The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois

Young Adults (those aged between 18 – 39) are: post high school, in college, single, engaged, married and young parents.

In seeking to better understand the challenges, hearts and minds of young people, the Universal Church has focused much attention on these age groups and life stages in the past few years, culminating in the recent Synod on Young People the Faith and Vocational Discernment followed by Pope Francis’

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, directed to young people and to those that serve them.

Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Joliet

VISION: Evangelization of the church with young people as protagonists accompanied and mentored by communities on fire for Jesus!

MISSION: Guiding, Forming, Mobilizing Missionary Disciples Who Make Missionary Disciples

GOALS: Consult and support parishes, young adults, movements, and small groups as we model how to:

Create spaces for young people to gather and be heard
Provide opportunities for young adults to explore the faith and current realities by engaging in conversation with clergy and leaders and wrestle with issues that are on their minds
Accompany young adults as they encounter the person of Jesus Christ
Seek ways to Mentor young people as they grow in faith and Discipleship
Assist young people in the Discernment of God’s will for their lives
Send young people as Missionary Disciples to re-invigorate the Church

Christ is Alive!

Jesus Christ was a young adult, by today’s standards, when he carried his cross to Calvary and suffered death for the salvation of mankind.

Christ is Alive today! Young people have the energy, spirit, faith and desire to change the world! And they want to connect with the Church. Christ is ever young, and the Church is renewed and strengthened by young people.

Young people can re-vitalize the entire Church! Many young saints have shown the way to holiness through their active engagement in the faith. Today’s young adults want to explore God’s purpose for their lives and their mission in the Church. They are looking for community, mentors, and witnesses to the faith. That’s where we come in!

We strive to connect young people with the greater community, build bridges of communication, and develop relationships built on trust and mutual respect. We hope to demonstrate the idea of synodality – whole communities and young people journeying together, as they grow in living and sharing the faith.