CREATING A HOME FOR YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CHURCH
We believe all people are created to encounter Christ through the heart of the Church. Our parishes are the primary places of encounter through the sacraments. However, many young adults stop participating in their parishes as they transition into adulthood. Young adults often feel transient and isolated, especially as they experience periods of instability and restlessness and, much like the Prodigal Son, seek other methods to satiate their need for encounter, community, and purpose. These lonely cries from the heart are echoed in St. Augustine, who ultimately found rest in his encounter with Christ through the heart of the Church. Yet, like the Prodigal Son, young adults still yearn for their proper home, as all hearts do until they rest in Christ.
Our hearts break for the restless hearts of young adult Catholics who do not feel like the Church is their home, those who are not having their basic needs of encounter, community, and purpose fulfilled in parish life. Our hope is that the Church, through her parishes, would welcome these young people back, listen to their needs and desires, and present the heart of the Church to them in ways that are not only refreshing but that also draw them closer to Jesus and challenge them in their faith.
At this moment in history, we have a unique opportunity to rebuild the Church as the place where young adults can find stability and rest, where they can encounter Christ in meaningful ways. At Tecum Ministries, we focus on creating opportunities of encounter and vulnerability at the parish level, where the heart of the Church is offered to young adults as the place to reaffirm and deepen their faith.
Our mission is to equip parishes to foster an environment where Young Adults can grow in their personal relationship with God, strengthen their formation in the Catholic faith, build impactful Catholic community and become more deeply integrated as members of the larger parish community.
Tecum is a model of young adult ministry tailored to the individual parish and community: with content, leadership training and support so that parishes and leaders can focus on ministering to young adults and building their community.