Neumann Young Adults (NYA)
“Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” — Romans 12:2
Young adulthood is a season of life full of opportunities, challenges, and discoveries. It is a time rife with decisions – whether big or small – and discernment. We are made for community, and this need and desire for community is at its height during this often-neglected period of life.
We are not meant to do any of it alone.
Our Goal
To continue to foster and form young disciples of Christ on the journey of life through faith-filled community.
Who We Are
The ministry to young adults at St. John Neumann parish strives to offer a place where college students and young professionals can build a community of faith and foster authentic, life-giving relationships with fellow disciples of our Lord as we journey the road of life toward eternity.
Jesus was a young adult when He began His public ministry, and He was a young adult when He gave His life for the salvation of the world. He had moments of solitude with His Father in heaven — but He was also surrounded by crowds, countless disciples, His twelve apostles, and an inner circle of three close friends who accompanied Him in the most intimate events of His life. If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us as His disciples.
We need community; it’s what we were made for. Our faith is lived in relationship. Communion with God is the whole basis for our existence — and intrinsically tied to that is our communion with one another.
"All the way to heaven is heaven, because Jesus said, 'I am the way.'" — St. Catherine of Siena
What We Do
Twice monthly we gather in community, and we offer regular opportunities to go deeper in faith:
After Vigil Socials
Directly following the 4:30pm Vigil Mass, we enjoy the company of fellow young disciples with good food and a fun theme each month.
Out & About Days
We gather in fellowship and fun somewhere in the greater Knoxville area to spread the joy of Christ wherever we are.
Small Group Studies
Weekly studies of Sacred Scripture or other spiritual works within small groups.
Adoration & Praise
Monthly Adoration & Praise, accompanied by a talk on a topic of interest.
We also partner with parishes throughout the Diocese of Knoxville to offer even more opportunities to grow, form lasting friendships, and find spiritual enrichment.
Why It Matters
As young adults are encouraged to form deeper bonds of friendship, they then branch out from the close-knit communities to the wider parish and beyond in order to transform the world from the inside out through witness, love, and continual conversion of heart.
Get Connected
If you are a young adult looking for deeper community, know someone who is, or are simply curious — don’t hesitate to reach out. None of us are meant to walk the road of life or discipleship alone. I’d love to hear from you!
Join our GroupMe or keep an eye on the bulletin for event updates.
Sara Marquardt, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry smarquardt@sjnknox.org | (865) 777-3442
“Everyone who breathes, high and low, educated and ignorant, young and old, man and woman, has a mission, has a work. We are not sent into this world for nothing; we are not born at random… God sees every one of us; He creates every soul for a purpose.”
— St. John Neumann
