Empowering parish youth ministers from volunteer to vocational leaders

A panel of youth ministry leaders and a priest speak during a panel on the impacts of Vietnamese youth ministries in the Archdiocese at the 2022 Archdiocesan Youth Conference in Houston. File photo by James Ramos/Herald)HOUSTON — Ministering to the young Church is more than just guiding teens. While many parish youth ministers begin with a passion to connect with these young people and nurture their faith, they soon realize the role demands far more. These ministers become key ministry partners, working closely with pastors, parish staff and parents, often bridging the gap between generations and ministries. ​

To meet these challenges, youth ministers require more comprehensive formation to serve the youth and the broader Church community effectively. The Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization (OACE) provides that formation, offering leadership, resources and training that help youth ministers grow as faith leaders and guide the next generation of disciples. 

“It’s not just youth ministry, the calling, but youth ministry, the vocation,” said Brian Henritze, associate director of OACE. “Watching some of these younger ministers make the connections that take them from just volunteering to becoming one who is deeply impacting the parish has been really fruitful,” Henritze said. 

He said the training is enhanced by retreats, Confirmation formation sessions, curriculum workshops, and EXPLORE, a four-part foundational program designed for youth ministry leaders in their first two years. It’s part of the Youth Ministry Essentials Certificate, which includes 12 packaged programs totaling around 50 hours of learning and features one-on-one mentorship from OACE staff to build confidence and competence as parish leaders. 

Henritze believes the one-on-one mentorship sets OACE’s leadership program apart on a national level. This personalized guidance helps youth ministers become confident in their roles and responsibilities while providing ongoing support and spiritual accountability. 



“The leadership program helps them navigate the ins and outs of parish life, balancing what it means to be a minister in the parish and serve young people and their families,” Henritze said. “There’s an intentionality about the program, which lets them know that they are not on an island or alone, but part of a broader community here to support them.” 

Henritze said the formation model implemented by OACE has been effective in parish settings. For example, in one southern deanery, a cohort led by youth leaders who took the leadership training courses now organizes an annual youth camp that has attracted 300 to 400 teens.  

“Much of their success is due to the foundational skills they were able to learn through the OACE leadership training,” said Henritze. “They also formed strong relationships, making connections that allow them to serve not just their own parish, but the wider Church of Galveston‑Houston.” 

OACE is one of 60-plus ministries that receive funding from the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF). Henritze said OACE owes its very existence to DSF, as every ministry and service it provides relies on this essential annual funding. 

“DSF has helped us purchase equipment and find the support to develop these new programs,” Henritze said. “This gives us time to do more than just check off boxes behind a computer. DSF enables our staff to engage in the mentorship of parish leaders, which has become crucial.” 

Henritze said OACE is always exploring new ideas and strategies to sustain its mission and uphold a flexible, forward-thinking mindset, essential for effectively reaching and evangelizing today’s youth. 

“The culture of our young people and their families is constantly changing,” said Henritze. “Every year, our staff researches new ideas and engages in professional development so we can create new programs that meet the needs of those serving in the parish.” 

To learn more about OACE, visit www.archgh.org/OACE. To donate to the DSF annual appeal, which supports over 60 ministries, visit www.archgh.org/DSF. Every dollar donated to DSF directly funds ministries that provide essential services, education and outreach throughout the Archdiocese.