In consultation with Archdiocesan officials and informed by current CDC guidelines parishes are asked to cancel all in-person religious education and youth ministry programs, gatherings, retreats, and events until April 20, 2020.
It is critical that pastors and parish formation leaders have conversations on rescheduling of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
The experience we offer to our young people and families as part of religious education and youth ministry is a very important one. It helps them encounter the Living God and grow in their faith as part of the Catholic community. Working in collaboration with parents and guardians, our programs help lay the foundation of a life in Christ.
This is now a wonderful time to focus on how we can support our families in these challenging times and to help them invite Jesus into the process. Although we may not be able to gather as community in the traditional sense, we can gather together in our hearts and in our prayer--and even online!
The Department of Youth Faith Formation will be sending out tools for you to help families share faith at home, including a weekly PDF that can be forwarded to parents and guardians.
Here in the Office of Youth Ministry, we are also putting together resources for engaging your youth ministry during social distancing. In the meantime, check out these great resources from project YM. https://projectym.com/live/
Know that you, your families, and your ministries remain in our prayers.
Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us!
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us!