Conferences and Events

The National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry hosts gatherings for all in the Church interested in improving ministry to and with young adults in the Church. Resources from these gatherings are available at the following links.

Monthly Leadership Webinars

The USCCB National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry (NATYAM), in collaboration with Loyola University New Orleans, hosts monthly webinars and conversations on topics of interest to those engaging with and accompanying young adults across the United States.

To see past webinars, go directly to the " Resources for Ministry Leaders " page on this website.

National Leadership Forum on Ministry with Young Adults

Monday-Friday, December 7-11, 2020

The USCCB National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry (NATYAM) regularly hosts a National Leadership Forum on Ministry with Young Adults, open to all those who accompany and connect with young adults (ages 18 to 39) in their ministerial context.

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The most recent National Leadership Forum was held December 7 to 11, 2020, on the NATYAM’s digital platform. Those interested in accompanying young adults gathered in fellowship and prayer to share best practices and learn new and innovative skills in ministering to and with young adults.

For this year, recognizing the pandemic and the global and local realities that young adults are facing (and fully aware of the economic issues that have impacted the Church’s pastoral care with young adult men and women), the Forum focused on “innovation in ministry” as a way forward. Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2020 message to young people (based on Lk 7:14), the theme of this year’s Forum was “Arise! Ministry with Young Adults in a Time of Innovation.” The online event featured constructive conversations, professional development, prayer, networking, and resource sharing – through live events, social media, pre-recorded video workshops, and email communications.

“Arise!” is also an invitation to “dream,” to “take a risk,” to be “committed to changing the world,” to rekindle your hopes and aspirations, and to contemplate the heavens, the stars and the world around you. “Arise and become what you are!”

- Pope Francis, Message for the Thirty-Fifth World Youth Day, 11 February 2020

The Forum consisted of a series of workshops in which highlighted bishops, ministry experts, and pastoral leaders who shared their wisdom with the participants from across the United States (as well as a few from other countries). Topics from the workshops included “New to Ministry with Young Adults,” “Seasoned Ministers to Young Adults,” “Forming Parish Leaders to Walk with Young Adults,” “Ministry with College Students,” “Caring for the Minister,” a “Ministry with Young Adults Tool Kit,” and many more.

If you were unable to join the Forum live and would like to access the content, please email Mary Grace Zwilling at @email.

Below are some of the popular talks given at the Forum that you can access for free.

Keynote Session: Ministry Meets Innovations:
Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello
Watch in Spanish (original)
Watch in English (voiceover)
English Transcript

Ministry with Young Adults 101: Paul and Sarah Jarzembowski
Have you ever asked the question, "How do I start ministering to young adults?" Look no further. Ministry with Young Adults 101 will help you figure out your first steps into ministry with young adults.
Watch Session 1
Watch Session 2

ABC's of Young Adult Ministry: Brenda Noriega
As you start your ministry with young adults, there are some things that you should always keep in mind. This session will explore the "ABC's" of ministry with young adults and how they can help you and your ministry.
Watch here

The Non-negotiables of Building Young Adult Community: Pete Burak
When asked what is most lacking or most needed in their faith life, most young adults answer, "Community!" We all long to be part of a community, but we struggle to find it, build it, or sustain it. In this presentation, Pete will breakdown the absolutely essential, non-negotiable elements of authentic Christian community and give practical tips on how to utilize them in your parish.
Watch here

The State of Ministry with Young Adults: Diana Hancharenko
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." To honor God and our purpose, we must honor our temples. Striving for wellness allows us to be equipped to do the work the Lord has requested of us.
Watch here

Start with One: One Person, One Gathering, One Ministry: Victoria Hathaway
It can be really daunting when you first feel called to engage in ministry with young adults. There are a lot of expectations that can be placed upon your shoulder and lots of ideas of what the perfect ministry looks like. This workshop will help you take a deep breath and focus on the call that you have received to minister to young adults and how it all starts with one: engaging with one young adult, trying one new thing, one ministry.
Watch here

The event included over 10 bishops, 80 speakers, and 400 registered participants from six countries (including the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Pakistan, and Italy) and over 100 dioceses. Below are a series of resources that were provided throughout the week:

Forum Program Book

Forum Schedule

Spiritual Themes of the Week