Conversations with Emily McAtee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily McAtee.

Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After moving back to Ventura County, I felt a deep desire for a faith-based community. I draw a lot of inspiration from the people I surround myself with, so community has always been a big part of my faith. I founded Spirited Lamb to connect Catholic young adults (18-39, single or married) in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The Los Angeles Archdiocese, which oversees our area, didn’t have a centralized platform for sharing local young adult events, which made community cohesion a challenge. I saw a need for more accessible information, leadership communication, and a stronger feeling of comradery among Catholic young adults. And I figured, “If someone’s going to tackle this, why not me?”. With my basic WordPress skills, I built a simple (and admittedly rudimentary) website to promote events. I love to throw a good party, so I began hosting monthly social and faith formation events. I also partnered with local leaders to host larger gatherings. Friends joined the effort, contributing talents that helped launch the Spirited Lamb Podcast and a YouTube channel to share local stories. In our second year, we began working closely with the Los Angeles Archdiocese to grow our network and host larger events, like vendor markets and retreats.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, the program grew slowly through word of mouth with a basic website and social media platform. We were working with limited funding, and I was working full-time. I had a head full of ideas, but finite time and resources. Friends were a Godsend, providing encouragement and expanding the program into areas I could not have taken it alone. As word of us spread, connections with the Archdiocese and new collaborators brought new opportunities. I transitioned to self-employment, giving me more time to develop Spirited Lamb. We’re now establishing Spirited Lamb as a nonprofit and exploring fundraising to support our mission.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
First and foremost, Spirited Lamb supports parish-based young adult groups—the heart of our Catholic community. We do this by promoting their events and connecting their leaders. Our broader goal is to offer the community what a parish ministry might not have the time for – large regional events, day retreats, sharing individuals’ stories on YouTube, etc. We want to show young adults they’re not alone in their faith. I feel so proud of what we’ve accomplished when I meet a young adult who just moved to the area and is already integrated into the community due to our network.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Since starting, I’ve watched our community come alive with new events and community cohesion. It’s an excitement that’s even caught the attention of other regions in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. As we help grow community, we are also focused on helping young adults give back to the community through service-based events. In the coming years, we hope to offer discipleship training, accessible funding, open a community center as a hub for connection and events, and expand into other regions of Los Angeles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spiritedlamb.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spirited_lamb/?next=%2F
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritedLamb

Image Credits
Esteban Marquez