It’s called Nature Coast Catholic and was created in the spring of 2024 under the leadership of Father Bruce King, then pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Spring Hill.

Fr. King had noticed that there was an interest in a young adult group at other local churches, such as with Andy Gotsch at St. Michael’s, Jacob Guardado at St. Frances Cabrini, and Fr. Patrick Rebel at St. Joan of Arc. Combining them all into one group that met at different parishes seemed like an obvious work of the Holy Spirit.

Activities range from social events, such as karaoke, movies, and bonfires, to deep presentations on the faith by the members. These efforts have resulted in several members joining the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, OCIA. 

Ana Cooper says that the group was a way for her to find community when she moved to Hernando County from Miami due to a work opportunity.

“I came here thinking I was being sent alone to do His will. But Nature Coast Catholic has changed my life.  I have never felt so welcome in any youth group before. The quality of friends I have made here are the best yet. The ability to share our lives honestly and to learn from each other is a privilege and honor,” she said. 

“I love being able to give talks and listen to talks from my colleagues. We laugh hard and pray harder.  We keep each other accountable and lift each other up. We are there for each other. We are open with no cliques. I thought I would live a long year or so of solitude and loneliness, but this group has changed my life and given me some of the best memories and friendships yet.”  

Ruby Graham, also a member of the group, said she had excellent Catholic community for her undergraduate and graduate programs and was nervous coming home to Hernando County without that.  

“The fact that we now have [a] thriving community of young adults seeking to know more about the Faith is a gift that I’m incredibly grateful for and didn’t realize was possible here in Hernando,” said Graham. 

Zachary Merto says that “Sermons and studies are great, but having fun is essential as well. We laugh a lot, eat good food, etc. I’ve heard the saying that you are the average of the five closest friends you have, and this is so true, for the positive peer pressure has been influential. Going to the hangouts with the members of the young adult group encourages accountability and encouragement in faith and life.” He goes on saying that the community “makes faith feel more personal and alive” and “has helped me with my identity, direction, and sense of belonging as a Catholic.”  

Recent statistics suggest the importance of this group. Per a 2016 report by PRRI, 39% of young adults aged 18-29 have no religious affiliation (“nones”).* This is a significant amount of the population. Nature Coast Catholic is helping to be that community which the “nones” can be invited into and is aiding in keeping Catholics from joining that rising tide of “nones.”

If you are a young adult in the area and interested in attending one of the events, Ethan Skinner says, “The young adult group is a great place to explore the depths of Catholicism with friends on a very personal level.  Come and join!”