by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sunlight beamed through the windows of Savior Pastoral Center here the evening of Aug. 14, flooding its chapel with a late summer glow as some 215 young adults filled its pews.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrated a vigil Mass for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary before the group was treated to fellowship and refreshments.
“This Mass brings together a diverse group of young adults in the Kansas City area,” said Emily Lopez, lead consultant for adult evangelization in the archdiocese.
“The desire to share this Mass with the archbishop came from the hearts of leaders in the community to share the celebration of the Mass and fellowship with our new shepherd,” she added.
The event was cohosted by City on a Hill, Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO) and Young Catholic Professionals (YCP).
Leaders from each of the young adult apostolates were invited to a meet-and-greet with Archbishop McKnight prior to Mass.
“The idea was to get all of us together and give the new archbishop a venue to speak to the young adults in the Kansas City area,” said Dave Hess, president of the YCP Kansas City chapter.
“The hope is that if [the young adults are] not involved in one of these groups, they will decide to be and grow their faith,” he said.
The idea to have an evening with the archbishop came during one of YCP’s monthly leadership meetings, and Hess pitched it to Lopez.
“Archbishop McKnight gratefully accepted the invitation, and a date was set,” she said.
The archbishop expressed his gratitude toward the event’s organizers and shared that he looks forward to attending at least one event or meeting of all three apostolates in the coming year.
“Know that you are very special to me in my heart,” he told the young adults at the end of Mass.
“I recognize, obviously, the importance you play in the future of the church,” he continued, “but also your presence here now in enriching the church and giving this vibrancy that we so desperately need in our world of evangelization.”
As Archbishop McKnight continues getting to know the people of northeast Kansas, Lopez was excited for him to see the many young adults who are alive in their faith.
“We are blessed to have a vibrant and growing young adult community in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas,” she said, “and grateful for the archbishop’s openness to share this evening Mass and fellowship in growing in relationship with them.”
City on a Hill
City on a Hill’s signature event is Tuesdays at the Boulevard, where young adults can attend Mass together, then head to Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri, for fellowship, pizza and drinks.
Another large group offering is KC Underground, a night of candlelit eucharistic adoration with the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation hosted at various churches on the Kansas and Missouri side.
City on a Hill also offers small group activities, retreats and more.
To learn more, visit the website at: kansascityonahill.org.
Saint Paul’s Outreach
Saint Paul’s Outreach is made up of a team of missionaries who provide opportunities for social events, small groups, retreats and more.
To learn more, go online to: spo.org/kansas.
Young Catholic Professionals
Young Catholic Professionals offers three main events: an executive speaker series, happy hours and “Chillin’ with the Chaplains.”
Young adults have the option to join the group as members for perks like a 40% discount for the Hallow app, Catholic bookstore discounts and the chance to have a mentor.
To learn more, go online to: youngcatholicprofessionals.org/chapter/kansas-city.
To view more photos from the young adult gathering, click here.
