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

Participation in youth ministry is increasing at St. James Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. This year, approximately 80 high school students from the parish are involved in small groups categorized by age and gender. These groups engage in various book studies, learn prayer techniques such as lectio divina, participate in service projects, and are guided by volunteer mentors.

Olivia Dvorjak, associate director of faith formation at St. James Church, explained that this model imitates Jesus’ approach to ministry. "The small groups help students share their experiences and participate in intentional conversations with a mentor," she said.

“We live in a post-Christian world right now,” said Dvorjak, emphasizing that Christian principles no longer form society's foundation as they did in previous centuries. She aims to help teens “see that their life is better with Christ at the center of it.”

Dvorjak noted that the method of ministering to teens is crucial. Drawing on her experience in youth ministry, she built the small-group model. She began her career at St. James School as a teacher in 2014 and took on part-time youth ministry duties in 2015 while continuing full-time teaching. In 2021, after what she described as a particularly fruitful prayer where she heard the words “Cast my net further,” she transitioned into full-time faith formation.

She felt called to leave the school setting for parish ministry to extend her reach to children who do not attend Catholic schools. Most high school students in Elizabethtown and Hardin County attend public schools; thus, their religious education primarily comes from the parish.

Shortly after transitioning into full-time ministry, Dvorjak questioned why many youths she had previously ministered were no longer practicing Catholics. This led her to two books: “Forming Intentional Disciples” by Sherry Weddell and “The Art of Forming Young Disciples” by Everett Fritz.

Dvorjak created a small-group model focused on discipleship at her parish. Each year begins with meetings with parents to understand each family’s needs, including practical details like optimal meeting times and locations for their teen’s group.

By accommodating families' schedules, more teens can participate despite busy sports commitments. Dvorjak stressed that teens should not have to choose between sports and faith; they can be both successful athletes and faithful Catholics.

With this information, Dvorjak forms small groups led by two adult mentors each, whom she oversees and equips with resources. Expanding her ministry to include mentors was challenging initially due to pride issues but ultimately proved humbling and beneficial for the program's growth.

“Nobody wants to be invited to be a warm body,” Dvorjak stated about recruiting volunteers. However, when people are shown a mission and vision, they become invested.

Additionally, Dvorjak has aligned the parish’s two-year confirmation preparation process with the small-group model. Post-confirmation gatherings are integrated into this process so newly confirmed individuals understand that confirmation continues their Catholic faith formation journey rather than concluding it.