The young adult community grew this month when a new group formed to help peers bud into faith-filled professionals.
Hundreds showed up for Young Catholic Professionals Denver and its kick-off reception Feb. 17 at Christ the King Church. Many talked about the need for support and formation in living their faith in the workplace.
“I do feel that young adults are often intimidated and afraid to reveal their faith in the workplace,” said Garrett Adrian, marketing manager at Goddess Garden Organics, who attended the reception. “People oftentimes have preconceived notions that Catholics are extreme and close-minded, and that makes it difficult to be bold regarding our faith in the workplace.”
Vanessa Hamm, assistant director of operations for the chapter, shared, “So often in our society, we can feel intimidated into silence about our faith. Yet, I believe this fear and silence has more to do with our own lack of understanding about our Catholic faith than our fear of what others may think.”
The church hall was abuzz with chatting young adults and was led by the Dallas-based nonprofit’s founder, Jennifer Baugh, who introduced the chapter and its planned activities.
The Denver chapter is the first launched outside of Texas that will include networking events, happy hours, executive speaker series, mentorships and retreats for members. A leadership team and other volunteers will help organize the events and its first speaker, Archbishop Samuel Aquila, scheduled for March 3.
The hope is that young adults will be engaged in their faith and develop both professional and personal skills through the chapter.
“After college, it can oftentimes be difficult to find a strong faith community of peers,” said Adrian, also the director of marketing for the chapter. “You get up, you go to work, you go home, and hopefully you go to church on Sundays. It is my hope that YCP will help young adults find meaning in their everyday lives and also find a strong, faith-filled community of believers to grow with.”
The young professionals group joins one of several ministries in the greater-Denver area aimed to help young adults form strong community and find Christ in their lives.
Theology on Tap is an Archdiocese of Denver sponsored gathering for young adults seeking a casual atmosphere for chatting and faith sharing. Speakers have talked about friendships, dating, vocations, hearing God’s word and personal stories of failure and triumph in the pursuit of happiness.
The archdiocese recently organized a webpage for access to several other gatherings including liturgies like Vigil Praise—a night of praise, adoration and confession—and the Candlelight Mass—a monthly night of confession, Mass and fellowship at a nearby tavern.
Young adults can learn about many of these opportunities through a new webpage www.archden.org/dcya with a list of upcoming events and helpful links.
Get connected
Tap into the young adult community by:
Visiting archden.org/dcya
Texting “DCYA” to 84576
Checking the Denver Catholic Young Adults Facebook page
“It’s important for everyone in their 20s and 30s to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and to find authentic Christian community. Through these connections we can become intentional members of our parishes and find tangible ways to live out the mission of Jesus Christ and his Church together. As Catholics, we know that the edification, support and inspiration we seek is often found when we first give of ourselves for others.”
– Joshua Karabinos of the archdiocese’s Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries
Coming up
Young adults seeking community and a chance to grow in their faith are invited to attend upcoming socials, liturgies and other events.
» Vigil Praise
Join seminarians and young adults for prayer, adoration, confessions and music monthly.
7 p.m. March 21; 7 p.m. April 25
Christ the King Chapel, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, 1300 S. Steele St.
» Theology on Tap
Meet with friends over a drink and listen to speakers address the fundamental questions of life and faith.
7 p.m. March 9; 7 p.m. April 13
Katie Mullen’s Irish Restaurant and Pub, 1550 Court Place
» Candlelight Mass
Celebrate Mass in the candlelight and join others for fellowship afterward.
7 p.m. March 19; 7 p.m. April 16
Confessions heard 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2200 S. Logan St.
Fellowship afterwards at Hanson’s Tavern, 1301 S. Pearl St.
» Young Catholic Professionals Denver
Join this new chapter organized for young adults seeking professional support and community in order to better exemplify Christ in the workplace. Events include networking and an executive speaker series.
7 p.m.-9 p.m. March 3
Refectory, St. John Paul II Center, 1300 S. Steele St.
» Catholic Young Adult Sports
Join other 18-39 year olds for year-round recreational sports leagues and free activities through this nonprofit. Other events including ice skating, picnics and retreats.
Learn more at www.catholicyoungadultsports.com
