Once Hill met Carley Kleban, who had been working toward a Young Adult Mass in the Lowcountry for a couple of years, he knew he could bring the concept to the area with her help. With any luck, and a prayer, they could bring it to all of South Carolina.

Kleban pioneered a local Bible study at Stella Maris Church on Sullivan’s Island, so, with her connections to the diocese and his experience, the Young Adult Mass was born. 

Held monthly at Christ Our King Church in Mount Pleasant, Young Adult Mass begins with adoration and confession an hour before Mass, with Kleban and other musicians playing worship music. Two priests rotate the celebration of Mass and are available for those needing the sacrament of reconciliation. They also have altar servers, an organist, a lector, greeters, ushers and about 15 volunteers, including those who bring up the gifts. 

Kleban and Hill give announcements at the end of the Mass. Following benediction, participants head to the parish hall for a social and dinner, which Kleban cooks. The social finishes at about 10 p.m. 

While originally planning the event, the team wanted to keep the main focus on faith and fellowship. With that in mind, they decided to make it alcohol-free. They got the word out by contacting the secretaries of all local Catholic churches.

“Ideally, we would like an announcement in the bulletins, but we also bring physical flyers and display them in different parishes around the area,” Hill said, adding that Mass attendance is about 150 people. 

Kleban noted that both COVID-19 lockdowns and work-from-home policies have left many young adults feeling isolated. She said the Masses are “a great opportunity for young adults who may feel alone or isolated, or those who just want to dive deeper into their faith, to come together in the sacraments and build friendships founded on the truth of faith. It is a great chance to get away from the desk or scrolling and to get to know other young adults in person, chasing after the same thing.” That same thing is a relationship with Jesus.

Hill said that just using the term “Young Adult Mass” works because it doesn’t require any explanation.

“People know what that is,” he said. “There is nothing better than going to Mass together. I think we are getting back to the basics with this idea. It’s easy to advertise, and it does well because people feel comfortable even with bringing friends who aren’t Catholic. It just works.”

He added that young adults want to know they have a place of their own — somewhere to make friends to go to church with and to focus on the truth of the faith. The Young Adult Mass is a way to experience all of that.

Hannah John recently attended the Mass and social.

“Coming back to the faith as an adult can sometimes feel a bit isolating, especially when you are transitioning from one lifestyle to another. I remember being so nervous about going to the Young Adult Mass alone. It was one of the best choices for this phase in my life. The warmth I was met with was indescribable, and it was a true moment of seeing Christ’s love made alive with those around me.”

Michael Carr has also attended the Young Adult Masses this year. 

“Events like this remind me why we’re called to be the Church together. It’s a fellowship that feels like home,” he said.

Fabian Ochoa has also been attending.

“Even though I grew up Catholic, I had drifted away from God and the Church for many years,” he said. “After going through a devastating experience, I felt this deep pull back toward my faith. Seeing the Young Adult Mass and social come together was honestly amazing. What started as a small desire to connect young Catholics across Charleston grew into something much bigger. Seeing people show up for confession, adoration, Mass and fellowship reminded me that our generation is still hungry for truth, purpose and a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Kleban said she wants anyone considering the Young Adult Mass to come and take a chance. “You could find some really great friends here, but most importantly, you can find your best friend of all: Jesus.”