A group of young adults has been gathering weekly in the courtyard at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for a book study group. The sessions include discussion and socialization to help those living in the city become more engaged in parish life at the cathedral. Sessions are 5:45-8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization and parochial vicar at the cathedral, said the sessions also dovetail with Bishop Edward Malesic’s recently released pastoral letter, “A Flourishing Apostolic Church,” which encourages the faithful to do several things, including to develop a deeper prayer life (at least 15 minutes daily) and to be part of small, faith-based groups.
The group checks off some of those boxes, since the sessions meet at the cathedral, involve young adult Catholics (or those interested in the faith), they are a faith-based small group, and the weekly sessions end with night prayer. They also offer a way of evangelizing, which the bishop notes everyone should do.
“We’ve been averaging 20-25 young adults (ages 18-39) each week,” Father Ference said, adding there have been many new faces in this group. He also helped organize the Wednesday Evening Live events in the cathedral courtyard, which featured live music, food and socialization. Those events began and ended with prayer. Since they took place outdoors during the summer, they attracted curious passersby as well as those from the diocese and cathedral.
The current sessions, which focus on John K. Ryan’s translation of “The Confessions of St. Augustine,” continue through Oct. 29. Depending on the weather, the group may move inside to the cathedral crypt. Each week, participants read and discuss one or two of the books. Father Ference guides the discussion before they break into small groups, then each group shares thoughts from its discussion. They sometimes adjourn and head to a nearby pub to continue talking.
One recent, warm night, nearly two dozen young adults gathered for an animated discussion. Some brought snacks to share.
They talked about God, who/what he is, how astrologers try to explain away certain things despite the knowledge that humans have a free will, how sin “deforms” us while the Lord “transforms” us like a potter with clay and more. There also was some discussion about what Scripture tells us relating to these concepts.
Once the group completes the Confessions, Father Ference said they’ll tackle a new book for the next session. He said C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” and the bishop’s pastoral letter are among the titles under consideration.
He also plans to revamp the Wednesday Evening Live sessions for next summer.
“We’re organically growing a young adult group here at the cathedral,” he said, noting many are repeat attendees, while others drop in and out depending on their schedule.
As for the groups, Father Ference said, “God is an artist. I trust that his vision is broader. He helps put things into perspective so good can come from it.”