CYO/Young Adult Ministry office to host diverse forum

A CYO Youth Ministers Forum will be held Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the archdiocesan CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, 2241 Mendez St., New Orleans.

The forum is open not only to Catholic parish youth ministers but also to high school campus ministers and religion and theology teachers, said Adrian Jackson, director of the CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministry office.

“This is an opportunity for those working in youth ministry, whether at a parish or high school, to come together for a time of prayer, fellowship and networking,” Jackson said. “We’re all doing the same thing – to reach youth and bolster their faith,” he said about opening up the forum this year to religion teachers.

The morning will begin with a welcome from Archbishop Gregory Aymond, followed by keynote speakers Deacons Lawrence Houston and Terrel Broussard, who will break open the United States Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB’s) pastoral letter on racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts.”

“If we’re not having the difficult conversations with our young people, who is?” asked Jackson. “Hopefully, this will be a start on something we can continue to discuss in the archdiocese.”

The morning event also gives the CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office a chance to roll out its events and programming for the upcoming year.

The next big CYO event is the NOLA Catholic Youth Conference 2023, “Stir Into Flame,” Sept. 30 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans.

The conference is open to seventh through 12th graders. Speakers include Father Andrew Gutierrez, Father Josh Johnson, Father Ajani Gibson (emcee) and Archbishop Aymond, who will be the Mass celebrant and homilist. Register youth groups at bit.ly/3NTwvOp.

“We are so excited to gather together as servant leaders of the young church,” Jackson said about the forum.

He said first-timers are especially welcome, and he encouraged those who don’t have an official youth minister to send a representative because “parish/school representation is vital.”

Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP for the forum by going to: bit.ly/3Q1eNuV;  email, [email protected]; or call (504) 836-0551.