Diocese hosts listening session with young adults

On Jan. 30, 16 young adult Catholics in their 20s and 30s met with representatives of the Diocese of Dodge City and the Dominican Sisters for a listening session with Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore at St. Andrew Parish Hall in Wright.

Unfortunately, Bishop Gilmore’s mother died the day before and the bishop was unable to attend. Father Robert Schremmer facilitated the day and others filled in with the role of listening to the young adults discuss the needs they have for the Church, and how they feel called to serve the mission of the Church.

The discussion was both informal and profound and held high energy and strong commitment from these young Catholic leaders. They offer a bright hope for the future of the Church of Southwest Kansas.

One of the themes was the importance of welcoming young adult Catholics into the established Church community and to invite them into roles of service and leadership.

Another theme was the desire of young Catholics to cross the cultural barriers and create opportunities for faith sharing, retreats, and service opportunities that would enable deeper understanding of each other’s values and ways of relating.

A third theme was to find a balance among work, family, and Church in order to live healthful lives. Young Catholics desire to support each other (particularly those who are in an interfaith marriage) so that the Catholic spouse has encouragement of other Catholics.

These committed young Catholics ensure a promise for a vital Church for today and for tomorrow

Paticipants in the Listening Session:

Sergio & Rosa Aguilar, Garden City

Andy Banman, Larned

Shanon Davis, Wright

Betty Sanchez, Hugoton,

Daniel Sanchez, Garden City

Karen Moeder, Great Bend

Michelle Eck, Sharon

Kevin & Stacy Milford, Fowler

Mariano Villanueva, Cathedral OLG

Jeremy Rabe, Cathedral OLG

Sr. Maria Rea, CFP, Cathedral OLG

Anita Curtis, Cathedral OLG

Enrique Martinez Marquez, Cathedral OLG

Adriana Jurado, Cathedral OLG