An Inside Look at Our Parish’s Young Adult Group: On Fire for Christ and the Parish Community

When young Catholic adults graduate college, move out on their own for the first time, enter into a serious relationship, or begin their professional careers, they often are met with the realization that the world is very secular.

No one knows this better than Maya Reagan, the Co-Leader of the Young Adult Group at Our Lady of Lourdes.

“So often, young Catholics are told to sit down and stay quiet when it comes to faith and speaking on topics that might disrupt the societal equilibrium,” Maya says. “This fosters compliance and spiritual mundanity instead of passion for sharing the Gospel. Our world and this age group need that fire put back inside of them.”

Setting the young adults of our parish on fire is exactly what the Young Adult Group strives to do. The ministry encourages its members to grow spiritually through fellowship, study, and the sacraments.

Our Young Adult Group, which was started this past May, is geared towards young professionals, young couples, and young families, typically 22-32 years old. A weekly small group is hosted every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Bernadette Center.

The group’s first topic last May was how to manage stress and anxiety from a biblical perspective. This study ended in October when they moved on to a new topic, defending the faith and apologetics.

A typical small-group discussion lasts about an hour and a half. However, after each meeting, many members like to continue their conversation at a nearby brewery or restaurant. This provides a more relaxed environment to share a meal and grow together in the faith.

In addition to their weekly small group and monthly adoration, the Young Adult Group hosts fun group outings. Shortly before Thanksgiving, they enjoyed an event held at TopGolf. While this event was different from most of their other events, the turnout was great and it provided a new environment for fun and fellowship.

“We are in the process of planning a few retreats, guest speaker talks, and additional opportunities to volunteer in the community,” Maya says.

The group has not yet participated in an official volunteer activity but is filled with young men and women striving to live as stewards within their community. Some of the members are part of the Knights of Columbus, a few members volunteer with the parish Youth Ministry, and many more are involved in diocesan pro-life events.

“Relationships take two people, and if we’re not putting the work in on our end, we can’t expect to witness growth,” Maya says. “It’s my hope that our Young Adult Group offers a respite from the world, acting as a catalyst for that growth.”

If you are a young adult and interested in joining the group, please text Maya Reagan at 901-920-7650.

Fellowship and fun at TopGolf.