RCYA

Welcome!

Mission Statement

We put our faith into action, for Christ's sake.

We, the young adults of Ravenswood, in faithfulness to the call of baptism, are committed to Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, and to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. We embrace the shared responsibility and partnership of Clergy and Laity, and strive to deepen and share our faith in the Risen Christ through a unity nurtured by prayer and sacrament. Open to the urgings of the Holy Spirit, we are called to understand and respond to the Good News through service, spiritual, and social ministries and activities, sharing our time, talents and treasures more fully in the life and mission of building the Church, the Body of Christ.

History of RCYA

The Ravenswood Catholic Young Adults (RCYA) was founded in 1996 by a group of 20 and 30 year olds from the parishes of St. Benedict and Queen of Angels, led by Fr. Jason Malave (now Associate Pastor at St. Bartholomew) and Fr. Terry Keehan (now Pastor at St. Matthias and Transfiguration of Our Lord). Since then, the organization has expanded to include area young adults from Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Matthias, and Transfiguration of Our Lord. We are a group of Catholic adults centered in the Ravenswood community who provide service, spiritual and social outreach to build God's kingdom within our hearts and the community. We include, but are not limited to, Catholics in their 20s and 30s, married and single, of the Ravenswood area parishes. RCYA meets on the fourth Sunday of each month, immediately following 6:30 pm Mass. All are welcome to join us. For a copy of our brochure, click here.

Spiritual

Spiritual Ministries

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord…”

1 Corinthians 12:4-5

Bible Study

The Bible Study is a comprehensive young adult ministry designed to meet the needs of today’s young adults. It facilitates the learning of the Word through the study of scripture. There’s always sound scripture and doctrine, good sharing, and great fellowship. (Note: this event is currently on hiatus. If you are interested in participating in a Bible study, please contact rcya@stbenedict.com.)

Living Stations of the Cross

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, RCYA leads the parishes in praying the Stations of the Cross. It is a great time for prayer and reflection as we commemorate the death and passion of our Lord as a community. Our young adults participate as lectors, ushers and as part of the music ministry. After the Stations, we gather for the RCYA annual Fish Fry.

Retreat

This social justice retreat is a great way to step back, slow down and take a break from the monotony of your daily routine. It gives you a chance to have some quiet time for prayer and reflections. Treat yourself to a weekend to learn, discuss, and grow with other young adults in what it means to be a Catholic. The retreat is organized with Charis Ministries and held in May.

Theology-on-Tap

Theology-on-Tap is a 4-week summer program for young adults. The purposes of Theology-on-Tap are: 1) to gather for a great experience of Catholicism (evangelization); 2) to share the rich traditions of our faith (catechesis); and 3) to create a forum for young adults to address and discuss their issues, questions, and concerns (faith formation, spiritual growth, and community building).

Young Adult Mass

RCYA has been the driving force in the creation, maintenance, and celebration of this liturgy. This Mass is celebrated with alternating presiders and eucharistic and liturgical young adult ministry teams from St. Matthias/Transfiguration, Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen of Angels, and St. Benedict. Although the Mass is coordinated by RCYA, all are welcome to worship with us at St. Benedict Parish on Sundays at 6:30 pm.

Service

Service Opportunities

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

1 Peter 4:10

Christmas Caroling

Christmas Caroling involves a visit to local residential homes for adults. This activity advances the service aspect of our mission while being social and spiritual as well. You will have an opportunity to share your singing and instrumental talents as well as your moral support. Musical talent is not required for this event! It’s a fun way to welcome in the Christmas season while spreading some cheers.

Easter Dinner

Easter Dinner is hosted by the RCYA and St. Benedict on Easter Sunday each year. The dinner consists of great food and even better company. In 2003, over 225 people attended the Easter Dinner and it was a huge success due to the generosity of the area parishioners.

Food and Clothing Drives

RCYA holds periodic food drives to benefit St. Benedict's Common Pantry, and clothing drives to benefit local organizations. Items are collected prior to 6:30 pm Mass.

Group Volunteer Activities

Group Volunteer Activities vary and some of the past Group Volunteer Activities include Leaf Raking for Seniors in the Ravenswood parishes, Candy Daze for Misericordia, Christmas Gift Wrapping and Food Drives. If you know of a volunteer opportunity available, please let us know.

Toy Shower

RCYA volunteers collect toys during Advent, which are then delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution at Christmas to children in the Chicago area.

Social

Social Activities

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17

Celebration Café

Celebration Café is an evening of arts and entertainment in a café setting. This event, typically held twice a year, includes music, dance, and spoken word, as well as the fine and culinary arts. Funds raised are donated towards tuition to the RCYA parish schools.

Fish Fry

The Fish Fry, preceded by the Living Stations of the Cross, is a fundraiser held on the Friday before Palm Sunday. Try the famous fish fry using the “top secret recipe” of Rico Suave Raul. Admission includes all the fish and fries you can eat.

Monthly After-Mass Pizza Social

Join us at St. Benedict Church on the second Sunday of each month for 6:30 pm Mass, followed by pizza, salad, beverages, and dessert--as well as some great fellowship! Suggested donation is $5 plus an item for the food pantry.

New Year’s Eve Party

The New Year's Eve Party is RCYA's largest fundraiser, and net proceeds from this event help fund scholarships for the Ravenswood parish schools. The party is held at a restaurant/bar in Lincoln Square (RCYA rents out the entire establishment), and the ticket price includes beverages, an appetizer buffet, dessert, and dancing the night away into the New Year. There are also chances to win door prizes such as theater tickets, dinner gift certificates, tickets to sporting events, and many more.

Summer Coed 16” Softball League
 

This is a social and recreational league and players are required to be at least 21 years of age but need not be Catholic to play. All ability levels are needed: everyone plays, no one sits! Perfect attendance is not required, but a day missed is a great time missed.

Download 2009 Softball Registration Form 

Wine & Cheeser

As fall comes in, the RCYA meets for a social amidst some good wine and cheese. Come and join us as we share the events we have planned for the group. It’s a good time to get re-acquainted with old friends and meet some new ones. Find out what we have in store for the upcoming year.

Fall Bowling League

The call for a social event to fill empty Monday nights after the end of softball season prompted the creation of a bowling league. All skill levels are welcome. Come when you can, and pay per game. Bowlers meet once a week at Lincoln Square Lanes (4874 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago) from November through January. The season ends with a party and award ceremony at the bowling alley, with all proceeds going towards pizza and refreshments. Bowlers meet at 7:30 p.m. in the alley’s bar, which is on the second floor above the Ace Hardware.

Events

RCYA Events...

Upcoming Events:

RCYA Christmas Party

St. Benedict's Come one, Come All to the RCYA Christmas Party!!  We will have food, drinks, and fun.  Cost of admission is an unwrapped toy in its original packaging for the Catholic Charities Toy Shower.  The toy shower invites children to experience the joy and magic of the holidays with gifts.  Plus dust off the apron because we will be having another Bake-Off.  Last year, we had lots of yummy treats and look forward to even more this year!!! 

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/IHJFXFQVHVFTQVGERRUS/RCYA_ChristmasParty

Ring in 2009 with RCYA

The Grafton, Lincoln Square Come ring in 2009 with RCYA at the Graton.  Tickets are on sale now for $65 through 12/26 and then go up to $75 per person and will be available at the door.  Buy your tickets now by clicking the PayPal on the event evite 

We will have appetizers and an open bar including well drinks, beer and a champagme toast at midnight. 

Raffle tickets will be available for an sortment of prizes, last year we had more than 30 prizes!

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/EAZNWUENUGFDZLOXLSKB/RCYA_NYE

Pizza social - Every 2nd Sunday of the Month following 6:30 Mass 

St. Benedict's
Join us at St. Benedict Church on the second Sunday of each month for 6:30 pm Mass, followed by pizza, salad, beverages, and dessert-as well as some great fellowship! Suggested donation is $5 plus an item for the Common Pantry

Organizational Meetings - 4th Sunday of the Month following 6:30 Mass (around 7:30)

Resi's Bierstube, 2034 W. Irving Park Rd
We want to hear your ideas about creating an active, fun and engaging community for young Adult Catholics. We are also looking for people to coordinate events, help recruit new members and re-develop our website. Think about getting involved!  Scroll down to see some of the events we are looking for help coordinating.

Bible Study - Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month

The Bible Study is a comprehensive young adult ministry designed to meet the needs of today's young adults. It facilitates the learning of the Word through the study of scripture. There's always sound scripture and doctrine, good sharing, and great fellowship. Contact RCYA_Chicago@yahoo.com for more information about meeting time and place.

Events that are in the works...We need your help planning these events!

St. Benedict's Heidenreich Hall Multi-Purpose room
Celebration Café is an evening of arts and entertainment in a café setting. This event, typically held twice a year, includes music, dance, and spoken word, as well as the fine and culinary arts. Funds raised are donated towards tuition to the RCYA parish schools.

Game Night (Date and Place TBD)

Do you miss hanging out and playing board and card games like when you were a kid? RCYA is putting together a game night. We've got Domino's, Trivial Pursuit, Uno, Cranium, and tons of other fun games. Bring your friends and your favorite game.

Contact

Ravenswood Catholic Young Adults
c/o St. Benedict Catholic Church
2215 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, Illinois 60618
www.rcyachicago.org
RCYA_Chicago@yahoo.com

Parish Information

| Our Lady of Lourdes || Queen of Angels || St. Benedict || St. Matthias || Transfiguration of Our Lord |

Our Lady of Lourdes 4640 North Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 Phone: (773) 561-2141 Mass Schedule Weekday: 8:00 am, 5:15 pm Saturday: 5:00 pm (English); 6:30 pm (Spanish) Sunday: 8:00 & 11:00 am (English); 9:30 am & 1:30 pm (Spanish) Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 4:30 pm (English), 6:00 pm (Spanish)

Queen of Angels 2330 West Sunnyside Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 Phone: (773) 539-7510 Website: www.parish.queenofangelschicago.org Mass  Schedule Weekday: 7:00 & 9:00 am Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am (English); 12:30 pm (Spanish) Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 9:30 – 10:00 am & 3:00 – 3:30 pm

St. Benedict 2215 West Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60618 Phone: (773) 588-6484 Website: www.stbenedict.com Mass Schedule Weekday: 6:30 & 8:30 am Saturday: 8:30 am & 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 & 10:00 am & 12:00 & 6:30 pm (Five Parish RCYA Mass) Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

St. Matthias 2310 West Ainslie Street Chicago, IL 60625 Phone: (773) 506-2191 Website: www.stmatthiastransfiguration.com Mass  Schedule Weekday: 7:30 am (M-Th) & 8:30 am (F) Saturday: 8:00 am & 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:00 am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm Holy Day Mass Schedule 7:30 am, 8:30 am, 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Transfiguration of Our Lord 2609 West Carmen Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 Phone: (773) 561-7953 Website: www.stmatthiastransfiguration.com Mass Schedule Weekday: 8:15 am Saturday: 8:15 am & 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 & 9:30 am & 12:30 pm (English); 11:00 am (Spanish); 5:00 pm (Filipino)Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 – 4:00 pmHoly Day Mass Schedule 8:15 am & 7:00 pm Vigil (evening preceding)