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August 26, 2014
No group inspires, jumpstarts and invigorates the life of the Church quite like a young adult group. At CtR, the Young Adult Group (YAG) is building a community of believers in their 20s and 30s who love and support one another through faith sharing, service to Cypress and good ole fashion fun.
Young adults Jeff Jaglowicz, Joel Anaya and Jill Tieberg during their weekly Tuesday night meeting.
YAG Co-founder Carrie Taylor said she has loved watching the group grow because she sees friendships and faith journeys directly impacted by what they do.
“Our group is helpful to young adults because it provides a space to ask questions, make friends, grow spiritually and serve in the community,” Taylor said. “Being a 20 or 30 something is often stressful, so it's nice to have a place where you are surrounded by people just like you who understand where you are coming from. God is using our group in awesome ways, and I hope to continue growing our presence in Christ the Redeemer.”
Young adulthood can be hard. Marriage, graduation, children, moving and a myriad of other things happening during this age range can dampen one’s focus on their faith. But young adulthood is also great! People in this age group are the catalysts for fruitful dialogue about faith and the challenges of discovering that faith in an ever-evolving American culture. YAG tackles the best and worst parts of being a young adult in a faith-filled environment where you can express yourself in a community who understands you.
The Rev. Orrin Halepeska, Parochial Vicar at CtR, said the possibilities for YAG are endless.
“We need to be an example,” Fr. Orrin said. “We have the energy, time and a lot of spunk, so we can make a huge impact. Our role is to continue to challenge everyone to think about what it means to be Catholic because we’re constantly asking ourselves that question.”
In the quest to find the answer to that question, Fr. Orrin said this age group, more than any other, needs to feel like they are a part of the Church.
The group volunteers at CAM on Saturdays once a month.
“The world doesn’t give us the structure and purpose we’re looking for,” Fr. Orrin said. “Our generation wants the structure of the Church, and we can further discover what it means to be Catholic through our community.”
The CtR young adults band together in their job searching, discovering what it means to be a part of the body of Christ and helping the community reap the benefits of their enthusiasm and vigor for God’s word. Group Coordinator Shannon McKee said the group started small but is really exploding in growth each week.
“Many of our members say that their favorite part of our group is the fellowship they have found and the ability to grow in their faith through that fellowship and friendship,” McKee said.
Between social gatherings, faith reflection and discussion, service and fellowship, there is something for every young adult. So, if you are a young adult and have not checked out the group, what are you waiting for? The CtR Young Adult Group is definitely waiting for you. Join them at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Parish Office, Room 209.