Diocesan office seeks to engage young adults in their faith at crucial time

Young Catholic Professionals, from left, Michelle Unda, Megan Fogelsong, Gavin Estrada, Jonas Verdafloor and Susie Sullivan meet at Hester's for mixer and presentation. Contributed Photo

“This is a time when they are making long-term decisions about remaining active in a church or even remaining Catholic,” Deacon Ramirez said. “Most parishes have very active youth ministries, but after high school graduation there is nowhere to turn. If we don’t fill that space then we won’t see these young adults until they get married. We want to keep them engaged and ensure they continue to grow in their faith.”

In order to meet the needs of a broad age group Deacon Ramirez said his office initiated two separate ministries, Young Catholic Professionals and Young Catholics Ablaze.

Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), ages 26-39, meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. for adoration and reconciliation. Afterwards they have a “Dutch treat” dinner. On Aug. 12 St. John the Baptist will host the YCP and on Sept. 9 the group will meet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

“We are rotating between parishes so that everyone realizes it is for the whole community, not just the people at a certain church,” Deacon Ramirez said.

In addition to adoration, the YCP meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Hester’s Café. There is a mixer and food from 5:30-6 p.m. followed by a presentation. The program to be held on Aug. 26 will feature Father Peter Koziel speaking on the topic, “God in our Medical Care: A Theology of Medical Care.”

The Young Catholics Ablaze (YCA) ministry is offered for those between the ages of 18-25. The name for this group comes from a quote from St. Catherine of Sienna, “If you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze.”

It includes students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Coastal Bend College and Del Mar College. On Aug. 14 they will have a Mass and dinner from 7-9 p.m. at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Newman Center. The guest speaker for that event is Father Joseph Lopez, JCL vocations director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

“A major part of what we do is to encourage vocations,” Deacon Ramirez said. “In fact we will be attending a discernment retreat in November. We are encouraging all the members of the group to attend.”

Deacon Ramirez said the group at TAMUCC has more than doubled in size over the last few months and interest has been growing in the campus ministry. In fact, a second Mass has been added on Sundays at the Newman Center to accommodate more worshipers. Meanwhile, TAMUK has been blessed to have a full-time chaplain to meet the needs of their students, Deacon Ramirez said. Bishop Michael Mulvey recently named Father Peter Stanley as chaplain for the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel and the Newman Center in Kingsville.

Young Catholics Ablaze pose with Father Peter Martinez after a talk at the Newman Center. Pictured in front row, from left, Brendon Ayers, Courtney Knaeur, Alexandra Harrel and Matthew Franke. In back row are Amanda Macias, Jasmine Rodriguez, Tony Guajardo, Paul Pesek, Father Martinez, Gus Ladwig, Melanie Aguas, Nathaniel Sosa, Candace Olivares and Evan Pirog. Contributed Photo

“The people who attend both groups like having a community of their peers,” he said. “They like having the companionship of other Catholics who are facing the same life challenges. It is great to come together as believers.

“There are four things that we aim to connect them to: Jesus Christ, the church, their peers and the mission of the church in the world,” Deacon Ramirez said. “This is not a singles group either. Young married couples are invited and encouraged to come also. It can be hard for people to come out of their comfort zones and try something new or even find the time to join us, but the fellowship you receive in return is definitely worth it.”

Deacon Ramirez said that if any parish would like to begin a group for young adults or if they already have one and need additional assistance, they should contact his office. For more information call (361) 882-6191, ext. 627 or email Deacon Ramirez at [email protected].