YOUCAT Chat provides youth with fellowship, answers

Friday, Mar. 20, 2015

I am going to throw it out there in the beginning – this article is a shameless plug to encourage and invite young adults (18-35 years old) to attend the monthly YOUCAT Chat at the Salt Lake City Public Library (210 East 400 South, SLC). 

Have you ever wondered what the Church teaches about happiness? Or why we need sacraments? Or why prayer is sometimes a struggle? Have you ever had a question about the Church but didn’t know where to find the answer? Are you searching for more knowledge about your faith? Or just want to be able to better explain the Church to people who ask you about it? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, then join us at the next YOUCAT Chat. 

Every second Wednesday of the month a group of young adults gathers in conference room #2 with Father Eleazar Silva, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. We meet for an hour and discuss teachings of the Church. It is called the YOUCAT Chat because we utilize the YOUCAT book to guide our discussion. 

The YOUCAT book was developed to present the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a language and style that is suitable for young people. The content is presented in a question-and-answer format, with additional commentary to provide insight to how the teachings relate to everyday life. My favorite part of the book is that all the theological terms that are used are defined. So, if I am unfamiliar with a term or concept, I can quickly learn what it is and continue to participate in the discussion. There are also references to Scripture passages and relevant quotes from saints and theologians.

Each month the discussion is guided by a theme. In March the theme was “Why We Are Put on Earth, What We Are Supposed to Do, and How God’s Holy Spirit Helps Us to Do It.” Some highlights from that session include being passionately reminded by Fr. Silva that God created all of us for eternal happiness and how the Beatitudes are a road map to eternal happiness. Although we are guided by a theme each month, no questions are off the table. It is a safe place to ask questions and to be inspired. Please join us at one of the upcoming gatherings. The next few dates and themes are:

April 8: “The Dignity of the Human Person: Virtue Is Its Own Reward”

May 13: “Human Community: The Lonesome End”

June 10: “The Church: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have”

July 8: “You Shall Love the Lord Your God: Give Your All”