FAQ'S
 

Who is the target audience for this ministry?

Young adulthood refers to people in their late teens, 20s and 30s; single, married, divorced, widowed; with or without children. They are present in every trade and profession. They live in many communities that make up our diocese, and they come from diverse cultural, educational and political realities. This definition is important because many believe ministry to singles is young adult ministry.  Those involved in young adult ministry work with young families, college students, those discerning vocations, newly married couples, young adults preparing to baptize their children and so many more.

Young adult ministry was seen as a priority during the 19th Diocesan Synod. What has led to the interest?

There’s a lot of interest in young adult ministry. Many involved in ministry in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are realizing the opportunities to evangelize and catechize young adults.  The time is perfect for new outreaches to young adults in the Church. The synod made youth and young adult ministry a priority, and our vision is hoping to build that direction. Many parishes are recognizing the need to connect with young adults.

What is the diocese’s goal in terms of ministry to young adults?

When we wrote our strategic plan for young adult ministry, we recognized the vital need for connectivity, training and support, which became our three goals.

Our first goal is important because young adults become preoccupied with establishing careers, experiencing their first taste of freedom, distracted by the pull of society and culture. Many lose interest in the Church and, in essence, wander off, often for years. Often, they return to marry in the Church or to have their children baptized. But, increasingly, these ties are loosening, making the work of young adult ministry even more important. Connecting with them is the key.

Training and support are our other goals and our plan allowed for the creation of the Young Adult Leadership Team and Network. Since we launched our plan, we created a monthly events e-mail list along with a Web site (www.yampgh.org). These communication vehicles have been extremely helpful in promoting the goals of young adult ministry along with current events.

What’s the significance of Young Adult Sunday?

This event reflects our Church’s efforts to become more “young adult friendly,” and reflects the U.S. bishops’ document “Sons and Daughters of the Light: A National Pastoral Plan for Ministry With Young Adults.”

The U.S. bishops wrote that young adults “can enrich the Church and be a sign of God’s presence in society.” The hope for Young Adult Sunday is simply to remind young adults that the Church recognizes them, and to challenge them to become active members of their parishes and share their many gifts and talents. Many parishes, deaneries and even religious communities are coordinate events on this day.