Meet Roman & Jenny Hammes

As a new feature to the young adult blog, we will occasionally be featuring and interviewing its members. The young adult group is comprised of many exceptional and interesting people who have come to Charleston from all over the country. Some are cradle Catholics, others are recent converts. It can be hard to meet people as you're filing out of church on Sunday. We don't socialize inside the church out of reverence for Jesus, who is present in the tabernacle, and out of respect for those praying, and there isn't a social hall that everyone gathers at regularly after Mass. So, if you don't run into someone on the steps of the church or on the way to your car, you may come and go to church every week, sadly, without ever meeting your fellow parishioners. Hopefully by getting to know people through this blog feature we can start socially engaging our Catholic peers more. Did you know there are more than 100 young adults between 18 and 35 who go to the Cathedral and are on the young adult emailing list? Don't be afraid to say hello to someone. We are one body in Christ, let us live like it.

Say hello to Roman and Jenny! ROMAN: Here in Charleston I work as a lawyer for a private practice. I am 27 years old, and am a recent convert to Catholicism from a fundamentalist non-denominational church. Originally, I am from Charleston, but moved to Winter Park, FL at age 6. I attended Florida State University for undergrad and the University of Georgia for law school, then I moved back to Charleston after finishing school with my wife, Jenny, and my dog, Buckley. Here's more about me... What do you do for fun and recreation? golf; boating; fishing; reading; frisbee golf; etc. Favorite Hangouts? Folly beach, muni, Moes Crosstown, back creeks, and Melvins. Favorite book? "The Civil War: A Narrative" by Shelby Foote Favorite Movie? None, but here are 5 I like: The Apostle; Lonesome Dove; A Man for All Seasons; Royal Tennebaums; Lawrence of Arabia Patron Saint? Sir Thomas More Favorite thing about being Catholic? At Mass when I take the Eucharist, I am taking part in a 2,000 year old tradition that has inspired the best in men, whether saints, kings, crusaders, lawyers, etc. and much of the worlds best art, architecture, and literature. What do you like about being a part of the young adult group? It can be difficult to act with a Catholic conscience in our non (and anti) Christian culture, so I enjoy meeting and learning from fellow Catholics who try to lead a Catholic life. JENNY: Roman and I live on James Island, but I work in Mount Pleasant as an 8th grade teacher at Cario Middle School. I am 27 years old and am originally from Marietta, Georgia. Like Roman, I attended Florida State University and am also a recent convert to Catholicism. We entered the church Easter of 2008. Currently, I am about 28 weeks pregnant. I am carrying a little girl we are naming Mairn, who is expected to be born on July 8th! Here's more about me... What do you do for fun and recreation? Boating and beach, anything outdoors. Favorite Hangouts? Folly Beach, Farmers Market in Marion Square, and the creeks. Favorite Movie? Grease. Favorite thing about being Catholic? Sharing the faith with my husband and growing together with Christ. What do you like about being a part of the young adult group? Wonderful way to meet fellow Catholics and deepen my faith.