SAN DIEGO — An upcoming “worship night” aims to help young adults prepare spiritually for Christmas.
ABIDE, an event hosted by the diocesan Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry and held once or twice a year at a local parish, will take place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the courtyard at St. Brigid Parish in Pacific Beach.
“Our office has hosted ABIDE worship events in the past, but this is the first time we are doing one in Advent, with that liturgical season’s influence in mind,” said Evelyn Knuff, associate director of the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “The idea was to help young adults dive into the spirit of Advent amidst the chaos and hustle-and-bustle that usually consumes this special season.”
ABIDE has been held for about five years. It typically draws about 40 young adults, but an installment held at the San Diego State University (SDSU) Catholic Newman Center in the fall of 2022 attracted more than 125 people and another at Mission San Luis Rey Parish last January drew about 85.
Knuff explained that ABIDE is based on a simple concept: A band leads young adults in worshipping God in song, interspersed with moments of spoken prayer and reflection. She said it is an intentionally “low-barrier” event.
“People are invited to pray through song or through just listening to the lyrics,” she said. “If singing is not your vibe, that’s fine, too.”
For some young adults, Knuff said that ABIDE might feel like a less intimidating introduction – or re-introduction – to Catholicism than Mass or Eucharistic adoration.
“Those are beautiful aspects and traditions of our faith,” she said. “But, sometimes, people need a steppingstone to get there. That’s what ABIDE is meant to be … a stepping stone towards liturgy and also a little bit of freedom to pray in a way that’s not as structured.”
After worship, there is typically an optional social at a nearby bar or restaurant.
Because the event will be taking place during Advent, Knuff said, praise-and-worship songs at the upcoming ABIDE will include traditional carols.
“Our hope was to use this as an opportunity to prepare our hearts for Christmas,” she said. “We invite all adults in their 20s and 30s to join us Dec. 3.”
For more information, visit sdcatholic.org/youngadult.
