Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church Youth Community Focuses on Young Adult Outreach

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Manchester, New Hampshire, has always been a vibrant community with a thriving youth group. As the youth community continues to grow, they have aimed to focus on areas that nurture spiritual growth and deepen the connections among their members. One of the key initiatives this year has been to strengthen the parish’s bond with young adults, both those away at college and local young adults.

With the guidance of Father Andrew and Nick Karagianis, the local youth adults took on a thoughtful project: assembling care packages for college students who cannot attend church at their home parish while studying away from home. These care packages, filled with various items of encouragement, included a spiritual book that could be read as part of a young adult book club held via Zoom.

The care packages not only brought a sense of home to the students but also provided a meaningful way for them to stay connected with their faith and parish community. Those students who joined the virtual book club are now engaging in enriching conversations and deepening their spiritual lives. Father Andrew has shared that this initiative has been incredibly fulfilling for both him and the students, as it allowed them to connect in a meaningful way, share insights, and build friendships rooted in faith.

The "college care package" experience has been a multi-layered ministry, not only to the college students receiving the gift but also to those local young adults who came together to offer this beautiful gift and to the parish community that has been witnessing this collaborative ministry. It has helped foster strong, lasting bonds that continue to strengthen the parish community, even across distances.

We are grateful to Father Andrew, Nick Karagianis, and all those who contributed to this initiative. It is a beautiful reminder of how the love and support of a parish family can transcend physical distance and create spiritual connections that endure.