Hosted by: Holy Martyrs, Holy Name, Our Lady of Consolation, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Joseph (Dyer)

Embark on a transformative journey of faith and fellowship with our Summer Young Adult Speaker Series, specially curated for Catholic young adults aged 18-39. Immerse yourself in a dynamic exploration of topics that resonate deeply with the Catholic faith, from the profound mystery of the Eucharist to the call to selfless service in our communities. In a world marked by division and discord, discover how our faith can help bring about unity and reconciliation. Reflect on the essence of identity rooted in our shared dignity as children of God, while venerating Mary, the Mother of God, as a timeless example of faith and devotion. Delve into the calling of vocations through the eyes of a newly ordained priest. 

These enriching opportunities not only deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith but also equip you with practical insights on how to live out your faith every day, inspiring you to be a beacon of light and love in the world. Join us as we gather in fellowship, dialogue, and prayer, igniting the flames of faith and forging deeper connections with one another and with God.


While RSVP’s are not required, they are helpful for planning purposes.

SPEAKERS

Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 PM
Northwoods Falls (8101 Indianapolis Blvd, St John, IN 46373)

Host Parish: St. John the Evangelist, St. John
Questions? Contact Katherine Carlson, [email protected], 248-840-1110

Theology on Draft: Holy Communion and Conversion
Calling all Young Adults to join us on Wednesday, May 22nd for “Theology on Draft: Holy Communion and Conversation” with Bobby Fredricksen from the Catholic Couple and Purposely Catholic Podcasts at Northwoods Falls (8101 Indianapolis Blvd, St John, IN 46373 in the upstairs private party space) at 7 pm. One free drink ticket & desserts provided. 

Speaker: Bobby Fredericksen is a Catholic convert, husband, and father of two. He is the co-host of  “The Catholic Couple Podcast” and “Purposely Catholic Podcast,” sharing insights and experiences as a Catholic navigating modern life.

Wednesday, May 29
Doors open at 6:30 PM for pizza and fellowship
Presentation begins at 7:00 PM
Holy Martyrs Church (801 W. 73rd. Ave, Merrillville)

Host Parish: Holy Martyrs Parish, Merrillville
Questions? Contact Melissa Novak, [email protected] 219-769-1755, ext. 308

Unlocking Healing Through Human Connection: The Christ in the City Approach
Join us for an inspiring talk on how Christ in the City approaches homeless ministry by prioritizing human connection. Through the simple yet profound act of walking the streets, missionaries offer listening ears, love, and presence to those in need. By seeing each individual as worthy of love, not a problem to be solved, they cultivate trust and friendship. Discover how these relationships become the catalyst for transformative change, empowering homeless individuals to access housing, sobriety programs, and job opportunities. Witness how the power of friendship breaks down barriers, reconnects individuals with loved ones, and ignites a journey of healing.

Speaker: Missionaries from Christ in the City

Thursday, June 6
Doors open at 6:30 PM for fellowship
Presentation begins at 7:00 PM
Holy Name School Gym (11000 W. 133rd Ave Cedar Lake, IN 46303)

Host Parish: Holy Name Catholic Church, Cedar Lake
Questions? Contact Matt Kresich, [email protected], (219) 390-3325

Unity in a Divided World
Jesus prayed that we “all might be one.” Yet, polarization, distrust, and fear dominate the headlines. What is our response? In this talk, we will explore how young adults can be prime candidates to bring about reconciliation and unity in a divided world. 

Speaker: Matt Kresich is an international speaker, writer, and youth/young adult minister. His speaking highlights include World Youth Day 2023, the International Catholic Stewardship Conference, and the National Catholic Educational Association 2024 Conference. He serves as the Youth and Young Adult Minister at Holy Name and is a graduate student at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Matt and his wife Carissa are celebrating 8 months of marriage!

Thursday, June 13
Doors open at 6:30 PM for fellowship
Presentation begins at 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Consolation (8303 W Taft St, Merrillville, IN 46410, Gather on the lawn behind the church at Our Lady of Consolation)
Join us for a bonfire and presentation with refreshments and s’mores! Please bring a lawn chair!
If it rains, the event will be held inside.

Host Parish: Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville
Questions? Contact Melissa Novak, [email protected] 219-769-1755, ext. 308

Beloved
Often times we place our identity in our career, our possessions, or even our successes or failures. In this talk we will discover the importance of recognizing our primary identity as a beloved son or daughter of God.  Together, we will reflect on how living in that identity offers peace, joy and healing and calls us to mission. 

Speaker: Claudia F. Sadowski, Ph. D,. Intercultural Ministry Coordinator for the Diocese of Gary. Dr. Claudia is an international speaker with a passion for sharing her Catholic faith. She has taught in a variety of settings, and strives to live a life of mission. She and her husband will be celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary this year and have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren.

Thursday, June 20
Holy Hour in the church begins at 6:00 PM
Presentation begins at 7:00 PM
St. Joseph Church (440 Joliet St., Dyer, Indiana 46311, Holy Hour will be in the church. Presentation will be in the gathering room located in the church basement)

Host Parish: St. Joseph, Dyer
Questions? Contact John Banasiak, [email protected], 708-928-2133

Our Lady’s 3 Not-So-Secret Ingredients to Holiness
Being the best mother ever, Our Lady is always seeking to lead us to live holy lives, closely united with her Son. In this talk, you will hear 3 simple, straightforward ways that Our Lady exemplifies holiness- Humility, Obedience, Detachment from Sin- and calls us to do the same. We will explore various biblical passages and messages from Church-approved Marian Apparitions to grow in deeper love of Our Lady.  No matter one’s state in life, Marian devotion will lead you to heights of holiness unimaginable.

Speaker: Martin Gianotti’s journey into sharing the Catholic faith commenced during his college years. Through his Marian Consecration and devout recitation of the rosary, he sensed a calling from Our Lady to enroll at Ave Maria University. It was at this institution that he underwent significant personal and spiritual growth, igniting within him a fervent desire to impart his knowledge to others. Ave Maria University is also where he encountered his spouse, Maria. Nearly three years into their marriage, they are blessed with a daughter named Lucia.

Martin Gianotti’s professional background encompasses various educational roles, including teaching Theology and English at the junior high level. Additionally, he actively engages with his parish’s Men’s Ministry as a presenter. Eager to extend the fruits of his spiritual journey, he looks forward to enriching the lives of young adults within the Diocese of Gary.

Wednesday, June 26
Presentation begins at 6:30 PM
St. John the Evangelist Day Chapel (11301 W 93rd Ave, St John, IN 46373, talk will take place outside behind the day chapel)

Host Parish: St. John the Evangelist, St. John
Questions? Contact Katherine Carlson, [email protected], 248-840-1110

A Day in the Life of a New Priest
On Wednesday, June 26th at 6:30pm SJE will host a bonfire & welcome back Young Adult Speaker, Deacon Steven Caraher soon to be a newly ordained priest in the Diocese of Gary on June 1st! He will be sharing about the priesthood, a reflection on the first month of priesthood. Please bring a potluck item and meet & park at the house behind the Day Chapel (11301 W 93rd Ave, St John, IN 46373).

Speaker: Deacon Steven Caraher (after June 1 Father Steven Caraher), a 28-year-old native of Munster, Indiana, pursued studies in mathematics and computer science at Indiana University before discerning his calling to the priesthood. After six years of preparation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, he is set to be ordained to the priesthood on June 1 of 2024. Throughout his journey, Steven has been deeply involved in various ministries, including altar serving, choir singing, and Eagle Scout projects within his home parish of St. Thomas More in Munster. Steven’s summer assignments have taken him across different ministries, from youth and homebound care to social media outreach and homeless ministry. Inspired by Jesus’s words in Matthew 14:27, he finds courage and purpose in accompanying others through life’s challenges.