Young Adult Ministry
 

Young adulthood is a passage of life when new decisions are made, paths are taken and a place is established in one’s community.  Young adult ministry is for those in their late teens, twenties, and thirties (singles or young families), with varied professions and goals.  It provides an opportunity to share friendship, fellowship and faith with other Catholic Christians.  Young adult ministry encourages people to interact among themselves, with the parish and beyond.  A mark of the ministry is hospitality; everyone is welcome.  The ministry is organized by young adults with the support of parish staff, and provides a forum for service, spiritual, educational, and social activities.  All are invited to join the fellowship by asking parishes for the ministry and for a local young adult contact.
 
On every level of young adult ministry there is the opportunity to get involved.  Parishes have leadership (organizing) teams.  Regional councils recruit volunteers to plan and execute projects.  On the diocesan level there is need for many young adults to share their time and talents.  The following committees have been formed to address the objectives of the young adult ministry committee: convention, connections, marketing, and YAM Sunday.  The young adult ministry committee, which addresses the needs of the ministry on the diocesan level, is composed of representatives from each of the above mentioned bodies and diocesan regions. 

The young adult ministry offers a variety of service, spiritual, educational, and social opportunities.  These are organized on the parish, regional and diocesan levels. 

Retreats:  

These are an opportunity to explore one’s faith and spirituality through shared prayers and reflections.  Please contact the young adult ministry office if you want to receive a prayer (via e-mail) each work day in Advent and Lent. 

Education: 

Special forums are held periodically to address issues which confront young adults today.  Summer Theologica, a religious education program for young adults, is conducted during the month of July. 

Convention:  

Each year the diocese conducts a young adult ministry convention.  It includes workshops, a liturgy and a dance.  This also offers young adults the opportunity to meet and interact with others from all over the diocese. 

Service Opportunities:  

These are an opportunity to serve others and to explore one’s faith and spirituality through shared prayers and reflection. Examples are visiting the sick and elderly or feeding the homeless.  These are often generated by parish groups. 

Newsletter:  

connections, the YAM newsletter, addresses issues important to young adults and is available to anyone on the diocesan mailing list. 

Web site: 

www.richmonddiocese.org/cyam/ 

E-mail lists:  

Please indicate any e-mail list on which you want your name included: 

_____ Advent/Lent “work week” daily prayer 
_____ notification of updates on CYAM web site 
_____ local regional list 

Regional activities:  

These are listed in The Catholic Virginian in the Shortakes column and calendar. 



 
Please send information about spiritual, social, educational, or service opportunities for young 
adults.  I am particularly interested in: 
____________________________________ 
____________________________________ 
____________________________________ 
Name: ______________________________ 
Address: ____________________________ 
____________________________________ 
Phone: (______)__________________ (day) 
            (______)_______________ (evening) 
E-mail: _____________________________
Parish:  _____________________________ 
 
Mail To: 
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF RICHMOND 
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY 
7800 Carousel Lane 
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23294-4201 
Call:  804-359-5661  ext 222 or 223
e-mail: 
cyam@richmonddiocese.org
 
For detailed information 
about Young Adult Ministry: 
www.richmonddiocese.org/cyam