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Local News
Sept. 21, 2006
Diocese debuts young adult-oriented worship, adoration sessions
By Ambria Hammel
The Catholic Sun
They’ve often been referred to as an underserved population in the Catholic Church: they are the faithful young adults who no longer fit in with teenagers, but who aren’t quite ready to start families.
Some Church leaders realize that while young adults often come together socially, they have fewer opportunities to gather for spiritual growth. The Phoenix Diocese is setting out to change that.
This fall the diocese is hosting Adore 2097, a four-part series of worship and adoration sessions for young adults.
Paul George, who speaks to blossoming Catholics across the country, will challenge the young adults at each monthly meeting to explore the art of living for Christ.
The theme is based on the writings of Pope Benedict XVI in his cardinal days. He defined the new evangelization as teaching others the art of living faithfully with God at the center of their lives.
“You can’t really learn how to live life outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ because He is the life. He is the way, the truth and the life,” said Bill Marcotte, the director of youth and young adult evangelization for the Phoenix Diocese.
He partnered with Adore ministries and Youth Arise North America to create Adore 2097.
“I think they should be inspired to have a more radical and whole-hearted commitment to the Lord,” said Ryan O’Hara, executive director for Youth Arise.
George spoke to nearly 200 Catholics at the first Adore 2097 meeting Sept. 13. He reminded the young worshippers that Jesus wants to be a welcomed part of their daily lives despite any pitfalls they might think make them unworthy.
George likened it to the story of Zacchaeus, the unfair tax collector who allowed Jesus into his home without worrying about judgment for cheating others.
Mike Guizar, who goes to different churches in the East Valley, attended the first Adore 2097 session. The presence of his peers lifted him up by reminding him that he wasn’t alone.
Guizar recognized that staying Catholic can be hard as a young adult and encouraged others to let “the Holy Spirit work whatever way it wants to.”
Matt Maher, a nationally recognized musician and associate music minister at St. Timothy Parish in Mesa, led praise and worship.
While Erin Hanson, a St. Thomas the Apostle parishioner, looked forward to the praise and worship, she said the best part of the evening was eucharistic adoration.
“That’s the source and summit of our faith,” Hanson explained. “When Jesus is there, everything is OK.”
Such devotion is one of the key features of Adore 2097. Organizers are quick to point out “2097” is a reference in the Catechism of the Catholic Church to adoration.
While the young adults deemed being in Jesus’ presence important, they also appreciated the chance to be with other Catholics their age from around the Valley. Adore 2097 marks the first diocesan-wide event for young adults.
O’Hara with Youth Arise noted one of the benefits to Adore 2097 is that young adults are mobile and willing to drive to other parts of the Valley. He hopes the ongoing fellowship and community developed during Adore 2097 continues.
“The diocese is really noticing that deep hunger young adults have,” said Kellie Taylor, coordinator of youth and young adult ministries at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
Youth evangelization director Marcotte hopes Adore 2097 will rekindle young adult events in parishes.
“Everything has to happen on a parish level in order for them to be cared for spiritually, emotionally, educationally and socially,” Marcotte said.
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Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN
Adore 2097
What: This new series for young adults features praise and worship, a talk on the art of living and eucharistic adoration. Join other young adults in the diocese the second Wednesday of the month.
When: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13
Where: Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Rd.
For more information, call (480) 966-9850 or visit www.adoreworship.com or www.youtharisena.org.
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