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The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham Office for Youth Ministry provides advocacy, training, and support for youth ministers as they strive to build the Kingdom of God in the lives of young people. This office provides diocesan-wide events for youth and the adults who serve them.
Whether your parish already has a thriving youth ministry program or currently is without any, here are some ways this office can offer assistance in helping priests and their teams increase outreach to teenagers in your parish.
● Share current youth ministry needs with pastors
● Assist in the hiring of new youth personnel (upon request)
● Collaborate with your youth minister to develop an effective youth ministry
● Collaborate with your youth minister to develop an effective team of core volunteers
● Respond to challenges and needs in youth ministry as they arise
● Facilitate training for your youth ministers, volunteers, and catechists
● Share inter-parish resources as needed and available
● Coordinate regional, national, and international encounters, e.g. World Youth Day, Eucharistic Youth Congress, Catholic Youth on Mission, etc.
To schedule a meeting with the Director of Youth Ministry, email cwiget@bhmdiocese.org.
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Events
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Thursday, June 1, 7:30 PM - 8:10 PMJoin us as we prepare for our pilgrimage praying through Scripture, Adoration, and the inspiring message for youth from St. Pope John Paul II.Read More
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Thursday, June 8, 7:30 PM - 8:10 PMJoin us as we prepare for our pilgrimage praying through Scripture, Adoration, and the inspiring message for youth from St. Pope John Paul II.Read More
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Thursday, June 15, 7:30 PM - 8:10 PMJoin us as we prepare for our pilgrimage praying through Scripture, Adoration, and the inspiring message for youth from St. Pope John Paul II.Read More
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Thursday, June 22, 7:30 PM - 8:10 PMJoin us as we prepare for our pilgrimage praying through Scripture, Adoration, and the inspiring message for youth from St. Pope John Paul II.Read More
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World Youth Day 2023
For the first time, the Diocese of Birmingham is partnering with Verso Ministries to guide youth on a World Youth Day pilgrimage on Aug. 1-6, 2023. The experience will consist of 11 days and 10 nights in beautiful and historic Portugal. Preceding World Youth Day events, our group will explore Santarem, Sintra, and Fatima. Pilgrims will spend the remainder of the trip engaging in catechesis offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), praise and worship at the Youth Festival, and reconciliation. Pope Francis will lead the Stations of the Cross, a candlelight vigil, and celebration of the closing Mass. We will sleep under the stars with pilgrims from around the world on our final night.
World Youth Day is pilgrimage of young people from all over the world gathering for a chance to foster a personal encounter with Christ in the “laboratory of faith.” Since its institution by Pope John Paul II in 1986, over ten million youth have attended World Youth Days. One million youth are expected to gather for the 16th World Youth Day celebration with His Holiness Pope Francis.
Using the words of the Apostles, Pope Francis calls us to “Arise! I have appointed you to testify to what you have seen” (Acts 26:16). The theme for 2023 is “Mary went in haste...” When Mary heard the good news that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, she hurried to meet her. We also should be eager to spread the Good News. Mary greeted her cousin with love and friendship. This same pattern can inform the relationship young people cultivate with Christ.
Our youth are not simply the future of the Church - they are the present. Wherever young people gather, their passion and enthusiasm are infectious. When young people gather to grow closer to Christ, their passion can be transformative.
If you are interested in sponsoring an individual or group to participate in this pilgrimage, please contact Carol Wiget at cwiget@bhmdiocese.org.
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2022 Formation DayAugust 13, 2022 -
2023 Peace RetreatChrist Prince of Peace Retreat Center
February 17-20, 2023 -
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Teen Femm
The Diocese of Birmingham is pleased to offer teenFEMM and adult FEMM classes free of charge to any Diocesan group. Teachings are typically conducted in 2-3 separate sessions, but we are willing to work with your needs! Space is limited due to time and availablility. Personalized chart reviews or 1:1 private classes can be sought as a separate paid service.
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