CHARLESTON—Rachel Neubauer recently took the helm as the new associate director of young adult ministry for the diocese.
Prior to coming to Charleston, she worked as the stewardship and ministry coordinator at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Simpsonville for two years. Neubauer, 28, said she became actively involved with the young adult community while in the Upstate, noting that the group shares a strong camaraderie from walking the same path and asking the same questions.
“There’s such a wonderful group of young adults in the state,” she said. “It’s so encouraging for the Church.”
When Valerie Soop, former associate director, mentioned that she was leaving, Neubauer prayed about the path God wanted her to take.
Born and raised in the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, Neubauer said her entire family still lives there, save one uncle in Atlanta. While she misses her parents, her three sisters, and especially her young nieces and nephews, she said this is where she felt called.
“I’m happy to serve and be here,” she said. “There’s a sense of peace that comes from following God’s will.”
Neubauer moved south over the holidays, and said she’s finally settling in and recently joined Sacred Heart Church.
A graduate of Western Illinois University, she started as a music major, has a love for theater and orchestra, and plays several instruments, including guitar.
Her first big project will be the Lenten Days of Recollection, which will be held on Fridays in four deaneries. She is also helping new groups in Seneca and Fort Mill become established, and continues collaboration with the vocations department.
“We’re called to have hope, we’re called to be joyful,” she said. “I see this happening all over the world.”
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