Praying for Community

New Beginnings

3 years ago I found myself in a new city with no friends looking for a church to call home. Being a Catholic I naturally scoped out the Catholic churches in the area and after a few different try’s landed on Christ the King. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it just felt like home. Given I was new to the area, I attended mass alone. I remember thinking, begging God, all I want God is a community. I just want good friends. Friends whom I can share my faith with. I dreamed of walking into CTK and seeing people I knew. A friendly inviting face. Someone to sit with. Mass could be so isolating at times. As a single in my late twenties, I felt like an outsider. The church was filled with families, loving parents, and sweet children. A vibrant community interconnected. But I felt as though I didn't fit there. 

God Pays for what He orders

Fast forward to 3 years later. I am sitting in a restaurant with 8 single women who I now know through my church community. We’re celebrating our dear friend’s 32nd birthday. As we all gathered around the table, we began to talk about how thankful we all were for each other. To be able to laugh with each other, and share in each other's joys and trials. My friend Ilanya began to reminisce about two years earlier, when she too dreamed of a vibrant community.  She recalls telling God one day in church alone, “I’m not going to make it. You need to send me friends!” Shortly thereafter, He thankfully delivered. As Illanya shared her story, all of us chimed in sharing the SAME sentiment. All of us, 2 to 3 years prior were searching for community and here we were. God does work in mysterious ways. 

We are made for communion

Why am I sharing this story? Because I know personally how sometimes the single person is forgotten in the church. How the focus is centered around support for youth and families. How more and more of us are waiting to get married but still crave and need community. 

If you have ever identified with this, know that I hear you friend! I am thinking of you. I am praying for you. I am championing for you. You are not alone. I know that God has good good plans for your life. He is a good Father who wants what is best for His children. I didn’t know it at the time, but God was uprooting me from my life at the time to plant me somewhere better. 

God created us for community. The young adult group in my church was the bridge that helped me to form my community over time. I pray you encounter that same blessing in your life. Lean into the Lord, and watch Him work in your life. 

Resources/Suggestion

Divine Mercy Chaplet to increase trust in our Lord. 

O Blood and water which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us. I trust in You <3