Catholic Lay communities are vibrant groups where you can deepen your faith, connect with like-minded peers, and live out your mission as a disciple of Jesus. Whether you’re looking for a place to grow spiritually, serve others, or simply find support in your faith journey, these communities offer incredible opportunities for young adults.
1. Focolare Movement
Mission: Building unity and fraternity across cultures, faiths, and nations, inspired by Jesus’ words, “That all may be one” (John 17:21).
Why Young Adults Love It: Focolare offers projects, international gatherings, and opportunities to live in small communities while making a real difference.
Website: www.focolare.org
2. Communion and Liberation (CL)
Mission: Helping people encounter Christ in daily life through education, prayer, and dialogue.
Why Young Adults Love It: The “School of Community” gatherings are perfect for exploring faith with others and applying it to real-life challenges.
Website: www.clonline.org
3.Sant’Egidio Community
Mission: Serving the poor, fostering peace, and promoting dialogue worldwide.
Why Young Adults Love It: You can get involved in helping the homeless, advocating for justice, or joining global peace initiatives.
Website: www.santegidio.org
4. Neocatechumenal Way
Mission: Deepening faith and discipleship through small Christian communities within parishes.
Why Young Adults Love It: Neocatechumenal Way combines formation, liturgy, and missionary outreach, offering young people a chance to actively grow in their faith.
Website: www.camminoneocatecumenale.it
5. Christian Life Community (CLC)
Mission: Living Ignatian spirituality through prayer, community, and mission.
Why Young Adults Love It: CLC’s small groups provide space to share your journey and discern your vocation in a supportive environment.
Website: www.cvx-clc.net
6. Regnum Christi
Mission: Forming missionary disciples who live and share Christ’s love in everyday life.
Why Young Adults Love It: Regnum Christi’s programs, retreats, and missions inspire young adults to lead with faith in their families, careers, and communities.
Website: www.regnumchristi.org
7. Chemin Neuf Community
Mission: Building unity among Christians and fostering missionary discipleship.
Why Young Adults Love It: Their retreats and ecumenical focus are great for anyone passionate about deep prayer and reconciliation.
Website: www.chemin-neuf.org
8. L’Arche
Mission: Creating inclusive communities where people with and without disabilities share life and grow together.
Why Young Adults Love It: L’Arche provides a unique opportunity to live compassionately and learn from others’ differences.
Website: www.larche.org
9. Opus Dei
Mission: Helping laypeople sanctify their everyday lives through work, family, and relationships.
Why Young Adults Love It: Opus Dei’s practical spirituality equips young adults to live their faith authentically in professional and personal settings.
Website: www.opusdei.org
10. Couples for Christ (CFC)
Mission: Strengthening families and faith communities through evangelization and service.
Why Young Adults Love It: CFC Youth and Singles for Christ provide a dynamic, fun space to grow in faith while building meaningful friendships.
Website: www.couplesforchristglobal.org
11. Schoenstatt Movement
Mission: Inspiring Marian spirituality and renewing family and community life.
Why Young Adults Love It: Schoenstatt helps young adults find their identity and purpose while deepening their devotion to Mary.
Website: www.schoenstatt.org
12. Youth 2000
Mission: Leading young people to Jesus through Eucharistic adoration and formation.
Why Young Adults Love It: Their retreats are packed with powerful worship, inspiring talks, and opportunities to meet other faith-filled young people.
Website: www.youth2000.org
13. Cursillo Movement
Mission: Renewing Christian faith through short, impactful retreats and personal witness.
Why Young Adults Love It: Cursillo weekends offer a transformative experience and a network of supportive peers to journey with after the retreat.
Website: www.cursillo.org
14. Foyers de Charité
Mission: Offering silent retreats and spiritual formation in the Catholic tradition.
Why Young Adults Love It: Perfect for anyone seeking quiet time with God and a chance to refocus on their spiritual life.
Website: www.foyers-charite.com
Loretto Community – Austria
Mission: As a church community we place an emphasis on life in the Holy Spirit ,discipleship , and praise and worship.
Website: www.loretto.at
15. Jesus Youth
Mission: a focus on evangelising young people, promoting an active Christian way of life and nurturing their missionary initiatives.
Why Young Adults Love It: It emphasizes personal connections through small groups, mentorship, and peer-to-peer discipleship, creating a sense of belonging and support.
Website: www.jesusyouth.org
16. European Network of Communities
Mission: an association of Catholic charismatic lay communities and ecumenical groups across Europe. It fosters collaboration, spiritual growth, and a shared mission of evangelization among its member communities.
The European Network of Communities (ENC) is an association of Catholic charismatic lay communities and ecumenical groups across Europe. It fosters collaboration, spiritual growth, and a shared mission of evangelization among its member communities.
Website:- www.e-n-c.org
Member Communities
Some examples of ENC member communities include:
Community of Jesus (Italy)
Combines prayer, worship, and social outreach in their mission.
Website: www.jesusyouth.org
The Emmanuel Community (France)
Known for its Eucharistic spirituality and global evangelization efforts.
Chemin Neuf Community (France)
Focuses on ecumenism, mission, and Christian unity.
Gemeinschaft Immanuel (Germany)
Active in charismatic renewal and parish revitalization.
Find Your Place
No matter where you are on your faith journey, there’s a community out there that can help you grow closer to Christ, discover your purpose, and build meaningful connections. Check out these websites to learn more and get involved!
