YCDM Thursdays

Dedicated to building community through faith, Young Catholics of Des Moines (YCDM) meets weekly (usually on Thursdays) to celebrate and grow in our faith with one another. This community draws from all parishes in the Des Moines metro, and is dedicated to helping young adults grow to be more and more connected not only to YCDM but to the parishes of our Diocese.

There is no need to sign-up, register, or "officially" be a part of YCDM--if you're a young Catholic in Des Moines, you're in! Come to all the events every month, or just come to the ones that strike you as something that will feed you.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 17th: Mass & Brews

It's time for this month's Mass & Brews! Mass is at St. Ambrose Cathedral and Brews will be at Hessen Haus following Mass. Confessions begin at 6:15, Rosary at 6:40, and Mass at 7pm.

Never been to one of our events? New to the Area? Suggestions for events? Just have questions? Send a message to the event's hosts David Reising, Rebecca Reising, or Abigail Akers!

Thursday, October 24th: Halloween/All Saint's Day Potluck & Party

Join us for a not-so-spooky good time at our first Halloween/All Saints' Day party! Due to cold weather, we've moved this event indoors. We're now at the Catholic Pastoral Center downtown ( 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309). Please bring board games if you have some and your favorite potluck dish! Costumes are optional, but encouraged. This is a great event to start with if you've been debating coming to a YCDM event. Invite your friends too! To sign up for a dish to bring, please go here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BABAB29A7F94-halloweenall

Even if you don't bring a dish though, please still come. There's always plenty of food to share!

Please contact the events hosts, Blake Riffel and Matthew Johl, with any questions.

TUESDAY, October 28th: Pope Francis' Message to Young People Today

Earlier this year, Pope Francis released an Apostolic Exhortation to young people, entitled Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive). This fall's Theology on Tap series will focus on unpacking that document, wrapping up with a discussion of Pope Francis' message to young adults led by someone who was an integral part of the conversations that brought it about.

Paul Jarzembowski, of the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be joining us to share his insights from having been a part of the Synod of Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment last year. Paul has a very intimate understanding of Pope Francis' message for you, so you won't want to miss this!

6-7pm Dinner & Cocktail Hour
7pm Event start
8pm Open Forum Q&A

Join us at Sherwood Forest Events Center (7400 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324) beginning at 6-7pm for dinner & Cocktail Hour, 7pm Event start, and 8pm Open Forum Q&A! The bar will be open as well! See you there!

Thursday, October 31st: Happy Halloween! (No event this Thursday.)

Don't forget to go to Mass for All Saints' Day--it's a Holy Day of Obligation. :)

Thursday, November 7th: Disciples Night hosted by i.d.9:16--Mass, DInner, and Discussion

We'll be joining the new Des Moines chapter of i.d.9:16 for their monthly Disciples Night, which includes Mass, dinner, and a short video on a topic relevant to young adult Catholics, and then discussion. All are welcome--you don't need to be part of an i.d.9:16 small group to participate! The event begins at 6pm and will take place at St. Theresa's parish (1230 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines). Contact Blake Riffel with any questions.

Thursday, November 14th: Games Night & Social at Smash Park

Join YCDM for a fun night of games and socializing at Smash Park (6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266)! Feel free to bring a favorite board game to share, or use one of the many games they have there. The event goes from 6:30-9:30.

Invite some friends and come enjoy the company of some amazing people. Questions? Please message us.

Thursday, November 21st: Sports Night

Details to come, but please save the date!

Thursday, November 28th: Happy Thanksgiving (no event this Thursday)

Check our Facebook group for some great volunteer opportunities!

Thursday, December 5th: Disciples Night hosted by i.d.9:16--Mass, Dinner, and Discussion

Thursday, December 12th: Christmas Party!

Celebrate the birth of Christ at our annual Christmas Party! This event is always a favorite one, so be sure to invite friends, especially those who are new to the area or who have been thinking about coming to YCDM events.

It's a potluck so bring your favorite dish to share. Sign up for the potluck is here if you want to coordinate what you're bringing: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BABAB29A7F94-christmas.

Back by popular demand is the white elephant gift exchange! If you wish to participate, bring a wrapped gift worth about $10-$15. Most of the group tends to bring normal, if slightly silly, gifts, but you can opt to bring a gag gift if you like.

Joanna Burgarino has once again volunteered to host. Her address is 526 60th Street, DSM, 50312. (Note: there's no parking on her side of the street, but there is plenty of street parking around. You can also usually park at Cornerstone Community Credit Union and walk a block if you're having trouble finding a spot.)

Questions? Please reach out to Joanna. See you there!

YCDM-Metro Thursday Night Ministry Leadership

2019 Co-Directors

Benjamin Cohen

Rebecca Reising

2019 Board Members

David Reising

Blake Riffel

Matthew Johll

Christina Vazquez

Joanna Burgarino

Abigail Akers

Have ideas or suggestions for future YCDM events? Let us know! Email Justin White, Director of Young Adult Ministry anytime

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