Youth Ministry

As part of the Office of Lifelong Formation, we support the ministers who form adolescents (ages 10-18) and their families in the Catholic faith. We provide research-based best practices and strategies aligned with Renew My Church, equipping parishes and their youth ministers with resources, training and events.

Monthly Newsletter Sign-up
This newsletter is the best way for youth ministers to stay connected to what’s happening in Chicago youth ministry! Our newsletter features formation opportunities for teens and adults, local events, important updates about diocesan policies, new resources and more. The newsletter is published monthly, so we won’t be cluttering up your inbox. Click here for an archive of our past newsletters.

Partnership with ProjectYM
As of July 2021, the Archdiocese of Chicago has officially partnered with ProjectYM’s THRIVE platform for ministers. Have a question you want to run by other experienced YMs? Looking for help with icebreakers? Trying to find a way to train new volunteers? Create your THRIVE account today (for free!) and start thriving in ministry!

Read the latest in YM research
We are living in a golden age of adolescent research. There are so many good and relevant studies being done on teenage culture that can make your ministry more focused and effective. See what our office is reading by clicking the link above!

Formation Opportunities for Ministers
Are you thinking about going to school for ministry? Unsure what the options are? Our lists feature in-person and online opportunities, degree programs and weekend conferences—everything you need to feel empowered for ministry.

Parish Ministry Reflection Guide
This guide includes excerpts from the new Directory for Catechesis for you to use to reflect and to envision renewed and adaptive ways to provide kerygmatic catechesis in the parish. We encourage parish leadership teams to use this guide to examine how they can continue, or begin, the work of Building the New Reality in their parishes through the process of “rethink[ing] in a missionary vein all the pastoral activities” of their everyday ministry. (Reflection Guide in Spanish)

Map and list of local retreat centers
Taking your teens out of their usual environment to somewhere new and beautiful can be so fruitful for prayer. Maybe you can’t remember the last time you went on a retreat for yourself and you’d like to have some quiet time. Check out our very comprehensive list and map of local retreat centers.

Information about VIRTUS and Safe Environment
As the youth minister, you are responsible for the safety of your teens and volunteers. Check to make sure that your adult volunteers (and you) are in compliance with our policies.

Are you new to the Archdiocese and unsure where to start? Contact us today!
First of all, welcome! We’re so excited to have you. Let us help you get set up at your parish or school, figure out how things work or just get on our radar.