Apostolist spiritual retreats are well known for engaging the participants with the teachings and messages of the Gospels – and lots of fun and fellowship!

The church has a rich tradition and ties to the beer-brewing process. Apostolist leadership team members John Burke (left) and Eric Mayhaus (right) join Father Gilbert Martinez, CSP (center), in exploring this tradition during an Apostolist celebration of Oktoberfest.

Rebecca Thompson was searching for a parish after moving from Oklahoma to New York City three years ago. She quickly discovered St. Paul the Apostle near her residence and started attending the weekend young adult Mass. It was there that she found out about Apostolist, St. Paul’s young adult ministry.

“Before I knew it, I was going to every event,” said Ms. Thompson, 26, who works in advertising who serves on the Apostolist leadership team.

Apostolist began in 2006 with St. Paul Pastor Father Gilbert Martinez, CSP, identifying four men and four women young adults who would minister to their peers in the parish.

“Apostolist is not a group, but a process by which we invite young adults to grow deeper in their faith,” Father Martinez said. “As a team they organize events (social, service, and faith formation) to engage the young adult community.”

Apostolist participants meet for fellowship and refreshments after the young adult choir and band lead the music during the 5:15 Sunday evening Mass. The group events calendar is divided between social, service and spiritual activities that include everything from a Halloween party, serving meals to the homeless at the parish center and gathering to pray the rosary every other Saturday. The group also offers ongoing Bible study and holds two retreats each year. There are currently more than 200 people on the Apostolist e-mail list.

Apostolist wrapped-up the summer with a barbecue party – lots of food and friends.

“This ministry engages a large part of the population of the parish – young adults,” said Father Martinez. “They bring their faith, energy and zeal about their faith to the parish. Their service projects involve the whole parish, retreats and socials reach out to young adults who seek to appropriate their faith as adults, and their participation in various ministries bring a ‘good’ energy to liturgy and worship.”

Like Ms. Thompson, Eric Mayhaus and his wife, Christine, were also searching for a new parish after moving to New York City from the Midwest. They found a spiritual home at St. Paul and are Apostolist team leaders as well.

“To find a community in the city that is close knit, that accepts you as you are and encourages you to grow is exciting,” said Mr. Mayhaus, a 25-year-old environmental engineer.

Apostolist members joined decorating the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City for Christmas.

“We have a lot of diverse events each season, and no event is repeated. We have something for everyone,” Mr. Mayhaus said. “You can be just learning about your faith or wanting to deepen your faith. Wherever you are on your faith walk is OK.”

Ms. Thompson considers it a blessing that St. Paul offers a ministry dedicated to and organized by young adults.

“It has given me a place to open up and share my faith more than I ever did before,” she said. “You develop a base of friends with similar beliefs, and that allows you to connect with them on a much deeper level.”

To learn more, log on to apostolist.com