‘We can be a welcoming presence and face of the Church’
At a time when many young adults feel disconnected from traditional church life, the Redemptorists of Canada are reimagining ministry with a new and popular approach. Through Ignite Ministries, the order’s outreach to youth and young adults, the Redemptorists meet people aged 18 to 39 in places where they naturally gather, combining faith, friendship, and real-life conversations.
One form of this commitment is Bible and Beer, a monthly meeting at St. Patrick’s Church in downtown Toronto. The evening begins with prayer and Scripture study, deepening the following Sunday’s readings under the guidance of a Redemptorist priest. Afterward, participants head across the street to the Sin & Redemption pub for food, drinks, and informal discussion, where the study’s themes continue to resonate in daily conversations.
The approach is intentional: faith isn’t confined to the walls of the church but is brought to the places where young people already spend their time. By offering an accessible and welcoming environment, Bible and Beer has become more than a program: it’s a community of seekers, students, and friends.
The first social gathering of the new autumn season, on September 2, was preceded by an in-depth address by Father Santo Arrigo Cs.SR, provincial superior of the Redemptorists of Canada and former parish priest of St. Patrick’s.
For the “Catholic Register” he said: “We always want to have serious content that impacts the lives of young people, whether it’s about life issues, spirituality, or even just learning about faith, but it’s also important to build community,” Arrigo said.
“As we transition from summer to fall, we take this opportunity to attract people who may be on the margins of their experience with faith, the Church, or spirituality. When we can be a welcoming presence and the face of the Church, we help bridge the gap for people who may be searching for something in their lives.”
Beyond Toronto, the Redemptorists have pioneered other creative forms of evangelization. The “Holy Smoke: S’mores & More” summer program brought together over a hundred young people for evenings of bonfires, music, and reflection. The Network series offers leadership training for youth and family ministry volunteers throughout North America and the Caribbean, preparing participants to confidently serve their parishes and local communities.
This philosophy of “meeting people where they are” has deep roots in Redemptorist spirituality. The order has long emphasized outreach to those living on the margins, a call reiterated in General Chapters and practiced today through youth ministry. Similar initiatives now exist in Grande Prairie, Alberta; Chicago; and San Antonio, extending the model beyond Canada’s borders.
For young adults navigating a rapidly changing world, these ministries offer not only the opportunity to grow in faith but also a supportive community. Balancing serious reflection with friendship and hospitality, the Redemptorists are building bridges to the Church and helping a new generation discover the richness of Christian life.
(Fonte: www.catholicregister.org)
Foto: Ignite Redemptorists (Ignite Young Adult Ministry) – Facebook profile
