Youth Ministry

The Youth Ministry Division in the Office of Religious Education is committed to assisting those in ministry with youth, ages 10-18, in both parish and school settings.  Our mission is to is to nurture and develop the faith life of our youth by equipping leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques for creative ministry, including confirmation.

• 2011-2012 Master Calendar for Ministry with Young People: Use this link to access a calendar of all our ministry events from July 2011 through June 2012.
  
• 2012 Confirmation Coordinator Orientation and Training: A five night training program designed for those that coordinate the Confirmation Process at their parish.  This course covers the Archdiocesan guidelines for Confirmation, developing a process, team development, components of a process, liability issues, and much more.  The sessions will be held at the San Fernando Regional Center on May 29, 30, June 5, 6, and 12 from 6:30pm until 9:30pm.  Check out the link above for more information and a registration form.
• National Certificate Program in Youth Ministry Studies: A two-year program to become nationally trained to work with young people.  Program is co-sponsored with the Center for Ministry Development.  Eight courses over those two years.  Program begins in November of 2011.  Check out the registration brochure.  Information is now also available for the 2012-2013 classes.
• Annual Silent Directed Retreat: A week-long retreat for all adults in ministry.  Join other participants in this chance to take a break from the hustle of ministry and spend some quality time with God.  You will also meet daily with a spiritual director and attend other activities to help you on your journey.  The program is held at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center and the cost is $395 (all inclusive).  Check out the link above for more information and a registration form.
• Camp Big Deal: A five day leadership camp for young adolescents in the Santa Barbara Region.  This camp is designed to help Junior Highers develop their leadership skills using a variety of games, sessions and worship experiences.  There are a limited number of spots available for campers outside the Santa Barbara Region based on a recommendation from their Youth Minister, DRE or Catholic School Teacher.
• Christian Leadership Institute: A week long training for high school students (Sophomores through Seniors) that plan to serve on parish or school core teams.  The institute will be held from July 22-27 at St. Mary's Seminary Retreat Center in Santa Barbara.  Young people must be recommended by a coordinator at a parish or school.  For an application and more information follow the application link.
• Signed and Anointed to Witness (Santa Barbara):  S.A.W. is a five day retreat in the Santa Barbara region for youth who have been recently confirmed.  S.A.W. is offered July 30-August 3 at St. Mary's Seminary Retreat Center.  The goal of the S.A.W. retreat is to motivate and assist confirmed youth in sharing and living the Sacrament of Confirmation by: developing leadership and witnessing skills, deepening their faith and love for the Lord Jesus, helping them grow as peer ministers.  For more information contact Heather MacDonald at heather@sbpr.org.
• Signed and Anointed to Witness (Los Angeles): or SAW South will be offered in Los Angeles from July 30-August 3 at St. Joseph Retreat Center in Rosemead.  This is a week-long program that gives young people skills in evangelization.  Any high school youth that has already been confirmed is invited to the program.  Skills that are learned include: giving witness talks, sharing your faith with others, and leading small groups discussions.  Information for the program can be found by following the link above or by emailing: SignedAndAnointedToWitness@gmail.com.   
• Confirmation Catechist Specialization: A two day training for all volunteers/catechist that help with the high school Confirmation Process in the parish setting.  The training will be offered in all five regions during the month of August.  Please see the above link for all information and a registration form.
• Young Adolescent Specialization: A two day training for all adults that work in ministry with junior high age youth - in religious education or a full youth ministry program.  The training will be offered at Annunciation Parish in Arcadia on August 18 & 19.  Please see the link above for more information and a registration form.  
• Youth Ministry Specialization: A two day training for youth ministry leaders in which coordinators and volunteers will develop knowledge and skills that will enhance their ministry with young people. This training will be offered at Annunciation Parish in Arcadia on August 18 & 19, and at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Northridge on August 25 & 26.
• Girl Scouts USA and Letter from Bishop Kevin Rhoades:  A letter from the chair of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth addressing recent concerns pertaining to misunderstandings of GSUSA.  Please share this with your local parish troops, as well. 
• Coordinator Orientation and Resource Day:  This annual training day gives new coordinators an overview of the Archdiocese and the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, as well as covering important topics like liability issues, requirements for all types of reporting, insurance certificates and much more.  This day-long training will be held at the San Fernando Pastoral Regional Center on Saturday, September 8 from 9am until 5pm.  Registration closes August 31st.   
  
    

​​​​​​​​​​​​​