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Our Mission
Ephesians 5:8 says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
By focusing on guiding the future through a core emphasis on family, children, and career development ILLUMINATE seeks to nurture strong Catholic families who are grounded in faith, committed to discipleship, and dedicated to building a brighter future for the Church and society. Through intentional spiritual formation, supportive community, and missionary outreach, our New Adults become powerful agents of God’s love and transformation in the world.
Our Values
Transformation in Christ: Ephesians 5:8 speaks to the transformative power of Christ in the lives of believers. For young professionals, married couples, and families, this transformation is essential as they navigate the complexities of their vocations, relationships, and responsibilities. The ministry can emphasize the importance of ongoing conversion, inviting members to encounter Christ through prayer, sacraments, and spiritual formation.
Identity as Children of Light: The verse highlights the identity of believers as children of light. This identity is rooted in our baptismal calling to share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king. This ministry can encourage members to discover and embrace their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, called to reflect His light and love in the world.
Living as Witnesses: Families are invited to live as witnesses of the Gospel in their daily lives. The ministry equips parents and partners with practical tools and guidance on how to integrate their faith into family routines, decision-making processes, and interactions with others. Through acts of service, hospitality, and kindness, families bear witness to the love of Christ and inspire others to embrace the Catholic faith. By nurturing a vibrant faith life at home, parents instill in their children a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship with God.
Community and Fellowship: The ministry prioritizes building a supportive community where families can grow in faith together. It organizes family-friendly events, such as picnics, game nights, and service projects, that foster meaningful connections with other Catholic families. Through these interactions, families find encouragement, friendship, and mutual support in their journey of faith and parenting.
Missionary Witness: As children of light, believers are called to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ in the world. We want to equip members to be missionary disciples, engaging in evangelization, and service efforts that reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. Members are encouraged to live out their Catholic faith authentically and courageously, proclaiming the good news through both word and deed.
Why New Adults?
After a significant period of discernment and input from parishioners we recognized a need that was going unfulfilled within the 25-45 age group. There was very little our Young Adult Program had to offer newlyweds, new parents and adults who were established in their career but seeking further development.
As a result ILLUMINATE was born. While 17|17 Young Adults focuses on the here and now, helping young adults build community and friendship through shared faith, ILLUMINATE focuses on the future of the Catholic community through the development of careers and the core family.
While everyone in the 21-45 age range is welcome in either group, and while several events will have crossover throughout the year, we wanted to create a space that was very intentionally designed for New Adults in the next season of their lives.
What Does That Look Like?
Transformation and Identity in Christ
This pillar emphasizes the transformative power of Christ and the identity of believers as children of light. It encompasses ongoing conversion, spiritual growth, and the discovery and embrace of one’s identity as beloved sons and daughters of God.
Living as Witnesses and Community Fellowship
This pillar focuses on living as witnesses of the Gospel in daily life and building a supportive community of faith. It includes practical guidance on integrating faith into family routines, interactions, and decision-making processes, as well as fostering meaningful connections and mutual support among members.
Missionary Outreach and Service
This pillar equips believers to be missionary disciples, engaging in evangelization and service efforts that reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. It empowers members to live out their Catholic faith authentically and courageously, proclaiming the good news through both word and deed, and serving others with love and compassion.