“ You need a Catholic culture that is more powerful for you than the worldly culture that surrounds you .”
According to Father Zeiler , the group has grown organically by word of mouth and through Facebook . Young adults tend to move on as they get married — often to fellow Frassati members .
The Frassati Fellowship of NYC is one of the largest and most active of the Frassati groups ( which are independent from one another ) and is supported by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and the Sisters of Life as well as the Dominican Friars . Father Dominic Bump , O . P ., offers spiritual direction to the young adults of Frassati NYC .
“ Frassati helps them build virtuous friendships that are ordered to the highest good , which is ultimately Sainthood . Relationships formed in Frassati are deeper , more real , and without cliques ,” says Father Bump , who accompanied Frassati Fellowship of NYC at a 40 Days for Life vigil outside a Manhattan Planned Parenthood in October .
Ingrid Abeleda , Frassati NYC ’ s pro-life ministry leader and the organizer of the vigil , discovered the Fellowship through a service project at a parish damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Brooklyn . “ I ’ ve really found a family here , a place in the Church , a way to grow , and a sense of accountability ,” Ingrid says . “ We ’ re not perfect , but we encourage one another to grow in sanctity .”
Brother Ignatius Weiss , O . P ., with the DC Frassati Fellowship , Sugarloaf Mountain , Maryland . Blessed Pier Giorgio was known for his love of the outdoors . Photo by Nik Barrows .
The DC Frassati Fellowship is perhaps the most connected to Blessed Pier Giorgio ’ s Dominican roots . Participants meet at the Dominican House of Studies and take part in the priory ’ s Masses , Holy Hours , and Liturgy of the Hours .
“ The life of the Priory overflows into the Frassati Fellowship ,” says Brother Ignatius Weiss , who is coordinator , together with Brother Frassati Davis , of the fellowship ’ s core team . “ Parishes provide a spiritual home for our members , but the Dominicans offer them a special grace to inform their way of living as Catholic young adults in Washington , DC .”
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To learn more , contact Father Gabriel Gillen , O . P . Phone : 212-535-3665 Email : director @ dominicanfriars . org .