The goal of the Christian life is for followers of Jesus to be his in this world, not as a future reality but as the breaking in of the Good News in the here and now. With this in mind, we no longer simply see young people as “the future of the Church.” On the day of our baptism, each of us became "the present" of the Church. Christian youth and young adults have much to offer to the Church and to the world, as Jesus reminds us: "Have you never read the text, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nurslings you have brought forth praise’?” [Matthew 21:16]. With all this in mind, our diocese joins Pope Francis in raising up the gifts that they have to share:
"Young people are not meant to become discouraged; they are meant to dream great things, to seek vast horizons, to aim higher, to take on the world, to accept challenges and to offer the best of themselves to the building of something better" (Christus Vivit, no. 15).
We teach our youth to engage in various forms of prayer treasured by the Church and developed within the diversity of our communities. Most importantly, we bring them to the celebration of the Eucharist, the highest form of prayer, where our youth grow in their identity as members of the Body of Christ. By teaching them how to actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church and about different forms of prayer, we empower them to cultivate a truly personal relationship with Christ within the communion of the Church.
We offer age-appropriate catechesis, theological education, and opportunities for spiritual growth. By integrating relevant topics and addressing contemporary challenges within our faith formation processes, we empower young people to navigate their lives as faithful disciples of Christ, grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Church is a place of encounter with God and with one another. This includes opportunities to socialize and develop friendships, meeting one another wherever we might be on our journey of faith. By encouraging regular gatherings, retreats, and social activities, we provide opportunities for young people to connect, share their faith experiences, and support one another on their spiritual journeys. Our ministries cultivate joy!
We foster a spirit of compassion and empathy among youth by actively engaging them in acts of service to help them learn to share their talents and time with others, especially with those in need. We seek to make discipleship a vibrant reality through encountering Christ in their neighbor [see Luke 10:25-37].
Recognizing the beautiful diversity of gifts with which young people are blessed, we encourage our youth to share their creativity and talents in music, art, leadership, and so many other areas. By providing these opportunities in experiences such as youth choirs, liturgical ministries, or youth-led initiatives, we empower them to use their gifts to glorify God and to serve others. Including young people in all aspects of the life of the Church fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among the youth with whom we minister. Because this is often how young people discover their unique vocation, we must always be mindful of who we are creating these opportunities for ministry and celebrating the gifts young people bring to our communities.
YDisciple (bilingual) gives you tools to create small group environments where teens are known, loved, and cared for. It contains a robust library of training content ranging from practical to spiritual skills. This program may help you transition from Confirmation to Youth Groups.
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Arcoiris seeks to evangelize young people and their families and foster vocations to the priesthood and to religious life.
Life Teen is a movement within the Roman Catholic Church that leads teenagers and their families into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
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Contact:
Deacon Ed Sheffer
[email protected]
Many parishes offer different opportunities and formats within a Youth Group. Contact your local parish for more information.
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These resources will aid Youth Ministers in teaching the Catholic Faith and engaging with teens.
Youth Ministers and Catechists can use this pre-made script to host a one day vocational discernment retreat for teens.
Real+True is a free resource on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Bible Project is a free resource on scripture that will complement classes and lessons.
The YouCat is a great resource that makes the Catechism accesible to teens, kids, and children.
Join the Diocese of Tucson in creating a culture of holy vocations. "Vocations are integral to the life of the Church. Fostering strong and courageous vocations in the modern world is the lifeblood of the future of the Church."
VOCATION MINISTRY
The Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) provides many important resources for youth and young adults.
Formation is available to Youth Ministers through the University of Dayton. Please contact the Youth Ministry Office for more information.
Contact:
Sophia Herrera
Administrative Assistant for Youth Ministry
(520) 838-2537
[email protected]
Parishes with Arcoiris groups include:
Parishes with youth groups include:
On the third Saturday of August each year, Directors of Youth Ministry (DYM) and Directors of Religious Education (DRE) gather for an annual Convocation at the Pastoral Center in downtown Tucson: 192 S. Stone Ave #2, Tucson, AZ 85701.
This began as local outreach by Lourdes Catholic High School in Nogales to the Kino Border Initiative and expanded to Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson.
Kino Teens provides students with the opportunity to accompany migrants, participate in educational activities with an emphasis on understanding their stories, delve into the complex issues surrounding migration, and defend migrant rights through advocacy. Kino Teens seeks to embody the heritage of Padre Kino who was a defender of native peoples and a protector of their rights.
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StandUp for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness in local communities like yours. Since 1990, they have cared for homeless and at-risk youth by transitioning them from crisis to connection. They give our youth a sense of safety, hope, and belonging through housing support, mentoring, drop-in centers, and street outreach. They bear the highest independent ratings for fiscal stewardship of all donations.
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The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
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The Girl Scout program provides engaging and worthwhile activities that respond to the needs of today’s girls. They challenge your daughter to uncover hidden passions and learn more about herself than she ever thought possible.
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View this profile on InstagramDiocese of Tucson Youth (@dioceseoftucsonyouth) • Instagram photos and videos
Father Manu Franco-Gomez, O.Carm.
Director of Youth Ministry
✆ (520) 838-2533
✉ [email protected]