Reaching Young Adults: How Parishes Can Invite People in Their 20s and 30s
Quick answer
Young adults, roughly ages 18 to 39, are the group most often missing from Catholic parishes. Many drift away during moves, studies and new jobs rather than from a firm decision to leave. Parishes reach them best through personal invitation, real community, honest conversation about faith, opportunities to serve, and roles of responsibility. Parents and grandparents play a key role through prayer, patience and their own example.
Key takeaways
- Most young adults drift away during life transitions rather than leaving in anger.
- A personal invitation from a peer is the most effective outreach.
- Small groups, service projects and social events work better than lectures.
- Give young adults real responsibility, not only invitations to attend.
Look around at Sunday Mass and you may notice a gap: plenty of children, plenty of grandparents, and not many people in their twenties and thirties. Reaching young adults is one of the great challenges, and opportunities, for parishes today.
Why Young Adults Drift Away
Research and pastoral experience point to the same pattern. Most young adults do not leave the Church in one dramatic moment. They drift during a time of change: leaving home, going to college, starting a first job, moving to a new city. Without anyone noticing, Mass becomes occasional, then rare.
Many still believe in God, pray and call themselves Catholic. What they often lack is a community where they feel known, and answers to honest questions.
What Young Adults Look For
Pope Francis, in his letter to young people Christus Vivit, says youth ministry should be “synodal,” walking together with young people rather than doing things for them (Christus Vivit 206). Young adults generally want:
- Authenticity. Honest talk, including about doubts and hard questions.
- Community. Friends who share their faith.
- Purpose. A way to make a difference.
- Beauty and depth. Reverent liturgy, good music, silence and prayer.
- Responsibility. A real role, not only a seat.
Ideas for Parishes
- Personal invitation. Ask active young adults to invite one friend each. A peer’s invitation works better than any advertisement.
- Small groups. A weekly group around the Sunday Gospel, a book or a theme, in a home or café.
- Theology on Tap or a speaker night. A relaxed setting, a good talk, time to talk afterward.
- Service. Soup kitchens, home repair, visiting the elderly. Service often opens the door to faith.
- Welcome newcomers. Many young adults move often. Greet them, take their contact information, and follow up.
- Leadership roles. Lectors, catechists, music ministers, members of the evangelization team or pastoral council.
- Adoration and prayer nights. Many young Catholics are drawn to Eucharistic adoration with music and silence.
- Marriage and baptism preparation. These are key moments. Treat them as an opportunity for welcome, not a list of requirements.
What Parents and Grandparents Can Do
Many readers are praying for children or grandchildren who no longer practice. Some practical encouragement:
- Pray daily by name, and ask St. Monica’s help.
- Keep the relationship warm. Love is the bridge.
- Live your faith joyfully. Example speaks louder than argument.
- Invite gently to Christmas, Easter, a family baptism or a special parish event.
- Listen to their questions without being defensive. If you do not know an answer, look for it together.
- Be patient. God works over years, and many return when they marry or have children.
A Prayer for Young Adults (Original Prayer)
Lord Jesus, You called young fishermen to follow You. Bless the young adults of our families and our parish. Give them friends who lead them to You, answers to their questions, and the joy of knowing they are loved. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read about St. Monica, parish outreach to teens, or 10 steps for outreach to inactive Catholics.
Frequently asked questions
Why do young adults stop going to Mass?
Common reasons include moving away from home, busy schedules, not feeling they belong, unanswered questions about faith, and disagreement with Church teaching. Many still believe in God and are open to returning.
What is Theology on Tap?
A program, now run by RENEW International, in which young adults gather in a relaxed setting, often a restaurant or pub, to hear a speaker on a faith topic and talk together.
How can grandparents help a young adult return to the faith?
Pray for them by name, stay close without pressure, share your own faith simply, invite them to special Masses such as Christmas or a family baptism, and listen to their questions.
Sources
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Sons and Daughters of the Light (1996)
- Pope Francis, Christus Vivit (2019), nos. 202–231
- Pope St. John Paul II, Christifideles Laici (1988), no. 46
