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Youth Ministry
Formation Programs -
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Course | Specialization | EndorsementCourse - Training on a SpecificA course is an in-person, virtual, or on-demand training that focuses on topic-specific knowledge or skills and is typically 1-10 clock hours in length. Click on the "Course" tab to view individual courses sponsored by OACE
Specialization - A Grouping of Related CoursesA specialization consists of 3-10 related courses totaling at least 15 clock hours. Specializations are hybrid in nature, composing a mix of in-person, virtual, and on-demand courses. A specialization may require a practicum assignment and/or a mentorship component.
Endorsement - A Professional Resume Level RecognitionAn endorsement consists of 3+ specializations. Each office sponsoring an endorsement will have certain required specializations. The electives can be a specialization offered by any office. An endorsement requires a mentorship component and a capstone project.
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All items can be found/registered on CapernaumYouth Ministry Modules
Our youth ministry modules are 2-hour courses focused on knowledge and skills related to working with young people. Most of these modules have in-person and on-demand options.- YM Module: Human Sexuality Catechesis
- YM Module: Joy of Adolescent Catechesis: Curriculum
- YM Module: Mentorship and Accompaniment
- YM Module: Quinceañera Formation (Coming Soon)
- YM Module: Youth Confirmation
- YM Module: Youth Retreats
In-person Courses
We offer several courses geared towards leadership and continuing professional development.- EXPLORE: Foundations for Youth Ministry Leadership
- ASCEND: Professional Growth Days for Youth Ministry Leaders (Offered in the fall and Spring)
- SANCTUS RENOVO: Annual Youth Ministry Leader Retreat
- CONNECT: Quarterly Gathering for Youth Ministry Leaders
Virtual Courses
We offer several virtual (Zoom/Teams) courses geared towards leadership and continuing professional development.- Circle of Grace Coordinator Training
- Jeremiah 1:7 - A program for Youth Ministers to train their teen volunteers in safe environment topics.
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Full details for each Specialization can be found on CapernaumYouth Ministry Foundations - Specialization
This specialization is geared towards volunteers serving in youth ministry at a parish, school, or organization within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. It consists of 10 courses and approximately 25 clock-hours.
Advanced Skills in Youth Ministry - Specialization
This specialization is geared towards employees and/or key leaders/volunteers serving in youth ministry at a parish, school, or organization within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. It consists of 10 courses and approximately 45 clock-hours.
Holistic Christian Relationship - Specialization
This specialization is geared towards helping pastoral/catechetical ministry volunteers and leaders form young people in a holistic approach to Christian relationships. It requires courses in Human Sexuality catechesis, Morality, and Accompaniment. It consists of 5 courses and approximately 15 clock-hours.
Youth Confirmation - Specialization
This specialization is geared towards those who serve as either a coordinator or a catechist for a youth confirmation program. It consists of 8 courses and approximately 22 clock-hours.
Specializations Currently in Development
The following specializations are currently under development and will be available soon.- Retreat Leadership - Specialization
- Lay Pastoral Administration - Specialization
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Professional Youth Ministry Leadership - EndorsementThis is a resume-level program by which the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization endorses the recipient as a professional youth Ministry leader. The registration page for this program will be coming soon.
- Four Required Specializations
- Youth Ministry Foundations - Specialization
- Advanced Skills in Youth Ministry - Specialization
- Retreat Leadership - Specialization (Coming Soon)
- Lay Patroal Administration - Specialization (Coming Soon)
- Two Elective Specializations
- Holistic Christian Relationship - Specialization
- Youth Confirmation - Specialization
- Or a Specialization offered by another Chacery Department
- Completion of Six Mentorship Sessions with OACE Staff
- Mentorship sessions are designed to help the youth ministry leader identify professional goals and articulate a comprehensive mission and vision for youth ministry at their parish.
- Mentorship sessions are designed to help the youth ministry leader identify professional goals and articulate a comprehensive mission and vision for youth ministry at their parish.
- Completion of the OACE Parish Youth Ministry Assessment
- This is a 360-style assessment that requires input from the pastor, volunteers, parents, and youth in the program.
- Four Required Specializations
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Youth Ministry Training DayOur Youth Ministry Training Day is filled with prayer, workshops, and formation for adults and youth serving in a parish youth ministry. There are over a dozen unique workshops available. The event is fully bilingual, offering tracks in English and Spanish.
Many of our YM Modules are offered during the workshop tracks at YMTD, along with specialized workshops for this event.
VIEW REGISTRATION PAGE
Details:- Date: August 29, 2026
- Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Location: St. Dominic Chancery Campus
- Cost: $35/person for individuals or $30/person for Groups of 10+
- Registration Opens on July 1, 2026.
Co-Sponsored by:- The Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization
- Life Teen Inc.
- ADORE ministries
- Oblate School of Theology
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Certificado Básico en Pastoral con Adolescentes
El Certificado Básico en Pastoral con Adolescentes es un programa de entrenamiento para Líderes de adolescentes que es proveído en español con el contexto de la comunidad Hispano/Latino.
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YML Connect
Connect offers Youth Ministry and Parish Catechetical Leaders (both salaried and volunteer leaders) the chance to connect with peers from throughout the Archdiocese for prayer, discussion of ministry topics, and networking.
Connect is open to all youth ministry adult leaders and is absolutely free (lunch included for those who RSVP). Those who would like to attend need to contact the OACE administrative assistant to register at least three days before the event. Contact Jeanette if you want to meet, network, and pray with other PCLs of Youth from the Archdiocese.
Dates
September 15, 2026
November 17, 2026
March 9, 2027
May 18, 2027
Contact Jeanette Gonzalez
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SANCTUS RENOVO - YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER RETREAT
The Sanctus Renovo Retreat is a retreat for all parish catechetical leaders and volunteers within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston who work with younger and older adolescents. During these two days, the retreatants are directed by a leader from the national field of Catholic youth ministry.
January 20-22, 2027
Kemah, TX
Cost: $160 - 2-night | $125 - 1-night
RegisteR Contact Brian Henritze
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ASCEND
As professional members of a parish/school staff, it is important for us to seek out continuing formation to help us in our ministry to young people. Professional Growth Days are centered on addressing current and relevant topics relating to youth ministry. They are a time to learn from experts as well as co-workers in the field. In addition, they provide a collaborating network with other parish/school leaders and promote the sharing of best practices.
Oct 22, 2026 & Apr 15, 2027
More information coming soon
Contact Tim Colbert
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STAFF & CORE FORMATION
OACE offers staff and core team workshops to enhance team dynamics and service to parishioners. These workshops cover topics such as developing emotional intelligence, exploring and applying the thresholds of faith, and the apostolate of spiritual accompaniment . We also offer "The Six Working Geniuses Model" developed by Patrick Lencioni and "The Table Group" . Training can be customized as a single workshop, a full day, or a regular scheduled series, with sessions starting at $10 per person .
Staff & Core Formation Flyer Contact Brian Henritze
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JEREMIAH 1:7
Jeremiah 1:7 is an Archdiocesan safe environment program that provides formation for high school-age youth who assist adults in ministry to children and youth under the age of 18.
Included in this site is a training schedule and site locations for high school-age youth as well as for those qualified and approved adults wanting to be trained as program facilitators. All adult program facilitators must first be approved through the Archdiocesan approval process.
Parish Catechetical Leaders (PCL), DREs and CYMs, utilizing this program, are asked to carefully read and follow the links for procedures, forms, and handouts.
Jeremiah Power Point (Editable)
Jeremiah Leader Packet Contact Tim Colbert
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ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH MINISTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS
The Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Recognition Awards, sponsored by OACE, recognizes the significant and outstanding contributions made by men, women, and youth to the field of Catholic Youth Ministry on the archdiocesan, deanery, and parish levels in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Learn more
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Formación en Español
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CERTIFICADO BASICO EN PASTORAL CON ADOLESCENTES
El Certificado Básico en Pastoral con Adolescentes es un programa de entrenamiento para Líderes de adolescentes que es proveído en español con el contexto de la comunidad Hispano/Latino. Esta formación es beneficial para líderes adultos que trabajan con adolescentes en la parroquia, en movimiento, en grupo de oración o cualquier grupo que forman adolescentes en la fe. La Pastoral con Adolescentes Parroquial es una colaboración de muchos grupos que funciona como pastoral de conjunto. Cada grupo es parte de la “Iglesia que es una”. El designado líder parroquial apoya a esa colaboración.
Las metas de este programa son:- Que el líder latino aprenda como dar testigo y formación de fe a adolescente.
- Que el líder latino aprenda habilidades y formación para formar adolescentes hispanos o latinos en la fe en el contexto de la cultura Hispana/Latina.
El certificado consiste de cuatro días de formación en cual se ofrecen 8 temas:- La Vision de Pastoral Juvenil con Adolescentes
- Ética y Manejo de Crisis
- Evangelización y Catequesis
- Sacramentos, Liturgia, y Oración
- Desarrollo Adolescente
- Liderazgo
- Justicia Social
- Cuidado Pastoral
Ofrecimiento
Este año se cambio el ofrecimiento de clases. En vez de ofrecerlas solamente en otoño, las 4 clases están programadas durante el año escolar. Dos clases en otoño 2026 y dos en la primavera 2027. Por favor vean las nuevas fechas de formación antes de inscribirse.
Los participantes se inscriben en línea por la plataforma- Capernaum. Deben de asistir los 8 componentes en un año para completar el certificado.
Locación: Cancillería San Dominic (2403 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021)
Tiempo: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fechas de 2026 y 2027: octubre 24, diciembre 19, enero 30 (2027), abril 17 (2027)
Para más información, por favor contacte a Jeanette Gonzalez.
La inscripción se abrirá en junio 2026.
Contacte a Jeanette Gonzalez
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FORMACION PARA EQUIPOS DE QUINCE AÑOS
Reconociendo que la celebración de Quince Años es una tradición de la familia hispana, la parroquia es apoyada a utilizar esta celebración como una manera de dar la bienvenida e evangelizar las familias hacia una unión más profunda con Dios y la iglesia. La Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis para Adolescentes ofrece entrenamiento a las personas que componen los Equipos de Quince Años en las parroquias. El entrenamiento incluye información sobre el contexto histórico, modelos de preparación, como formar los equipos parroquiales, música, la celebración Eucarística y otros elementos relacionados con la celebración católica de esta tradición.
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DIAS DE CRECIMIENTO PROFESIONAL
Es importante para nosotros buscar formación continua que nos ayude en nuestro ministerio a los jóvenes. Los Días de Crecimiento Profesional se centran en abordar temas actuales y relevantes relacionados con el ministerio juvenil. Son un momento para aprender de expertos, así como de colegas en el campo. Además, proporcionan una red de colaboración con otros líderes parroquiales/escolares y promueven el intercambio de mejores prácticas.
Locación:
Tiempo:
Fecha:
Contacta Jeanette Gonzalez
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CURSO CATEQUETICO DE SEXUALIDAD HUMANA
- Aprende integrar los componentes de sexualidad humana como discípulo Católico
- Clarifica valores y creencias Católicas sobre sexualidad humana
- Desarrolla herramientas para catequizar edades específicos
- Desarrolla pensamiento criticó en el impacto de los medios de comunicación
Catequistas involucrados en el ministerio catequético que aborda la catequesis sobre la sexualidad. Esto puede incluir a personas en ministerios pastorales, familiares o juveniles. El curso también está abierto a padres de familia o adultos interesados en el tema.
Locación: Cancillería San Dominic (2403 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021)
sabado, octubre 10, 2026: 9am-11am
sabado, febrero 6, 2026: 3pm-5pm
Registración en Capernaum Contacta Amy Ann Davila -
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MESA CONSULTIVA PARA PASTORAL CON ADOLESCENTES
Mesa Consultiva para Pastoral con Adolescentes is an advocacy group to OACE for encouraging parish Catechetical Leaders, parents, and youth toward living their baptismal call amid the diverse expressions of culture within the Catholic Church.
Mesa Consultiva para Pastoral con Adolescentes es un grupo de apoyo para la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis con Adolescentes para animar a los lideres parroquiales, padres, y adolescentes a vivir su llamado bautismal, en medio de las diversas expresiones culturales en la Iglesia Católica.
Contact Jeanette Gonzalez
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Contact Us
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Tim Colberttcolbertarchgh.orgDirector - Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization -
Brian Henritzebhenritzearchgh.orgAssociate Director OACE, Director of Capernaum -
Jeanette Gonzalezjgonzalezarchgh.orgAssociate Director for Hispanic Youth Ministry -
Amy Ann Davilaadavilaarchgh.orgAssociate Director
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