More than 20 young adults, ages 18-39, from several area parishes met Nov. 23 at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, for a Thanksgiving potluck designed to create a sense of unity.
PHOTO GALLERY: Friendsgiving in Marlton parish
The event, billed as Friendsgiving, was a partnership between the young adult ministries of St. Isaac Jogues and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown. Parishioners from St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, and St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, also attended. Guests were encouraged to bring two canned goods for the poor in addition to their appetizer, main dish, or dessert.
The young adult leaders of the hosting parishes devised the idea, supported by Father James Smith, pastor of St. Isaac Jogues. Previously, the groups had held separate events at their respective churches, with little overlap between the two. Looking to build a greater sense of unity and community among the young adults, the leaders felt that a joint event hosted by both parishes was the solution.
“I thought it would be a great way to bring people together,” Father Smith said, adding that such a partnership could potentially be an “opportunity [for young adults] to grow in faith and fellowship.”
Meeting others with similar values
David Diaz, a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel, said he was searching for this kind of opportunity. He said he is new to the young adult groups in this area, so he attended the potluck to meet fellow Catholics around his age.
“I haven’t been able to speak to Catholics my own age since high school,” Diaz admitted. “It’s not something I got to do in college that much.”
Tess DiMona, an active member of St. Mary of the Lakes, had similar motives for attending Friendsgiving.
“I wanted to meet new friends and be part of a good community of young adults,” she said.
DiMona added that while fostering friendships among Catholic young adults is important, creating opportunities for them to grow in their faith is just as crucial.
“I think it’s a good thing to have a close relationship with God … just to really actively seek Him and to have Him as your friend,” she said.
A larger ministry
In January, the young adult groups of St. Isaac Jogues and Our Lady of Good Counsel parishes will merge to form one large ministry, tentatively titled Young Adults of Southern Burlington County. The plan is to recruit members from all surrounding parishes to participate in spiritual and social activities.
Matthew Danser of Our Lady of Good Counsel is one of the team members helping to build the new ministry. He said he feels that incorporating faith into young adult activities is important for the future of the Church.
“It’s nice to be with people that have the same values [as you] and are on fire for their faith,” Danser said.
His wife, Veronica Danser, agreed: “As you grow in your faith and … in your relationship with Christ, it’s important to meet with likeminded people and help one another on that journey.”