Maronite Young Adults: Mission and Growth

“The Maronite Young Adult (MYA) organization is a group of Maronite Catholic disciples who intentionally live the teaching of the Catholic Church and embrace Jesus in their daily lives. By their service, social, and spiritual activities, they seek to live the Gospel of mercy and compassion and grow in their relationship with Jesus and one another.” MYA Mission Statement

Our Maronite Young Adults (MYA) groups live in different locations across the United States. On the local level, parishes have been encouraged and are starting to develop their own MYA group, with the commitment of their young adult parishioners. The national MYA board comprises representatives from all regions.

        By using the right tools to foster community, a parish can establish and/or nurture a MYA group (ages 18-35). We pray MYA becomes an extension of a young Maronite’s daily life and faith, through the combination of ongoing service, spirituality, catechesis, discussion and fellowship.

        Those interested in the mission of MYA should talk with the pastor and parishioners. Is there interest in forming/strengthening your MYA? With even a small group of committed individuals, there is no limit to how fruitful this young adult group can be and what they can do for the parish community. Social media is an effective means of communication and evangelization.  It can be utilized to inform and update members, to recruit new members, and to share the beauty, truth and joy of the Gospel. 

             A regular schedule of events encourages commitment and involvement of the members. It is ideal to have at least one event per month. At each event, new members are warmly welcomed! “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”(Matthew 18:20) So whether an event is popular in attendance or not, do not be discouraged.  Persevere, be positive, and be open to feedback: it takes time and patience to build a community. 

        After a MYA has been established, its members are encouraged to elect a local board of representatives, including the roles of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and an Event Coordinator. Elections for these positions are from active members and should take place annually. If you have any questions or would like more tools or resources to start and/or expand your MYA,  please contact the National MYA Board at nationalmya@gmail.com.