September 28, 2018

Young adult’s strength is lifting up faith of others

By John Shaughnessy

As Susan Grilliot talks about her upcoming wedding to Marty Arlinghaus on Oct. 13, she provides a wonderful insight into the way that God and her Catholic faith are part of all of her meaningful relationships.

“God very obviously brought us together, so it’s only fitting that we get married in a Catholic church,” says Grilliot, who is 26 and a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis. “Marty and I have different spiritualities that help both of us to grow closer to God and each other in new ways.”

That desire to grow closer to God and others defines her relationships so much that Grilliot is this year’s recipient of the archdiocese’s John Paul II Young Adult Servant of the Year Award.

Ever since she came to Indianapolis in 2014 after college, she’s been involved in the archdiocese’s Young Adult and College Campus Ministry program as a volunteer.

She’s led retreats, organized intramural teams of Catholic young adults, and directed small groups focused on faith. She has also lived in a formation house with other young adult Catholic women who make prayer, Mass and community a priority in their lives.

“One of my strengths is bringing other people into the faith,” she says. “It’s hard out there for young adults in our world today, so it’s important to help people find Jesus in their lives. We need each other to hold us up to the standards that we want for each other as Catholics.”

While Grilliot believes other people are more deserving of the award, she plans to use the honor for a purpose beyond herself.

“It gives me motivation and encouragement to continue giving back and helping lead others to deeper growth and relationship with Christ.” †

 

Related story: ‘We’re all called to be teachers,’ Archbishop Thompson says

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