Sometimes getting involved in Catholic parishes can be a landmine. You feel like they’re not offering anything for singles your age. Or everything is a single-mingle-jingle, as my friends affectionately call the events that seem like speed dating in disguise.
Whichever end of the spectrum your parish falls on, here are some ways you can get involved and give generously. (And maybe meet someone.)
1. Go to things.
Yes, you. Different things. Alone. Whether you’re a man or a woman, the opposite sex is going to be more likely to approach you when you’re on your own. And you won’t have your same group of people to fall back on and socialize with. (I know, I was supposed to write about serving, not mingling and jingling. Sorry, I’ll try to focus.)
2. Volunteer, especially in a ministry that needs younger people.
See if your parish has a St. Vincent De Paul society or another charitable organization that serves the community. This ministry helps pay for utilities and rent for people in need within your parish’s area. Usually their youngest member is in their fifties. They could use you.
3. Bring Jesus to the sick or homebound.
Be an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for the homebound. What a beautiful gift to bring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to those who can’t make it to Mass and may be lonely and sick.
4. Help out with the kid’s programs in your parish.
So you want to be a parent? Learn how to form kids in the faith now. Maybe it’s working with the youth ministry, being the head altar server to be a role model for the young boys, or helping with the mom’s preschoolers.
5. Just ask.
Be careful of what you might get roped into, but usually there are more than enough ways to get involved and plenty of people to tell you how and why you should help their group.
Or if you’ve asked and aren’t satisfied with the opportunities the parish has, start something new. Say hi to new people after Mass and ask if they want to get brunch. Find a group of people to read good books, take care of the landscaping at the parish, or host a luncheon for seniors.
If you love to bake, bring treats to the sick. If you’re a good listener, go visit the homebound. If you like to work with your hands, ask if there’s any fixing-up that needs to be done around the church. Don’t wait for someone else to give you ways to get involved. Be proactive and reach out using a talent you already have.
Instead of wondering why the parish doesn’t offer more to singles, let’s take advantage of what they are already offering.
Let’s find ways to make use of our many gifts and talents now. Instead of perpetuating the stereotype of millennials being complacent and entitled, let’s appreciate our opportunities.
