Youth Ministry
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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:
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"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).
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Key principles of ministering with youth in the Diocese of Tucson:
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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].
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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.
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- National Day of Youth and Young Adults, Solemnity of Christ the King: November 24, 2024
- Jubilee for Teens: Pilgrimage to Rome: April 20-28, 2025
More Events around the Diocese
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Programs at Your Parish
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YDisciples
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.
Learn More
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Arcoiris
Arcoiris seeks to evangelize young people and their families and foster vocations to the priesthood and to religious life.
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LifeTeen
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.
Learn MoreContact:
Deacon Ed Sheffer
[email protected]
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Youth Group
Many parishes offer different opportunities and formats within a Youth Group. Contact your local parish for more information.
Learn More
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- Resources for Youth Ministers
- Formation Opportunities
- Parishes with Youth Ministries
- Forms for Youth Ministry
- Annual Convocation for Youth Ministers
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These resources will aid Youth Ministers in teaching the Catholic Faith and engaging with teens.
Our Call to Holiness: One Day Retreat for Teens
Youth Ministers and Catechists can use this pre-made script to host a one day vocational discernment retreat for teens.
Real+True
Real+True is a free resource on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Bible Project
The Bible Project is a free resource on scripture that will complement classes and lessons.
YouCat
The YouCat is a great resource that makes the Catechism accesible to teens, kids, and children.
Vocation Ministry
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
USCCBThe Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) provides many important resources for youth and young adults.
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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]
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Parishes with Arcoiris groups include:
- Immaculate Conception in Yuma (928) 782-7516
- Immaculate Heart of Mary in Somerton (928) 627-2918
- Our Lady of Grace in Maricopa (520) 568-4605
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Nogales (520) 287-9221
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Parker (928) 669-2502 - English only
- Saint Anthony of Padua in Casa Grande (520) 836-0601
- Saint Francis of Assisi in Yuma (928) 782-1875 - English and Spanish
- Saint John Neumann in Yuma (928) 342-3544
- Saint Jude Thaddeus in San Luis (928) 627-8011
- Saint Monica in Tucson (520) 294-2694
- San Felipe de Jesus in Nogales (520) 761-3100
Parishes with LifeTeen groups include:- Holy Cross in Morenci (928) 865-3183
- Most Holy Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Rio Rico (520) 281-7414
- Our Lady Queen of All Saints in Tucson (520) 622-8602
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Clifton (928) 865-2285
- Santa Catalina in Tucson (520) 825-9611
- Santa Cruz in Tucson (520) 623-3833
- Saint Ann in Tubac (520) 398-2646
- Saint Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista (520) 458-2925
- Saint Augustine Cathedral in Tucson (520) 623-6351
- Saint Francis of Assisi in Yuma (928) 782-1875
- Saint George in Apache Junction (480) 982-2929
- Saint Joseph in Tucson (520) 747-3100
- Saint Mark in Oro Valley (520) 469-7835
- Saint Michael the Archangel in San Tan Valley (520) 723-6570
- Saint Odilia in Tucson (520) 297-7271
- Saint Rita in the Desert in Vail (520) 762-9688
- Saint Thomas the Apostle in Tucson (520) 577-8780
- Yuma Catholic High School (928) 317-7900
Parishes with youth groups include:
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Florence (520) 868-5940
- Blessed Sacrament in Mammoth (520) 487-2451
- Corpus Christi in Tucson (520) 751-4235
- Fort Huachuca Chapel in Sierra Vista (520) 533-4748
- Holy Angels in Globe (928) 425-3137
- Holy Cross in Morenci (928) 865-3183
- Holy Family in Tucson (520) 623-6773
- Immaculate Conception in Ajo (520) 310-4845
- Immaculate Conception in Douglas (520) 364-8494
- Immaculate Conception in Yuma (928) 782-7516
- Immaculate Heart High School in Tucson (520) 297-2851
- Immaculate Heart of Mary in Somerton (928) 627-2918
- Infant Jesus of Prague in Kearny (520) 363-7205
- Lourdes Catholic High School in Nogales (520) 287-5659
- Marine Corp Air Station in Yuma (928) 269-2371
- Most Holy Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Rio Rico (520) 281-7414
- Most Holy Trinity in Tucson (520) 884-9021
- Our Lady of Fatima in Tucson (520) 883-1717
- Our Lady of Grace in Maricopa (520) 568-4605
- Our Lady of LaVang in Tucson (520) 882-3891
- Our Lady of Lourdes in Benson (520) 586-3394
- Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Miami (928) 473-3568
- Our Lady of the Mountains in Sierra Vista (520) 378-2720
- Our Lady of the Valley in Green Valley (520) 625-4536
- Our Mother of Sorrows in Tucson (520) 747-1321
- Sacred Heart in Clifton (928) 865-2285
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Nogales (520) 287-9221
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Parker (928) 669-2502
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tucson (520) 888-1530
- Sacred Heart of Jesus in Willcox (520) 384-3432
- Saint Ambrose in Tucson (520) 622-6749
- Saint Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista (520) 458-2925
- Saint Ann in Tubac (520) 398-2646
- Saint Anthony of Padua in Casa Grande (520) 836-0601
- Saint Augustine Cathedral in Tucson (520) 623-6351
- Saint Augustine Catholic High School in Tucson (520) 751-8300
- Saint Bartholomew in San Manuel (520) 385-4156
- Saint Bernard in Pirtleville (520) 364-2762
- Saint Christopher in Marana (520) 682-3035
- Saint Cyril of Alexandria in Tucson (520) 795-1633
- Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Tucson (520) 297-7357
- Saint Frances Cabrini in Tucson (520) 326-7670
- Saint Francis de Sales in Tucson (520) 885-5908
- Saint Francis of Assisi in Superior (520) 689-2250
- Saint Francis of Assisi in Yuma (928) 782-1875
- Saint George in Apache Junction (480) 982-2929
- Saint Helen in Oracle (520) 896-2708
- Saint Helen of the Cross in Eloy (520) 466-7258
- Saint James the Apostle in Coolidge (520) 723-3063
- Saint John Neumann in Yuma (928) 342-3544
- Saint John the Evangelist in Tucson (520) 624-7409
- Saint Joseph in Hayden (520) 356-7223
- Saint Joseph in Tucson (520) 747-3100
- Saint Joseph the Worker in Wellton (928) 785-4275
- Saint Jude Thaddeus in San Luis (928) 627-8011
- Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in Tucson (520) 622-5363
- Saint Luke in Douglas (520) 364-4411
- Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in Tucson (520) 622-0168
- Saint Mark in Oro Valley (520) 469-7835
- Saint Michael the Archangel in San Tan Valley (520) 723-6570
- Saint Monica in Tucson (520) 294-2694
- Saint Odilia in Tucson (520) 297-7271
- Saint Patrick in Bisbee (520) 432-5753
- Saint Philip the Apostle in Payson (928) 474-2392
- Saint Pius X in Tucson (520) 885-3573
- Saint Rita in the Desert in Vail (520) 762-9688
- Saint Rose of Lima in Safford (928) 428-4920
- Saint Therese of Lisieux in Patagonia (520) 394-2954
- Saint Thomas More Newman Center in Tucson (520) 327-4665
- Saint Thomas the Apostle in Tucson (520) 577-8780
- Saints Peter and Paul in Tucson (520) 327-6015
- San Felipe de Jesus in Nogales (520) 761-3100
- San Martin de Porres in Sahuarita (520) 625-1154
- San Miguel Catholic High School in Tucson (520) 294-6403
- San Solano Missions in Topawa (520) 383-2350
- San Xavier Mission in Tucson (520) 294-2624
- Santa Catalina in Tucson (520) 825-9611
- Santa Cruz in Tucson (520) 623-3833
- Yuma Catholic High School (928) 317-7900
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- Standard Operating Procedures for Youth Ministry (docx)
- Youth Code of Conduct (docx)
- Youth working with younger children Word 2015 (docx) / Word 2018 (doc)
- Young adults in youth groups (doc)
- Youth ministry adult code of conduct, general SOP (docx)
- Checklist for a trip off parish property (docx)
- Driver Information Form (PDF)
- General SOP for Youth Ministry (docx)
- Estandar de Procedimiento (SOP) para Ministerio Juvenile (docx)
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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.
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Organizations & Ministries for Youth
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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.Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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Instagram
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☎ Contact Us
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Father Manu Franco-Gomez, O.Carm.
Director of Youth Ministry✆ (520) 838-2533
✉ [email protected]
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