Our mission is to provide young adults with a safe and joyful space to encounter Christ, share life together, and strengthen their connection to our parish and one another.
Stay Connected
Looking to get involved or connect with other young adults? Reach out to our Young Adult Ministry and find your place in our community.
Find Your Community
New to the parish or been here for years? There’s a place for you. Build friendships, grow in faith, and experience life together with other young adults.
Meet The Team
Meet the people who help make our Young Adult Ministry possible. Get to know our team, their passion for building community, and their desire to help young adults grow in faith and connection.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
St. James the ApostleJames 4:7–8
John O’Connor is a Transmission Line Engineer at Sargent & Lundy and a Bradley University graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering.
During his time at Bradley, John spent time learning about and engaging with the FOCUS model of Catholic evangelization and discipleship. He is passionate about building authentic community, growing in his Catholic faith, and helping others encounter Christ.
Outside of work, John enjoys woodworking, drone videography, golf, hiking, and volunteering at his local church.
Tara M. is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a background in clinical psychology and a heart for serving others.
She studied Psychology and Spanish at Hope College, where she was involved in the Union of Catholic Students, Catholic leadership, and women’s Bible studies.
Tara brings her professional experience and Catholic faith together through a passion for building authentic community, supporting others, and helping young adults grow in their relationship with Christ.
Logan Talmage is a University of Illinois graduate with a degree in Biochemistry. During his time at the St. John’s Newman Center, Logan became Catholic and discovered the profound importance of faith, friendship, and community.
Logan is passionate about building authentic relationships, helping others encounter Christ, and creating welcoming spaces where young adults can grow in their faith and walk together. He currently serves in Development and Outreach at the St. John’s Newman Center at the University of Illinois. Logan is also preparing to be married at St. James Church.
Michael Marzigliano is a University of Iowa graduate with a degree in Accounting and a longtime member of the Arlington Heights community. At St. James, Michael leads several men’s Bible studies and is involved with Life Teen.
He is passionate about building authentic friendships, growing in his Catholic faith, and helping young adults encounter Christ and grow together in community.
Killian Bach is a nurse and longtime member of the local community who is passionate about his Catholic faith and building authentic friendships. He leads a men’s Bible study at St. James and enjoys creating opportunities for men to grow in faith and walk together. Outside of his work and ministry, Killian has a strong interest in theater and the arts.
Hanna Brown is originally from Savannah, Georgia, and is passionate about her Catholic faith, music, and building authentic community. A singer and active member of the St. James community, Hannah enjoys using her gifts to help others encounter Christ.
Married and now part of the Arlington Heights community, she hopes to help create a welcoming space where young adults can grow in faith, friendship, and relationship with Christ.
Marisa Jacks is a Campus Minister at St. James Catholic Parish & School, where she is passionate about accompanying young people and building a strong, welcoming Catholic community.
She holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and brings a background in community programs, volunteer engagement, and relationship building. Married and active in parish life, Marisa is passionate about creating spaces where young adults can grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, and encounter Christ.
Aurelio Garcia is the Director of Marketing at Parkview Orthopaedic Group, where he leads marketing, communications, and creative initiatives.
A Xavier University graduate with a background in communications and digital media, Aurelio is passionate about using storytelling and creativity to connect people with the Church. Through his involvement at St. James, he has helped build engaging Catholic communities and create opportunities for young adults to encounter Christ, grow in faith, and share life together.
Sign Up Today & Get Connected.
Stay connected with upcoming events, community gatherings, and opportunities to grow in faith.
What Is The Young Adult Ministry?
The Young Adult Ministry is a place for young adults to encounter Christ, build meaningful friendships, and grow together in faith. Through social events, prayer, formation, and fellowship, we create opportunities to connect with God and one another.
Whether you are deeply involved in your faith, coming back to the Church, or simply looking for a community, there is a place for you here. Come as you are, meet great people, and discover what it means to live your faith together.
Sign Up Today & Get Connected.
Stay connected with upcoming events, community gatherings, and opportunities to grow in faith.
Frequently asked questions
Who can join The Young Adult Ministry?
The Young Adult Ministry is open to anyone ages 21–39 who is looking to grow in faith, build community, and connect with other young adults.
Do I have to be Catholic to participate?
No! Everyone is welcome. Whether you are Catholic, exploring the faith, or simply looking for a welcoming community, we invite you to join us.
What kinds of events do you offer?
We offer a variety of events including social gatherings, faith formation, prayer, retreats, service opportunities, and more. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking to deepen your faith or simply meet new people.
Do I need to attend St. James to join?
Not at all! Our Young Adult Ministry is open to young adults from St. James and the surrounding community. Come meet us and get connected!
