Youth Office
The Youth Office for the Diocese of Peterborough is responsible for assisting and supporting Pastors, Parish Youth Ministers, and High School Chaplaincy Leaders in engaging young people in grades 5-12 and those aged 18-35 throughout the Diocese in the life and mission of the Church.
Youth ministry is one of the most important missions of the Church, as it prepares future generations to be joyful disciples of Christ. Pope Leo XIV spoke to youth and reminded them that they have an important role and mission in the Church:
“In this way, dear young people, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can become missionaries of Christ in the world. Many of your peers are exposed to violence, forced to use weapons, separated from their loved ones, and compelled to migrate or flee. Many lack education and other essential goods. All share with you the search for meaning and the insecurity that accompanies it, the discomfort of growing social and work pressures, the difficulty of dealing with family crises, the painful feeling of a lack of opportunities, as well as the remorse for mistakes they have made. You can stand alongside other young people, walk with them, and show that God, in Jesus, has drawn close to each person. As Pope Francis often said, “Christ shows that God is closeness, compassion, and tender love” (Encyclical Letter Dilexit nos, 35).
Granted, it is not always easy to bear witness. In the Gospels, we often find tension between acceptance and rejection of Jesus:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). Similarly, the disciple-witness experiences rejection firsthand and sometimes even violent opposition. The Lord does not hide this painful reality: “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you” (Jn 15:20). However, it becomes an opportunity to put into practice the greatest commandment: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). That is what the martyrs have done since the beginning of the Church. Dear young people, this is not a story that belongs only to the past. To this day, in many places around the world, Christians and people of goodwill suffer persecution, deceit, and violence. Perhaps this painful experience has marked you as well, and you may have been tempted to react instinctively by putting yourselves on the same level as those who have rejected you, adopting aggressive attitudes. But let us recall the wise advice of Saint Paul: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).[1] So do not be discouraged: like the saints, you too are called to persevere with hope, especially in the face of difficulties and obstacles.”
The mission of the Youth Office is to:
- Develop and implement a strategic plan to address the needs for Youth Ministry across the Diocese.
- Provide support to local parish pastors and youth ministers to assist them in beginning and enhancing youth ministry through consultations, practical resources, and pastoral aid.
- Maintain contact with all four deaneries to coordinate youth ministry activities.
- In consultation with faith animators, extend support to Catholic School Board Chaplaincy Leaders and Faith Formation Leaders to help further the faith formation and development of young people and work with Catholic School Board and parishes to develop programming.
- Plan and implement diocesan events geared to addressing and appealing to the needs of our young people.
- Work closely with Peterborough Campus Ministry to coordinate and encourage Catholic young adults’ ministry to those aged 18-35, particularly in the Peterborough area.
- Oversee the annual Way of the Cross event on Good Friday through the streets of Peterborough by means of recruitment of a director, support volunteers, and logistical frameworks.
- Promote close relationships among the elementary/secondary educational communities and local parishes.
- Develop and implement training initiatives for youth ministry leaders to build capacity to serve including the Youth Ministers’ annual retreat, training days, and professional development opportunities.
- Organize diocesan-wide trips to youth ministry relevant events, such as and not limited to: World Youth Day, Steubenville, Rise Up, March for Life, Youth Banquet, and Conferences, etc.
[1] https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/youth/documents/20251007-messaggio-xl-gmg.html