Another amazing year of ministry is behind us, and it is all thanks to YOU. I am incredibly grateful for the dedication of our members and supporters. Together, we amplified NFCYM’s mission, engaged over a hundred members in project teams, and reached more than 17,500 resource visits. As we close the fiscal year, I am truly inspired by the joy of serving together in our mission to reach ministry leaders, young people, parents and families.
Let us take a moment to celebrate all we achieved together in fiscal year 2024 (FY24) which ended June 30.
A big thank you to our focus area champions- Kathy Goller, Cathy Becker, Marisally Santiago, and Mark Mann – for leading our strategy efforts. And a shout-out to all the members who made each focus area shine!
First Things in Youth Ministry, was updated and launched in Spanish as Lo primero en pastoral juvenil con adolescentes, engaged 128 ministry leaders. A big thanks to Katie Carty-Fisher for leading the rewrite and to Armando Cervantes, Lesly Gonzalez-Barragan, Marthamaria Elliot, Gabriella Escalante, Edgardo Juarez, Cynthia Psencik, Maria “Cuquis” Romero for their fantastic work on the Spanish version!
In November 2023, 43 parishes began the Accompaniment Project pilot. Now, resources are available in English and Spanish for everyone, and the pastor study has launched with a report coming this fall. A huge thank you to co-chairs Joe Nufable and Lisa Gomez and to sub-team chairs Cooky Perez-Eraci, Michal Horace, Patrick Donovan, Charlotte McCorquodale, Dave Stagliano, Alison Tate, and JC Montenegro for their amazing work of this project team!
In April, 14 diocesan directors participated in the 2024 New Diocesan Directors Institute, which took place in Baltimore, MD. A big thanks to co-chairs Elaine Philips and Pat Kane, and everyone on the project team for making it such a great experience!
We launched three exciting micro credentials in NFCYM Connect—Spirituality of the Youth Ministry Leader, Adolescent Catechesis, and Mental Health. A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring these into fruition! We are looking forward to more in FY25. Thank you Cathy Becker for her continuous efforts on the micro credentials.
The project team held online and in-person discussions at the 2024 Exchange about the formation needs of Catholic youth ministry leaders and NFCYM’s role in addressing them. In June, a proposal was presented to the board, with more conversations planned for this fiscal year. A big thanks to co-chairs Charlie Hardesty and Michael Marchand and everyone who participated!
The inaugural council wrapped up its two-year term in June 2024. We are currently interviewing for the new council, which will be announced in early October. A big thank you to co-chairs Victoria Hathaway and Rena Black for their dedication to engaging young people!
Partnering with Parents is now the OneTable Initiative. In June, 11 bishops gathered in Louisville for the first OneTable Bishops’ Gathering. The OneTable Coalition is expanding with a website and a bishops’ report coming soon. Thanks so much to Brigitte Burke, Debbie Gonzalez, Christine Taylor, Diane Kledzik, Colleen Trevisani, Dunn Estacio, Jessica Gallegos, Marthamaria Elliot, Socorro Truchan, and Marie Becker for all their hard work!
In April, we sent out over 3,000 copies of our first magazine. Starting in 2025, we will publish three issues per year. Huge thanks to Joe Perdreauville for editing, Marthamaria Elliot as co-editor, and everyone who contributed articles, interviews, and feedback.
To view the latest issue, Click Here >
2023 NCYC – 2023 NCYC brought together over 12,000 participants, exhibitors, bishops, priests, deacons, and many volunteers to reflect on living Fully Alive in Christ. A big thank you to co-chairs Jenny Kodysz, Marcia Lane-McGee, Tammy Becht, and everyone who joined the sub-teams.
To view the 2023 NCYC recap, Click Here >
2024 Exchange – 2024 Exchange gathered nearly 200 ministry leaders in Dallas, TX. Grateful to co-chairs Dave Neeson and Kelly McLoughlin, and all the sub-team members for making it a great event!
Big thanks to Alison Pope, Dan Pin, Laurie Nick, Jane Angha, Brilema Perez, and Alex Barraza for their dedication and hard work in expanding our formation opportunities! Their efforts made a difference.
A heartfelt thank you to Elizabeth Becerra, Rudy Dehaney, Ogechi Akalegbere, Marcia Lane-McGee, Marilyn Santos, and Armando Cervantes for their invaluable contributions to NFCYM’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
In early 2024, we conducted a Member Satisfaction Survey that identified three key themes: Community and Local Connection, Communication and Follow-Through, and Support for All Members. Here is how we are responding:
We value your feedback and partnership. For questions or input, contact Molly Schorr, Membership Coordinator at mollys@nfcym.org or (771) 212-0244.
Want to meet our amazing 12-member NFCYM national staff who are always here to support you?
Need assistance or want to connect with a specific team member?
To reach out, Click Here >
Thank you for your steadfast dedication to our young Church—it truly inspires us all. If you want to dive deeper into NFCYM’s work, just reach out to membership@nfcym.org. We would be happy to connect you with a project team or help you create something new.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in You.
With gratitude,
Christina Lamas
Executive Director, NFCYM
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In this spirit of hope, we invite you to join us in commemorating the significant milestone of 43 years of our organization’s history and service. Whether it’s $4, $43, or even $300, every gift makes a difference!
Join the celebration and help continue inspiring the next generation of Catholic leaders.
Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin
Diocesan Member
"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.
'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."
Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church
Associate Member
"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.
NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."
