Reaching Youth: Jack's YAKs Lives on in Philly . . .

  It's all thanks to our brothers Luke Kim, OFM Cap., and Paul Dressler, OFM Cap.!

  St. John the Evangelist in Philadelphia attracts a remarkably diverse group of young adults, and young professionals and students gather there carrying their ambitions, dreams, concerns, and hopes for the future. Among the members of Jack's YAKS are medical students, physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals from Jefferson University and its affiliated hospitals -- not to mention lawyers, teachers, and professionals from many other fields. The reason they come is not very different from young adults elsewhere. While they are actively pursuing careers and goals, they are also searching for genuine friendship and authentic community. A group of young adults who desire to grow together in faith is gradually taking root there.

   Thanks go out to Luke for sending along this update on their activities . . .

  Our young adult ministry is called Jack’sYACs. The name was originally chosen by Paul Dressler when he began young adult ministry at St. John’s [he's now a paster at Our Lady of Fatima/St. Agnes in the Diocese of Cleveland]. As a non-native English speaker, it took me some time to get used to the name. 'Jack” is a nickname for John, while “YACs” stands for Young Adult Community.
   After the disruptions and isolation brought by the pandemic, Jack’s YACs was renewed with the goal of helping young adults rediscover their faith and find a spiritual home within the Church. One of the greatest strengths of our community is genuine hospitality. Inspired by the Franciscan Capuchin tradition of hospitality, we strive to be a place where everyone feels welcomed. Many arrive with uncertainty and hesitation, but they quickly encounter the warmth that has become a hallmark of St. John’s.
   At the center of our ministry is the weekly Thursday Bible Study, which began in July of last year with twelve leaders, inspired by the twelve Apostles. Today, between fifteen and twenty young adults gather each week.
   Following the Thursday evening Mass, we meet in the Parish Hall to pray, reflect upon, and discuss the upcoming Sunday readings using a semi-Lectio Divina approach. After nearly a year of meeting consistently, we have come to understand the struggles, hopes, and questions that many young adults carry. Most importantly, we have learned to listen. More than anything else, ours is a community that listens . . .
   Once a month, after the 6:00 PM Sunday Mass, we gather for “Sunday Food & Fun.” Several volunteer chefs prepare a simple meal, and we spend the evening sharing food, conversation, and fellowship.
   We also host a monthly “Sunday Coffee Gathering” after the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass. Following Mass, we head to a local coffee shop and enjoy time together over coffee.
   From time to time, our brother Mike Herlihey joins us to lead Eucharistic Adoration or facilitate Bible Study discussions alongside Capuchin candidates.
   From July 11–13, we'll hold our first overnight retreat. Thirteen young adults have already registered, and we are excited to gather together at a retreat house for what will be an important milestone in the life of our community.
   Beginning in July, we hope to deepen our focus on prayer and service. Through regular Eucharistic Adoration and projects that serve those on the margins, we hope to continue building a vibrant, faith-filled, and welcoming young adult community through Jack’s YACs.