The first St. Stephen Cathedral Young Adult Cooking Class with rector Fr. John M. Thomas, where they learned to make meatloaf and smashed potatoes on Nov. 17, 2022. These classes now meet regularly. COURTESY OF KARINA ROMERO
The overlooked ‘now’ of the Church
To help young adults embrace the truths of Catholicism, meet them where they are
BY KARINA ROMERO, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
When looking around our parishes, there is a population that appears to be missing: young adults. How can the Catholic Church of western Kentucky help young adults find a spiritual home in our communities when the number of young adults engaged in parish life seems to be dwindling? After moving to Owensboro, I was moved to begin a young adult ministry after encountering others in my parish who were also in desperate need of community. Through reflecting on my experiences, and those of young adults throughout the diocese, this is how I believe we can better care for this often-overlooked demographic.
We are here!
Though often perceived as absent, there are young adults in your pews desiring to be seen and supported. Many young adults feel forgotten in the years between youth ministry and family life. Going to Mass by themselves is daunting, so go out of your way to greet young adults, invite them to coffee and donuts, and tell them you are happy they are there!
We want to live holy lives.
Dissatisfied by what the world offers, many young adults are seeking truth and stability in the Church. Young adults desire to understand Church teaching and the reasoning behind it. In determining their future, they yearn for more exposure to all the vocations and guidance for discernment. Can your parish be a place where young adults find truth?
St. Stephen Cathedral young adult women with bouquets made during 2025 Galentine’s Girls Night. COURTESY OF KARINA ROMERO
We need community and mentors to walk with us.
As young adults transition into parish life, they are seeking a community of peers to journey alongside and mentors to guide them through this phase of life. In my experience, small groups of young adults that meet regularly to study, pray, and share life gives a sense of belonging and community. Another way to care for young adults is to provide opportunities for mentorship and share your own faith journey. You can invite them to join your prayer group, attend a retreat, or simply join you for brunch after Mass.
We have so much to offer!
We don’t want to wait until we have families to be involved in parish life. We have gifts to share, an important perspective to hear, and a desire to be viewed as an integral part of the community. Young adults want to use their talents to build up the Church, but often need to be invited to take the first step. Look at your parish council, committees, and ministries. Are young adults present?
We aren’t the future of the Church – we are the now!
As the Church strives to be a spiritual home for young adults, we ask one thing: meet us where we are and walk with us. We have hearts on fire for the Lord and want to spread His love to those we encounter. We are eager to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world but need your support and wisdom. We are ready to, in the words of Pope Francis, “Make a ruckus!”
Karina Romero is the director of youth and young adult ministry for St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro.
Young adults outside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis following the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024. COURTESY OF KARINA ROMERO
Originally printed in the May 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
