It is pretty much agreed that young adults tend to stop practicing the faith they were brought up in. Graduating from high school can seem like a graduation from religion; and attendance at church, temple or mosque soon drops off.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose, a group of 54 churches and missions spread throughout Santa Clara County, recognizes this phenomenon. In an effort to re-engage Catholics between the ages of 18 and 39, it has established a Young Adults Ministry.
Steve Do is the Diocesan Associate for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Born in Texas, he moved to San Jose at the age of four and attended St. Maria Goretti Church, a huge, multi-ethnic parish that celebrates Masses in three different languages.
A “nominal Catholic” by high school, Do’s faith was reignited through the Lifeteen program, leading him to major in religious studies at Santa Clara University and to a stint as a youth and young adult minister at Holy Spirit Church in Almaden Valley. He has held his present position in the Diocese for three years.
Do explains the 20s and 30s are a time of transition as young men and women grapple with college, careers, relationships and beginning their own families. The Diocese of San Jose began six initiatives to support them on this stage of their life journey:
• Re:sound is a dynamic worship experience generally held the first Friday of each month at St. Lucy’s Church in Campbell. (Because of the holiday, July’s event will be held July 12). Beginning at 7:15 p.m. with light snacks, it continues with lively contemporary music by Jon Manongdo’s band, a reflection by Do and fellowship afterward. Childcare is always available.
• DTF (Deconstructing the Faith) is a monthly discussion group dealing with controversial issues facing Christians today. Participants are given some suggested readings; a priest with good facilitation skills guides the discussion, explaining the Church’s positions while respecting divergent views. Some recent topics have included cohabitation and sex before marriage.
• Disciples Sports Ministry allows participants to engage in team athletics like men’s basketball and coed softball. Seasonal in nature, additional sports may be added as demand grows.
• The Newman Center at San Jose State University is a ministry for college students. It sponsors a weekly Mass on campus as well as social events.
• Young Adult Retreats are held annually at Vallambrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park. This is an opportunity to get away from life’s daily pressures and develop spiritually. The next retreat is scheduled for Oct. 18-20; no theme has been chosen yet.
• Day of Service allows young adults to make a difference in the lives of those around them while practicing their Christianity. Recipients of these volunteer efforts have included Sacred Heart Community Service, Casa de Clara, Inn Vision and Most Holy Trinity Food Pantry, as well as homeless people in Tijuana, Mexico for whom prefabricated houses were built.
Catholic Young Adults, married or single, student or professional, are invited to participate in any of these activities while exploring their maturing faith. For more information, contact Steve Do at (408) 983-0122 or sd*@ds*.org.
Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cf****@sv**********.com.
