About 75 young adults attended a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption on October 8, where Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre spoke about the unconditional love of God. During his homily, Archbishop Fabre emphasized the depth of God’s love, stating, “God loves you and me deeply and unconditionally. When I pray in that relationship, I’m not just talking to myself. I’m talking to a good father who listens and is always at work in my life. Even if it’s not in a way I can see … or a way that I think is best, God is always at work in my life.”

He reflected on the significance of addressing God as “Our Father” during Mass, saying, “Before we pray the Our Father, the priest says, what? ‘We dare to say. We dare to say, Our Father.’ We dare to claim an intimate relationship with God.” Archbishop Fabre explained that Jesus demonstrated a close relationship with God, and invited the congregation to recognize that same intimacy. “Jesus came to bring us directly into relationship with God, to welcome us into the relationship that he, Jesus, has with the Father,” he said.

He encouraged attendees to approach God regardless of their circumstances: “So yes, with all our sins; yes, with all of our imperfections; yes, with all the mess of our lives; yes, with all of our questions; yes, whether we have nurtured our relationship with God or ignored it altogether; yes, we nonetheless dare to call on God as the Father, a father who loves us deeply and unconditionally.”

Archbishop Fabre added, “We know that he hears, we know that he strengthens, we know that he heals and we know that in his own providence, he responds.”

The event was organized by the Louisville area Young Catholic Professionals group and the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office for Youth and Young Adults. Father Anthony Cecil, director of the office, commented on the importance of such gatherings for young Catholics. “At a time when people feel divided, feel isolated — and young adults are at a time when they are figuring things out — to see a body of people who share a very fundamental thing in common can help you feel less isolated,” said Father Cecil.

He noted the positive turnout and the sense of community: “It was a good turnout. It was wonderful to have this opportunity to come together as a community, specifically as young people. There was a beauty there, of finding unity in the Eucharist.”

Father Cecil encouraged participation in groups like Young Catholic Professionals, stating, “Take the risk to show up to something; bring a friend, even if they’re not Catholic. One of the things we do is gravitate to the people we know. I’m socially awkward. But put yourself out there and shake hands with someone you don’t know at one of these events.

“It’s an opportunity to let God influence our lives when we take the risk and take advantage of these opportunities,” he said. “We could meet our best friend, our spouse. Human beings are not designed to live in isolation. There are so many things that are seeking to divide us. It’s so great to come together to celebrate the Eucharist and form relationships we need as human beings.”

Father Cecil began his role in July and aims to support both Young Catholic Professionals and parish efforts for young adult ministry. The group hosts monthly events that include prayer, social gatherings, and speakers.

After Mass, attendees joined a Networking Fair in the undercroft, where local parishes, schools, and organizations provided information and opportunities for connection. Kelli Reutman, a participant in Young Catholic Professionals events, described the group as inclusive: “There are so many different people — it feels like a place everyone can come,” she said. She also encourages newcomers to Louisville to join, adding, “‘It’s where you’ll find your friends.’”

More information about the group can be found on their website: www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/chapter/louisville.