Wanna’ see young adults back in church?

Parish/Cluster Faith Sharing Groups · Diocese of Gary CYAback Network

National research—and our own local research through the “Generation Christ 2010 Symposium”—shows that young adult Catholics are committed to their faith, even if Mass attendance doesn’t always reflect that. What Catholic young adults are searching for is a way to connect their faith experience to their real world lived experience. The Diocese of Gary “CYAback” initiative aims to do just that.

The Diocese of Gary is seeking parishes that wish to serve as regional hubs for young adult evangelization. A host parish will commit to hosting a CYAback faith sharing group. CYAback stands for Connecting Young Adults Back (to church). Through regular faith sharing group meetings, young adults will have a chance to explore their faith more intimately, learn more about what it means to be a Catholic in their world, and find fellowship in a prayerful, supportive community.


What does it take to start a group?
   • We recommend 8-10 committed young adults, 20’s & 30’s, married or single.
   • 1-2 key leaders participate in group facilitator training provided by diocese.
   • Willingness to collaborate with nearby parishes.
   • Minimal investment in young adult faith sharing/small Christian community resources.

What happens at a CYAback gathering?
The diocese will recommend a list of faith sharing/small Christian community resources. While each varies, they all provide a 60-90 minute format that allows young adult Catholics to learn more about what the Church teaches on a variety of subjects, explore Scripture, pray together, and connect faith with their secular world. A CYAback group may choose to meet weekly throughout the year, or in 5-week segments.

We’re interested! What now?
Call Kevin Driscoll at the Diocese of Gary Office for Young Adults, who will discuss with the leader(s) options for facilitator training and resources.