THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 30 | MARCH 11, 2016
TAKING FLIGHT
Young Catholic group in Topeka builds enthusiastic community
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
Father Nick Blaha, chaplain of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University, talks to the Credo group about the meaning of the Year of Mercy and how it applies to everyday life.
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
T
OPEKA — The Blue Moose restaurant in Topeka was buzzing with energy the night of Feb. 18. On top of the regular Thursday night crowd was a room full of some 40 young adult Catholics gathered to share their faith through conversation, food and fellowship. The group is known as Credo, and its mission is to bring together young adults between the ages of 21 to 40 for events that will help them grow together in a community of faith. “Topeka Catholic young adults were being starved of community and fellowship with enthusiastic and eager peers,” said Joe Terick, one of the group’s main organizers. “I truly believe this is an ‘If you build it, they will come’ opportunity.”
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A project in the making The Topeka group started about a year ago and has since grown rapidly. “Even as recently as six to eight months ago, when there would be events, there would only be maybe a dozen people [in attendance],” said Father Jaime Zarse, associate pastor of Christ the King Church in Topeka and an active Credo member. “But in the last six months, it’s gone from 12 or 15 people coming to an event to about 50,” he continued. The group’s success is in part due to its strong leadership, which works tirelessly to make the program one that young adults are excited about. “We’re sitting on a winning lottery ticket with [Terick],” said Father Zarse. “And there’s a great team supporting him.” The young adults who participate in Credo agree. “[The leaders] really believe in what they’re doing,” said Christ the King parishioner Brooke Ubelaker, “and it’s hard not to get excited when you’re around
ASPIRING ARTISTS
Young artists have their work displayed on the walls of Savior Pastoral Center. Page 3
“WE WANT TO MAKE IT ABOUT GROWING AN INTENTIONAL YOUNG ADULT CATHOLIC CULTURE AND COMMUNITY IN TOPEKA ACROSS EACH OF THE PARISHES. BECAUSE EVERY PARISH NEEDS YOUNG ADULT CATHOLICS.” Father Jaime Zarse people like that, who are so invested in this group.” “I feel as though once a person attends one event, that enthusiasm just
RALLY ON
The junior high youth rally at Prairie Star Ranch featured music and fun. Page 8-9
kind of rubs off on you,” she added. Terick has gone so far as to purchase a house to serve as a meeting place for the group’s various events. “As Credo was growing, we had nowhere to meet on a regular basis,” said Terick. “Consistency is critical to maintain buy-in from all the new people interested in the ministry.” The investment is proving well worth it, as it has opened doors to additional activities each week.
What the program offers On Tuesdays, the Credo house hosts a Bible study, which rotates every other week between the men and the women. The group also meets each Sunday after the 9 a.m. Christ the King Mass for brunch. All interested young adults are invited to attend, regardless of parish. “We want to make it about growing an intentional young adult Catholic culture >> See “CREDO” on page 6
FLYBOY
World War II veteran takes a sentimental journey in a Flying Fortress. Page 16