Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Youth ministry leaders from around the Archdiocese of Louisville gathered for prayer, networking, and formation during the Archdiocese of Louisville’s 2024 Youth Minister Gathering on August 8-9 at the Flaget Center.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrated Mass with the youth ministers and then commissioned them for service. The 15 participants represented youth ministry programs from various parishes in LaRue, Marion, Meade, Oldham, Washington, Hardin, and Jefferson counties.

A key focus of the two-day gathering was the U.S. bishops’ new document on youth ministry titled “Listen, Teach, Send.” Michal Horace, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults, described the document as “a great affirmation of what we’re doing” and emphasized its clear directive for youth ministers.

“The document says leaders must first listen to the youth,” Horace noted. He added that evangelization and catechesis should be adjusted based on young people's lived realities.

Shelly Cronen from Our Lady of Lourdes Church shared her commitment to youth ministry during the event. As a mother who joined her church's staff in November, she stressed that youth ministry provides a spiritual space for young people to be nourished. She highlighted a concern that Catholic children who take religion classes at school might lack religious engagement if they attend public high schools or college without such classes.

“Youth ministry can help teens take it a step further,” Cronen said.

Following the event, Horace expressed his hope that it fostered a stronger sense of community among youth leaders. “I hope that the youth ministers know they are part of a larger community and that there are colleagues to plan with, collaborate with, share joys and find a sympathetic ear,” he concluded.