Program Overview

EXPLORE is designed for new parish youth ministry leaders in their first two years of ministry. The goal is to explore the various facets of youth ministry and discover how to facilitate a dynamic and fruitful ministry with young people and their families within your parish. EXPLORE is a four-part program that is complemented by a one-on-one mentorship with one of the members of the OACE staff.

In addition, we will also explore the various programs and formation pathways offered by the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization which are in place to assist you as you accompany the youth of your parish in their journey of discipleship.

Part 1 – Starting Point

Discipleship is the essential starting point for all ministry with young people. In this part, the youth ministry leader will EXPLORE ways to ensure a healthy personal discipleship and gain the tools and skills necessary for helping the young people they serve to mature as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Part 2 - Find Your Bearings

After receiving the call to serve in youth ministry we need to gain the skills necessary to effectively carry out the “job” of youth ministry. In this part, the youth ministry leader will EXPLORE the necessary administrative areas that must be addressed and the importance of being an authentic witness in word and deed.

Part 3 – Mapping your Course

Ministry with young people cannot and must not be left to chance, it must be approached with intentionality and purpose. In this part the youth ministry leader will EXPLORE how to effectively plan, organize, and strategize for effective and comprehensive youth ministry.

Part 4 – Setting the Pace

Youth ministry is not about the “youth minister,” it is about the young people we serve with. In this part the youth ministry leader will EXPLORE best practices for mentoring young people, advocating for them, and empowering them as the protagonist of youth ministry.

Download the Program Flyer

2022-2023 Cohort

Thursday Cohort Dates:

• October 27, 2022  |  9 am - 12 pm  |  St. Dominic Chancery, Room 140
• December 1, 2022  |  9 am - 12 pm  |  St. Dominic Chancery, Room 164
• February 2, 2023  |  9 am - 12 pm  |  St. Dominic Chancery, Room 140
• April 13, 2023  |  9 am - 12 pm  |  St. Dominic Chancery, Room 140

Saturday Cohort Dates:

• October 29, 2022  |  9 am - 12 pm  |  St. Dominic Center, MorkovskyHall Room 102
• December 3, 2022  |  9 am - 12 pm  |  St. Dominic Center, MorkovskyHall Room 102
• February 4, 2023  |  9 am - 12 pm  | St. Dominic Center, MorkovskyHall Room 106
• April 29, 2023  |  9 am - 12 pm  | St. Dominic Center, MorkovskyHall Room 102

Contact
Brian Henritze,
Associate Director
Email Brian
713-741-8723