A new coalition of parishes and Catholic organizations in the Diocese of Austin who are ministering to young adults or are interested in ministry with young adults. These parishes and organizations are committed to a shared goal of increasing engagement with the young adult population through their own unique ministries. Pope Francis calls us to:

"…enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep; arm in arm with others, we are committed to building a new world."

Upcoming Francis Network Meetings

• October 24, 2018
• January 30, 2019
• May 22, 2019
• September 25, 2019

The Francis Network is open to lay leadership in Catholic parishes and organizations in the Diocese of Austin, as well as priests, pastors, deacons and religious in the Diocese of Austin. 

THE FRANCIS NETWORK ALLOWS PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO:

• Expand their reach and impact to support their efforts with young adults
• Celebrate their unique identity and mission 
• Grow and improve their network of relationships

THE FRANCIS NETWORK ALLOWS YOUNG ADULTS TO:

• Be empowered in peer ministry at the parish or organization level
• Find hospitality in a parish home where they can develop or strengthen a relationship with Jesus Christ

THE FRANCIS NETWORK ALLOWS THE DIOCESE TO: 

• Advocate more knowledgeably for the gifts and needs of young adults
• Foster sustainable responses to the needs of young adults
• Support young adult ministry leaders

The Francis Network is a switchboard of diverse partners that works to fill in gaps in services so that all partners may better accomplish the shared goals. This type of network produces new value and capacity beyond what each partner can accomplish individually. The network partners are parishes and organizations. The end user (the young adult) is connected to the parishes and organizations who are carrying out this direct ministry or services with young adults.

The name “The Francis Network” recognizes the openness that young people have toward Pope Francis, as well as his and St. Francis of Assisi’s work to faithfully challenge the status quo.