Walking with the friars: A Franciscan encounter in the Diocese of Charlotte

Editor’s note: Christopher Rivera, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is traveling across the country to see how young people are discovering or rediscovering faith.  In this article, he writes about a recent visit to Charlotte, North Carolina, where friars are thinking outside the box to evangelize young adults, including the so-called “nones” who have no religious affiliation. 

The Diocese of Charlotte is alive with the energy of new evangelization. It is a place where young adults, university students, and neighbors experiencing homelessness are met with vibrant ministry, authentic encounter and a growing hunger for belonging. This new landscape is being shaped by Brothers Casey Cole, OFM, Jason Damon, OFM, and Roberto “Tito” Serrano, OFM, —three friars who live the Gospel in a distinctly Franciscan way: simply, joyfully and for others. 

My three-day visit revealed how the Franciscan charism—rooted in simplicity, fraternity, and mission—continues to speak powerfully in the Church today. 

A Franciscan mission house in the heart of Charlotte 

The friars’ home in Charlotte is more than a residence—it is a mission house dedicated to evangelization among young adults, college students, and the spiritually and materially poor. Their life together is intentionally simple, centered on prayer, care for creation, and shared fraternity.

Four days a week, the friars host a simple table in the heart of downtown Charlotte, offering conversation, prayer and hospitality to young professionals and neighbors experiencing homelessness. As they walk through the city, they greet people by name, pray for their needs, and offer small signs of care—a sandwich, a snack or a warm cup of coffee. 

In the evenings, the friars enter local pubs and gathering spaces where young adults already spend their time. An article in the local paper described their outreach here. Their presence serves as a joyful and approachable witness of Christ in the public square, inviting questions about faith and a relationship grounded in mutual respect.  

Listening to the landscape of ministry 

During my visit, ministry leaders from across Charlotte gathered to reflect on the strengths, challenges and opportunities of young adult ministry. Leaders from FOCUS, Young Catholic Professionals, Catholic Campus Ministry, the Young Adult Men’s SEARCH program, and Catholic sports initiatives shared insights on a robust but highly transient ministry environment. 

Even though Charlotte has many ways for young adults to get involved, most programs regularly see a lot of turnover—about 40–60% of participants are new young adults each time—because people often move or go through major life changes. 

Considering this, leaders identified a strong opportunity for growth through a life-stage ministry model that responds to where young adults are vocationally and spiritually rather than by age alone. 

Dreaming of a virtual Franciscan fraternity 

The group explored the possibility of a Franciscan virtual fraternity that could connect young adults across regions while remaining grounded in a real-world community. They noted that any digital platform should add genuine value, foster formation and discipleship, and ultimately invite young adults into intentional, in-person relationships. 

Friar Fridays: Evangelization begins with love 

Thirty young adults attended a “Friar Friday” gathering hosted by the friars that included a Holy Hour and fellowship. The friars emphasized that many young adults hesitate to enter spaces like Adoration because they carry wounds, grief or unresolved hurt. They recognize that healing is needed before renewal. 

Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, Br. Casey reminded participants that Jesus did not condemn Matthew but sat with him and broke bread. Evangelization begins with love, not pressure. 

A return to God the Father 

My visit concluded with a daytime retreat for Young Catholic Professionals, welcoming more than eighty participants. During Mass, Br. Tito preached on the Gospel of the Prodigal Son, inviting young adults to see this season as a call to conversion and return. God the Father, he reminded them, is already offering forgiveness and runs toward us when we choose to come home. This return is made concrete in the Eucharist, restoring us to communion as members of the Body of Christ. 

Following Mass, Br. Jason reflected on the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan charism. He invited participants to see Francis as a model of lived Gospel witness—rebuilding the Church not through power, but through humility, prayer, simplicity and presence among the poor. 

Br. Casey then brought these reflections home, challenging participants to consider how they are called to be vulnerable for the sake of the Gospel. He invited them to explore tangible ways to share the love of God with those they encounter each day, leading with presence and actions of love so that others might feel seen, known, and safe enough to encounter Christ. 

Let us move forward together 

This encounter in Charlotte offered a vivid glimpse of the Franciscan call to go to the margins and make Christ present through love and encounter. It challenges all of us—friars, lay staff, secular Franciscans, and ministers alike—to consider how we might replicate this witness in our own communities. 

In an effort to incarnationally meet our young adults where they are in life stage and their faith journey, the Franciscan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry has developed young adult segmentation and the Franciscan Discipleship Pathway. Join us for a 30-minute conversation to discuss these topics and how they can influence the way we engage with youth and young adults at large. Click here to sign up for a session.