YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Wanna’ see young adults back in church? Catholic young adults are searching for 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. learn more

Young Adults a part of Diocesan Ministry Congress: The Diocese of Gary Ministry Congress is designed to bring together Church leaders from all ministries, united on a Mission much larger than we know. Young adults- married & single, 20's & 30's- are invited to join ministry representatives from across Northwest Indiana on Fri. evening Oct. 1 and Sat., Oct. 2 at St. Thomas More (Munster) for prayer, inspiration, and formation. Features dynamic keynoter Fr. J-Glenn Murray, liturgy and prayer, and ministry experts from across the country. Young adults can enjoy a separate track for them on how to make good young adult ministry happen. click here for more information. (click Formation Sessions for more info on YAM-related workshops)

Emmaus Formation pgm: Feed your brain and soul! Check out the diocesan Emmaus program. Much shorter than a semester-long course, more in-depth than a day-long seminar, each fall and spring the Office of Lay Ministry Formation offers a variety of topics in a 4-week format, 2 hrs. each night. This fall: “A Journey With Paul” (Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, St. Joan of Arc, Merrillville) & “The Church: from the House Church Through Vatican II” (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, St. Bridget, Hobart). Cost is $20 for all four sessions. click here to download a PDF brochure

THEOLOGY ON TAP THANK YOUS! Thank you to all who made our diocese's Theology on Tap series a big success! It is our sincere hope you will continue to keep connecting with your faith!

Looking for young adult events?
Visit Generation Christ on Facebook:

For those of you who were a part of the Feb. 13 “Generation Christ” Symposium for Catholic Young Adults, thanks for being part of something special! One of the themes that surfaced often throughout the day was a genuine desire to network with other Catholic young adults in Northwest Indiana.

As Facebook has become arguably THE means of social networking, we have decided to expand the “Generation Christ” Facebook group site. “Generation Christ” is no longer just an event, it is the name we’ve given to a renewed outreach to Catholic young adults, college-aged, singles and marrieds, 18-30’s, in Northwest Indiana. Join today!

College-age Young Adults: We recognize that it can be difficult to stay grounded in your Catholic faith when you head off to campus. While we whole-heartedly encourage you to get involved in campus ministry programs at your new school/community, we also know there is a value of staying connected to your faith "back home" in NW Indiana. Whether you have left the Region from August-May, are attending classes in the Region year-round, or even if college isn't for you, we invite Catholics post-HS through 23 to be a part of this exciting new ministry! The group plans to meet regularly throughout Summer, 2010, and are making plans for the school year as well. Visit the Facebook page for more info.

> Recognize the value of young adults in parish life : Bishop Melczek writes about "Generation Christ" & young adults in his weekly column for the Northwest Indiana Catholic

> YOUNG ADULTS ENCOURAGED TO BECOME ‘BRIDGE BUILDERS’ : article on "Generation Christ" in Feb. 21 edition of Northwest Indiana Catholic

REGIONAL YA MASS: Young Adult Catholics in NW Indiana are invited to take a quick trip across the border (just west of Munster) to attend a monthly Young Adult Mass on the last Sunday of each month at St. Ann's in Lansing, IL. Hosted by the Isaac Hecker Center for Young Adult Ministry (Archdiocese of Chicago), these masses are held at 6pm, and you're invited to stick around afterward for fellowship with other young adult Catholics. Click here for more info.

Bishop Melczek and the Diocese of Gary invite youth and young adults (16-30’s) on a pilgrimage to World Youth Day, August, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. Included: WYD festivities, including vigil and closing liturgy with the Holy Father. Additionally, the group will journey with Bishop Melczek on a memorable pilgrimage that will include visits to Lourdes & Avila, as well as religious formation, liturgy, and community building. itinerary & more...

B.A.S.I.C. Bible Study: B.A.S.I.C. stands for Brothers And Sisters In Christ. It's a young adult prayer group, support group, Bible study group, and social group. We are a bunch of sinners who fall down, but with the help of Christ, get back up and continue on our journey. The group meets every Wednesday, alternating between Saint Casimir's Chapel (Hammond) and a local restaurant.

The group prays, discusses the Bible, and supports each other, having fun along the way. They meet at local restaurants in the spirit of Saint Francis. Discuss the bible out in the open and be a witness to everyone around us. Motto: "We aren't perfect...Just Forgiven!" Open to young adults 18 and over. For more information, contact Alfredo at 805-3760 or email.

FACEBOOK USER? CLICK HERE FOR B.A.S.I.C.'s FB PAGE

THEOLOGY ON TAP THANK YOUS! St. Mary (Crown Point) Young Adult Ministry and the Theology on Tap ministry of Our Lady of Grace (Highland) wish to thank everyone who helped make their summer Theology on Tap Series a success!

St. John the Evangelist (St. John) announces a virtual gathering spot for Catholic twenty-somethings. Are you away from home at school or just starting out in a new job? Are friends and co-workers asking you about the truths of your Catholic faith and you need just the right answer? Visit the 20-Something Blog where you can ask those questions and get an answer back. Click here

The Diocese of Gary Office for Young Adults & the Diocesan Young Adult Council thanks all who attended Inspiring Young Adult Ministry: A Dialogue on Engaging Young Adults in Your Community. We encourage you to continue to seek new ways to reach out to young adults, and pledge our assistance in any way!

RETREATS & EVENTS IN CHICAGOLAND FOR YOUNG ADULTS

STARTING A YAM... Starting a young adult ministry where one has not existed is a difficult but worthwhile task. Check out this beginners' guide to starting a YAM!

If you like Theology On Tap, or you're a young adult looking to connect with other young adults and explore your faith more in-depth, check out young adult ministries in these parish communities in the Diocese of Gary:

> Effeta Young Adult Ministry, St. Casimir, Hammond (contact Alfredo Flores-Carrillo 805-3760 or email)

> St. Mary, Crown Point (contact Lori, email)

Charis presents the iRetreat

You are also invited to a virtual retreat with the Charis Busy Person's iRetreat, the individual, downloadable retreat. Offered in conjunction with BustedHalo.com, the iRetreat gives you the chance to listen to a series of 10-20 minute podcasts and email reflections or questions with a spiritual companion.

Simply download the podcasts to your computer, MP3 player or iPod and listen to them at the time and in the comfort of the space you choose. Your spiritual companion can help guide your prayer with questions or thoughts that you can consider. The downloads are also available through iTunes and a limited number available on CD from Charis.

Register today!

CURRENT Young Adult Ministry (SW Suburbs/Chicago)

Check it out! A website just for Catholic Young Adults!

Catholic Match Strengthening Catholic Faith, Singles, Family & Community.