In August 2023, nine Catholics came together as members of the Diocesan Young Adult Council for the Diocese of Belleville.
“Throughout the first year, growth was slow and difficult,” said Mark Loyet, director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Belleville. “Covid was not all that far behind us, so ministry in general was still kind of stagnant. There were several attempts at events for young adults. Some were more successful than others.
“The second year (2024-25) is where we started to see much more fruit.”
The council began Bibles and Brews in three locations (Belleville, Murphysboro and Olney), which substantially helped build community and enthusiasm among the young adults of the diocese.
The group also drastically expanded its communication efforts, including multiple forms of social media, Flocknote and word of mouth. There have been several other events for young adults, too, including a day of reflection, speed dating (hosted by the Office of Life Marriage and Family) and a few other young adult small groups forming (e.g. Tolkien Nights).
“Today, the council has 12 members, and the relationships are strong.” Loyet said. “Tons of new ideas are blossoming, and we have many goals for the coming year, including trying to establish some sort of regular monthly young adult activities (like Bibles and Brews) in all five vicariates.
“Fundamentally,” he said, “the mission of the young adult council is the mission of the Church: To evangelize.”
Beyond that, the Council serves the young adults of the diocese and the diocesan administration by being a voice for the needs of the young adult community, providing leadership toward building community, facilitating activities and helping to rebuild the young Church.
“I am personally so proud of all the young adults who have served on the council during the past two years,” Loyet said. “They are a group of faithful and intentional disciples of Jesus Christ who, through the stewardship of their God-given gifts, have had a major impact on our diocese, and I know there is so much more to come.
“In them,” he said, “I see the current and future leadership of the Church.”
Jack Sainz
Civil engineer in water resources
Columbia, Immaculate Conception
“I think this council is vitally important for our diocese right now. When I initially came home from college, I had no idea that there were young adult events in our diocese. I knew that there was youth group for teenagers and there were groups for older adults, but it felt like there was nothing for people around my age. Much to my surprise, I found this group, and it has been such a blessing.
I truly believe that the foundation that is being laid right now will foster a revival of Catholic Christian values among young people in our diocese.”
Alex Berowski
Engineer
Belleville, St. Luke
“I think, more than the particular events, (the council) represents the right attitude — an attitude of action over inaction — and that it’s cool to be passionate about your faith.”
Sarah Kozuszek
Health and animal care associate
Posen, Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
“Being a member of this council has helped me give a voice to the rural communities of this diocese that definitely feel forgotten. The council has … given me strength to know that there’s others my age that take their faith seriously. The members on the council have influenced me to continue to learn more about my faith and different aspects of it.”
Sean Ditch
Bank operations assistant
Mascoutah, Holy Childhood of Jesus
“Joining the council has given me a group of young adults that, like myself, are invested in the future of this diocese and in the church. That means so much to me, especially within today’s times where Christ isn’t the center of many things anymore. Spiritually, it’s helped me grow as well as invest my time with fellow young adults who are also invested, as well as those that are looking to grow in their faith, too. ‘Iron sharpens iron.’”
Proverbs 27:17
Shea Christensen
Spiritual and mental health advocate
Columbia, Immaculate Conception
“It is nice to know that there are still young Catholics out there willing to be the hands and feet of God, meeting new or long-time members where
they are.”
Louis Jones
Psychotherapist; hospital administration
Belleville, St. Teresa of the Child Jesus
“Being a member of the Young Adult Council has represented the realization of many hopes since I returned to the faith as a younger person. Often when young adulthood Catholics show up at the parish, they have very little community that is their same age. This can be a difficult experience because we best grow in faith through friendships, and that most easily happens with people of shared experience. The Young Adult Council and its initiatives have become that place of shared experience and faith formation. … Many of us are in places of career discernment, vocational discernment, and even geographic discernment. Through formation, we are able to approach these questions with a greater Christocentrism, shared community and a sense of hope for our diocese’s future.”
Sam AuBuchon
Electrician
Belleville, St. Luke
“Being on the council has enabled me to meet other like-minded Catholics my age and has allowed me to help bring other Catholic young adults into a faithful community they would not have otherwise had. I have been inspired by my fellow council members in a deepening of my faith that I hope to be able to pass on to others.”
Kaden Bouse
Property maintenance
Belleville, St. Teresa of the Child Jesus
“The Council is the diocese reaching out and saying that they are concerned with young adults and that they are willing to work with us to present something appealing to people of that age.”
Bridget Naumann
Student and chiropractic assistant
Belleville, St. Henry
“This council means so much to the diocese. It means life and hope. It has brought a new fire within the next generation that will grow the faith and community that the Catholic church provides. Young adults are the next generation within our church and diocese. As young adults are getting married and growing their own personal families, it is important for us to provide a place they can grow in fellowship and community.”
Don Parker
Theology teacher
Belleville, St. Luke
“This council provides a voice for the young men and women of this diocese who feel that they are alone in their devotions, liturgical preferences, or sentiments regarding the celebration and representation of our Catholic faith. We hold a wide variety of perspectives on liturgical, pastoral and ecumenical matters, and we all want what is best for this diocese, particularly in the interests of young men and women.”
Haylee Jones
Stay-at-home and homeschool mom
Belleville, St. Teresa of the Child Jesus
“Whether you’re in a place of exploring faith, or are looking for community, we have events and opportunities for you. From social events to service opportunities and spiritual growth, we want you to grow, lead and find meaning alongside likeminded people. Ask the Lord to help you find community in the season of life you’re in. Be ready to act on that prayer because community begins with your fiat, “yes,” to the Lord’s nudge in your heart.”
Martina Skorch
Administrative assistant, Office of Vocations and Dept. of Life, Marriage and Family, Diocese of Belleville
O’Fallon, St. Clare
“There is a place for you in the Church and in our young adult community. Getting involved in the young adult community has really grown my relationship with Jesus, and I believe it can do the same for you. If you are interested in knowing more, please reach out to one of us! We would love to meet and walk with you in your journey of faith!”
For more information:
youngadults@diobelle.org
Facebook and Instagram: Diocese of Belleville Young Adults
www.diobelle.org/faith-formation/young-adults
