The depth of the human heart is immense, and the vibrancy of young adults’ minds and spirits is limitless. Time and again God calls the young — and old — to embrace the Creator’s powerful gift of transformational love, even when it seems hard to do. We are reminded of this valuable lesson with the Gospel account of the Prodigal Son.

With this story in mind, Louisville Young Catholics, those in their 20s and 30s, invite all on a journey of “Rediscovering Catholicism.” Visit LouisvilleYoungCatholics.org, and mark your calendar for a celebration on Oct. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 933 Baxter Ave. We will visit the topic of “Grace Anatomy — Understanding the Eucharist and the Body of Christ.” All are welcome. Seriously.

Hearing the Prodigal Son story at Mass, I couldn’t help but think of myself as the prodigal child, as well as many other young adult Catholics in the church today. We have been given an inheritance of faith more valuable than a million gold coins. We were brought up in the tradition of the Catholic Church and were guided by the Holy Spirit to receive the sacraments that paved the way for our lifelong walk with Christ.

Perhaps some of us have lost our way at times, too lavishly spending, ignoring or misplacing our faith. Yet, just as the young son in the parable learned, those experiences bring chances to gain wider perspective, clearer understanding and deeper appreciation of the faith we call home. Indeed, our struggle to believe offers cherished gifts if we only choose to accept them.

Perhaps others of us have been doing the right and good thing all along, following the rules and doing as the Father asks. Like the older son from the story, getting to choose the act of being loving over the need of being right offers priceless peace and contentment that is just a choice away.

Today we have an opportunity to gather in all brothers and sisters, wiser from whichever path they have trodden — all who are yearning for their Catholic home. Truly, a celebration awaits those who accept and celebrate the gifts Christ extends to us. And there are many who wish to join the party.

In August, a survey was offered to all young adult Catholics in the area, hoping to uncover their thoughts, feelings and needs surrounding their faith lives. Thanks to support from the Archdiocese of Louisville and many wonderful parishes that distributed the survey, we’ve uncovered clues to the amazing gifts God is preparing young adults and our Catholic faith community to receive.

Fifty-eight young adults representing 33 parishes offered their input, providing a quick snapshot into the thoughts and feelings of young adults in the archdiocese. Eighty-three percent of people who responded were between the ages 22 and 35. There was a balanced sampling of single, dating and married young adults as well as both parenting and childless individuals and couples.

The overwhelming consensus from young adults was that they want to be welcomed into vibrant faith communities (both in and outside of their parishes) to form friendships and foster spiritual growth. More than 85 percent of respondents rated these as their top areas of need.

Many also listed service opportunities and church involvement as high priorities. Career insight and sports opportunities were also desired yet clearly took a back seat to the more spiritually focused activities.

With God’s grace, let us find the hidden gifts for all and find ways to celebrate the joy they might bring.