Will you help us Spread the Light?

On January 26, 1999 St. John Paul II addressed the young people of St. Louis and surrounding areas from the stage of the Kiel Center:

“He wants you- all of you- to be light to the world, as only young people can be light. It is time to let your light shine!”

Out of that papal visit the Office of Youth Ministry was born here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Here we are, twenty-one years later, continuing to carry out our mission of equipping leaders with the necessary tools, training, formation and events in order that all young people hear the Gospel message and be empowered to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our parishes and in our world. Our team works to support parishes, pastors, youth ministers, scout leaders and the Totus Tuus program so that ultimately, the light of young people can shine and be shared with the Church! That is the heart of youth ministry!

The OYM is launching the St. John Paul II Scholarship Fund: Investing in Youth Ministry. This fund will allow us to provide funds to parishes here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis to start or strengthen youth ministry.

Out of 178 parishes in the Archdiocese 54% have an active youth ministry program and 42% have an active scouting program. We have room to grow! With pastor support, our office will partner with parishes to provide training, resources, and with your help, financial support to parishes looking to build or strengthen sustainable outreach to young people. These scholarships will help fund:

• Adult Leader training
• Resource materials and membership fees for youth ministry programs
• Participation in youth ministry certification programs
• Event scholarships and more

Will you join us on our endeavor to expand sustainable youth ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Louis through prayer and financial support? Please join us in praying for all young people, that they would have the courage to let their light shine in our world.