Ian Casabay, a parishioner at Christ the King Church in Kahului, is on the leadership team of EPIC Ministry’s Maui chapter. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consultants)
By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Many young adults who came through the pandemic in their high school or college years say they struggle with making connections with others or finding some sense of community.
However, young adults like Ian Casabay, a parishioner at Christ the King Church in Kahului, Maui, have found a deep connection and community not only with others their age, but most importantly with Christ. They are growing through EPIC Ministry, a faith and fellowship group with chapters across the state.
EPIC — Ever Present in Christ — invites young adults between the ages of 18 through 39, but most are in their 20s and 30s.
“This is a community of young adults who are living out the call as missionary disciples,” Casabay said.
Casabay serves alongside Cecilia Jacinto as coordinator of EPIC Ministry’s Maui core team, which also includes Kyle Gambil, Alejandra Guadalupe, Jeremy Kaialiilii and Pua Kaialiilii.
“It began as a young adult ministry on Oahu, originally,” Casabay said. “It has built out to have two chapters on Oahu, one on Maui and one on the Big Island.”
For Casabay, working with EPIC Ministry has meant an opportunity to grow in faith and community, in addition to his serving as an altar server and lector in his parish.
“It has been a godsend,” he said. “It has really helped to increase my faith, and I have found a community I can rely on.”
EPIC means that Casabay and the other members can work toward their goal of encouraging young adults like themselves to return to church through spiritual activities, social events and service projects.
Casabay has found that EPIC Ministry not only is helpful at this point in life, but it also offers support for the future.
“For young adults, the years are turbulent,” he said. “I’m trying to find my purpose in life. It is a community that will be there for you. It has given me a glimpse of discernment.”
Through meeting with those in religious life, as well as with married couples, EPIC members have an opportunity to learn about a variety of vocations.
The Maui chapter meets four times a month, rotating among several parishes. Its upcoming events include a holy hour and fellowship Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Kula, and faith sharing Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wailuku.
For those who might not be fully engaged with their faith, Casabay offers encouragement for joining EPIC.
“I’d say the benefits are having God at the center of your life and that you’re not alone,” he said. “There always will be a community of people out there who have a love for God.”
Information about EPIC Ministry’s Maui chapter can be found on its Facebook page.