On April 12, 25 young adults from Harbor Beach, Maple Grove, Shepherd, Midland, Saginaw and beyond joined our first-ever Diocesan Young Adult Retreat.

The “How to Pray” retreat focused on teaching and trying different styles of prayer. Young adults practiced listening to God’s voice through praying with Scripture, contemplative prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, visio divina (praying with art) and the Liturgy of the Hours (the daily prayer of the Church).

“I really loved that the focus of the retreat was prayer and making time for silence with God,” said Katelyn Stein of Harbor Beach. “[What] really stood out to me from the retreat is that I am made to hear God’s voice!”

Participants learned that, while prayer could look different for everyone, it is accessible no matter your stage in life.

LeAnne Osborn, one of the presenters, helped unlock contemplative prayer for Travis Havercamp of Midland. He was holding their newborn daughter, Josephine, during LeAnne’s talk as she explained that a baby demonstrates contemplative prayer by simply receiving love.

“That really hit home with me as I often look at her sleeping so peacefully and wonder what she is thinking about,” he said. “Being in a state of restful peace is contemplative prayer.”

Taking home what they had learned, Travis and his wife Meredith "incorporated some evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, which has been great for our family prayer.”

Going forward, we hope for our yearly young adult retreat to grow tremendously in impact.

For any college or young adult students looking to grow as leaders, check out the upcoming Mission Bootcamp event on page 29.

Diocese launches Young Adult Website & Brand Bay Catholic.

Screenshot of part of home page?

The secret is out! The Diocese of Saginaw is home to many dynamic young adult and college ministries— and with our new website, it will be easier than ever to reach young adults who are looking to deepen their faith and friendships.

I’m so excited to launch Bay Catholic, our new website and umbrella for all young adult and college ministry in the Diocese of Saginaw.

If you’re a young adult, you can directly connect with one of our six ministries in Saginaw, Maple Grove, Gladwin, Sandusky, Harbor Beach and Bad Axe.

If you’re a college student, you can connect with college ministries at Central Michigan University, Alma College, Saginaw Valley State University and Northwood University.

If you’re new to the area or looking to grow deeper in your faith, you can contact me directly on the website. I would love to treat you to lunch or coffee and walk with you on your faith journey.

Check out baycatholic.org for all young adult and college ministry happenings going forward.