Young Adult Community in Chicago (20s & 30s)

Find your people. Deepen your faith. Feel at home.

Looking for meaningful community in Chicago? Whether you're new to the city, exploring faith for the first time, or returning to church after time away — you’re not alone. You’re welcome here.

Saint Clement’s Young Adult Community (YAC) in Lincoln Park, Chicago is a vibrant group of 20- and 30-somethings seeking authentic community, deeper purpose, and a spiritual home. We’re singles, couples, newcomers, locals, and lifelong Catholics — all on a journey of faith, exploration, and belonging.

While we’re rooted in the Catholic tradition, all young adults — Catholic or not — are welcome.

As summer draws to a close, we’re stepping into an exciting season of new connections, deeper conversations, and opportunities to grow in faith together this fall.

Real People, Real Community

Saint Clement is a space where you can come as you are, ask big questions, and build real friendships rooted in faith. We grow in faith and friendship through:

  • Engaging Catholic liturgy and community Masses — our Sunday 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Masses are especially popular with young adults, and a great way to get connected

  • Spiritual opportunities like Theology on Tap (ToT), retreats, and prayer and healing services

  • Catholic young adult events in Chicago — social, service, and spiritual

  • Service projects that make a real impact in Lincoln Park and across the city

  • Fun gatherings — from summer socials to sports to happy hour and more!

📍 Based in Lincoln Park, Saint Clement is a growing Catholic church in Chicago where young adults in their 20s and 30s can find purpose, community, and faith — together.

This summer we’ve connected through Theology on Tap, Sundays Uncorked, and service nights — and this fall, the journey continues with new ways to explore life, faith, and purpose together.

New to Faith or Church? You’re Not Alone.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Whether you’re Catholic, curious, or just searching — we’re here to walk with you. It’s not about perfect answers — it’s about real people, shared questions, and the journey.

This fall, we’re creating spaces where your questions and curiosity are welcome. Try Alpha, a relaxed series for open conversations about life, meaning, and faith. Or explore OCIA if you’re thinking about becoming Catholic or completing your sacraments.

Want to dive deeper? Join Beta: Holy Rebels, a Thursday night series uncovering the bold and beautiful lives of the saints — from warriors to mystics — and how their stories can inspire courage and purpose in your own life.

We’re also launching our Fall Executive Speaker Series for women and men, where faith meets leadership in everyday life, plus an online Bible Study with Fr. Kartje to engage Scripture in new and thought-provoking ways. Further details & registration to come!

Come as you are. Bring a friend. There’s a place for you here.

Upcoming Fall Catholic Young Adult Events in Chicago

Looking for Catholic young adult events in Chicago this fall? Want to meet others who care about truth, purpose, and community? Whether you’re into meaningful conversation, inspiring talks, or simply meeting new people over coffee or drinks, we’ve got something for you.

Check out the latest events through our social media or newsletter:


New Podcast: No Filter, Just Faith

Real Talk. Real Questions. Real Faith.

We’re excited to launch No Filter, Just Faith — a fresh Catholic podcast made for young adults who want honest conversations about faith, doubt, and everything in between.

This podcast is all about exploring faith with courage, vulnerability, and zero filters. Whether you're feeling strong in your beliefs or wrestling with them, this space is for you.

🗓 New episodes will be released every Tuesday
📍 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts


Sundays Uncorked: A New Way to Connect This Summer

Twice a Month following 4:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Masses

Looking for more ways to build meaningful friendships and community this summer & fall? Join us for Sundays Uncorked — an opportunity to unwind, mingle, and meet new friends after Mass.

Twice a month, following the 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday Masses, join us on the Saint Clement plaza for casual conversation, good vibes, and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re brand new to the parish or a familiar face looking to deepen connections, Sundays Uncorked offers a welcoming space to do just that.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

  • August 24

  • September 14 & 28

  • October 12 & 26

  • November 9 & 23

  • December 14

Come to Mass, stay for community. No need to register—just show up and bring a friend! We can’t wait to see you this summer as we grow in faith and friendship together.


New to Church? Faith? Chicago? Start Here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • The Young Adult Community (YAC) at Saint Clement is a welcoming space for Catholics in their 20s and 30s seeking connection, conversation, and growth in faith. Whether you’re new to Chicago, rediscovering your faith, or just looking for community, you’ll find something here for you — from social events and small groups to retreats and service opportunities.

  • Yes — Saint Clement is home to one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing Catholic young adult communities in Chicago. In fact, over 80% of our new members each month are young adults in their 20s and 30s. Whether you're new to the city or rediscovering your faith, you'll find peers here who are asking real questions, forming authentic friendships, and living their faith in meaningful, modern ways.

  • Not at all. Everyone is welcome — whether you're Catholic, curious about the faith, or just looking for a positive community. Many of our young adults are exploring their faith or returning after time away. Come as you are.

  • We offer a wide range of events, including Theology on Tap, Wine Down Wednesdays, Bible studies, small group programs like Alpha, volunteer service days, retreats, and social hangouts like volleyball or post-Mass socials. There’s something for every interest and comfort level — whether you're new to church life or looking to go deeper.

  • The best way to stay in the loop is to follow us on Instagram @clementYAC, check out the Saint Clement Young Adult Facebook page, or sign up for our Young Adult Community weekly email updates. You’re also welcome to jump right in by joining us for one of our upcoming events or Sunday Mass—many young adults attend the 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. liturgies. Twice a month, we host casual socials on the front plaza after these Masses—an easy, low-pressure way to meet people and get plugged in.

  • We’re in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago — at 642 W Deming Place, just off Clark Street. We’re walkable from DePaul and close to several CTA stops. See directions and parking info.

  • Finding the right Catholic young adult group can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Saint Clement Parish in Lincoln Park offers one of Chicago’s most welcoming and active young adult communities, with everything from small groups to summer socials to Theology on Tap. Whether you’re exploring your faith or looking to go deeper, this is a place to belong, grow, and connect with other Catholics your age.

  • We hear this all the time! A lot of our members have recently moved to Chicago and are looking for authentic friendships. Our events — especially summer socials, Alpha, and Theology on Tap — are designed to help you meet people in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. You don’t have to come with friends — you’ll find them here.

  • Nope! Many people who attend our events belong to other parishes or haven’t officially registered anywhere. Everyone in their 20s and 30s is welcome — no membership required.

  • Check out Alpha or OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) — both are safe spaces to explore questions about faith, God, and Catholicism, whether you’re new or returning. You can also speak with a priest or join a small group. Wherever you are in your journey, you're not alone.


Past Events

Theology on Tap 2024

We hosted a record-breaking number of 1,422 young adults this past July-August for our yearly Theology on Tap summer speaker series! We’d like to thank Father Mike Schmitz, Dr. Sally Blount, CEO of Catholic Charities, The Very Reverend Father John Kartje, President of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Father Pete McCormick of the University of Notre Dame, Father Reginald Wolford of Indiana University, Reverend John Wentz, Executive Director of Alpha USA, and Dr. Lisa Fortini-Campbell, former professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, for graciously giving their time and wisdom in exploring the question: “Who Is Jesus?”

2024 YAC Formal

On May 18, 2024 the Saint Clement YAC held its second annual Formal Dance at the Athenaeum. The theme was Hollywood Nights. Many dressed in formal attire while dancing the night away to our awesome DJ, who spun nostalgic throwback tracks all evening long. There also was a raffle with various prizes. Huge thanks goes out to our YAC Formal Planning Committee for organizing this epically entertaining event! We look forward to next year’s dance already! See below for photos:

Lent 2024 Retreat

Thank you to all who joined us on our Lenten retreat! We dove into topics of how to move past fear, with God, so that you may face your crosses daily and share God's light and love with those around us. A special thank you to Sr. Stephanie and the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels for their warm hospitality!

 

Previous
Previous

Theology on Tap Chicago 2025

Next
Next

2022/06/03: The Holy Spirit Among Us