“I didn’t really want to be in leadership, to be honest,” she remarked.

In 2020, Father Bob Schikora felt led by the Holy Spirit to connect young adults at his rural parish in the Thumb. What began as a seven-week Genesis Mission at Holy Family Parish, Sandusky/Peck/Marlette, grew into a tight-knit group of young adults growing in faith together.

The Genesis Mission had challenged participants Becky and her sister Claire to spread Jesus’ love and embrace the call to evangelize others.

“After the mission, we decided to keep meeting on Wednesday nights and continue to...have a group together,” Becky shared.

Meeting at St. Joseph Church in Sandusky, the group prays in the church, discusses a Scripture passage or Father Mike Schmitz video and simply hangs out.

Starting with only five people, they steadily grew over the years, with up to 20 young adults attending any given week.

Tom Gallagher was there from the beginning, and he credits the group for easing his transition after graduating from Saginaw Valley State University.

“I’ve always had a good faith foundation, but this has really encouraged me to make it my own. [To] spend that time with Jesus, rather than just making it to Mass on Sunday and group meeting on Wednesday,” he said.

Other young adults echo Tom's experience, growing closer together and in their relationship with Jesus. One member even routinely drives an hour each week from Port Huron to stay connected with the community.

Tom has since grown into a leadership role along Becky and Claire, helping lead their Wednesday meetings and service projects in their community.

Last fall, the young adults walked from house to house, raking leaves in the neighborhood. Their service prompted questions from residents and passersby.

“It’s been a cool way to evangelize,” Tom shared. “We’ve actually prayed with people on their porch.”

If you’re a young adult looking for belonging and faithful friends, Becky encourages you to join a group like theirs.

“Try committing to it for a couple of months and see how it impacts you. To have that community is such a blessing," she said.

Through the cooperation of the parish and participants, God has formed a thriving young adult ministry in Sandusky.

The group's leaders are confident God can do the same in other communities as well.

“I’d say that anyone can lead if they can ask the right questions and be a good listener,” Tom said.

 Looking back, Becky sees the Lord's hand at work.

“God was calling me," she said. "Not just for myself, but for others.”

Interested in joining the Sandusky Young Adults Group? Contact Tom Gallagher at tlgallag@svsu.edu for details!

If you feel called to start a young adult group, connect with Taylor at tpiotrzkowski@diosag.org for resources, training and support.