New York, NY – May 28, 2025 – A dozen young adults from across the U.S. will finish a transformative ten-month residential program at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine on Sunday, June 1, 2025, marking the completion of the second cohort of the Community at the Crossing (CATC). This growing Christian initiative focuses on unity, spiritual rhythm, and dialogue across denominational lines.
“So many young people today are yearning for authentic connection, beyond just surface-level. In today’s world of instant results and misinformation, this is an ever-growing problem. I hear from many people about their frustrations with isolation and their desire to encounter a greater breadth of life and community. That’s exactly the kind of space we’re creating together at the Cathedral through this program – exploring what prayer looks like, what vocation looks like, what healthy disagreement looks like, and so much more,” said Sr. Hannah Spiers, CCN, Program Coordinator for the Community at the Crossing.
Launched in 2022, the Community at the Crossing is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States, combining intentional community living and daily prayer with an emphasis on ecumenism and productive dialogue. With the mission of supporting young adults seeking depth and purpose, CATC welcomed participants ranging from ages 21 to 33, to live either on-site at the Cathedral or in surrounding neighborhoods and dedicate nearly a year to faith, service, and deep listening.
Housed within the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, the program draws participants from across the country, creating a rare space where young adults from all walks of Christian faith live and grow together. With roots in the Catholic tradition and a message of unity inspired and endorsed by Pope Francis as well as the Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, CATC is designed to promote Christian harmony in an increasingly divided and secular world.
“It was a leap of faith during a time of much uncertainty. I was looking for answers that could help me live a better life. A true coincidence between my own choosing and God’s own providence drew me into the Community at the Crossing. Undoubtedly, it was a quest for self-love and loving others, and still very much is,” said Quentin, local member and Senior Partner Sales Account Executive, originally from New Jersey.
The program offers different levels of commitment, with full-time participants residing on the grounds of the Cathedral and part-time participants joining the community rhythm alongside their existing work or studies. A number of participants have credited the program’s structure, with key elements such as dedicated study sessions, regular retreats, shared meals, and moments of silence, as a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth. For some, it is even life changing, whether returning to their normal routines following the program or committing to a spiritual path.
“As someone who grew up in ‘low church’ environments, I have experienced nothing but surprise and delight towards the ‘capital c’ Church, in all of its collective wisdom, beauty, and inheritance. This year of ‘divine interruption’ has been one of returning to the elemental things of the faith: a table and a cup, praying and singing, silence and feasting. The Community at the Crossing feels like fresh fruit growing on a very ancient vine,” said Amanda, local member and architect, originally from New Mexico.
The 2024-25 cohort will graduate on June 1 with a special choral evensong at 4pm, followed by a reception.
Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 cohort, which will launch in Fall 2025. Those interested can learn more about the program and application process here.