By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Young adults gathered at the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Center Aug. 28 for College Night.
College Night is an opportunity for young adults ages 18-24 from around the diocese to come together to meet new people, pray and socialize, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Sherie Cooley said. Despite the name, Cooley said, individuals do not have to attend college to participate.
Cooley said young adults in this age group are in many different places in life, with some attending college locally, some having moved away for school and home visiting and others working or beginning careers.
“It can be difficult to stay connected to the Church and to other young Catholics during these years,” Cooley said. “As a diocese, we want to create opportunities for them to build relationships with one another and know that they have a place in the church, wherever they are in this stage of life.”
Attendee Lucas Church said it was great to see friends from each of the campuses.
“I enjoyed praying, eating and playing games with a good group of people,” Church said. “Lots of euchre was played. It was a fun time.”
Cooley said their biggest hope from the event was that the attendees would make connections with Christ and with one another.
“We wanted the evening to be welcoming and relaxed, giving young adults a chance to meet others from around the diocese, enjoy themselves and grow in their sense of belonging within the Church. We hope the relationships started at College Night continue beyond the event and that we’ll see many of them again at future young adult gatherings.”