the building of the kingdom of God in the world today, thereby bringing about the transformation of society.
   

• Helps young adults develop relationships with peers who share similar values and beliefs which nurture and strengthen their faith, thereby creating communities of support.

While ministry with young adults takes place in many different communities, a preeminent place is given to the parish.  This may be where they were baptized, where they stop by when they are in town, or where they hope to marry.  Pastoral care for young adults requires that parishes be a home for young adults where they are personally touched in their faith journey.  

Ministry with young adults may be done in large groups (monthly young adult Masses), small groups (Bible study, support groups), and with individuals (providing spiritual books and audiotapes).

Young adult ministry can build on existing programs that already serve young adults (marriage and baptismal preparation, RCIA)

Young adults are not just the recipients of ministry; they can also minister to others, especially their peers.

Young adult ministry needs to connect with young adults where they are--in their neighborhoods, in the workplace, at Sunday Mass.