Leader-in-Training Program

About the Leader-in-Training Program

The Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program is the first year of formation for teens who are interested in becoming leaders in pastoral ministry. This program is open to any catholic teen in 8th-10th grade. Teens who are enrolled in the LIT Program commit to a year (8 months under the COVID-19 pandemic) of formation through service, prayer, worship, catechesis, and community building. The LITs are paired with an adult mentor who will accompany them through their year of formation and who can be help them by being a role model in faith. For more information, contact Mirka Gallo at mirka@ucym.org or at 312-927-9710.

The LITs are commissioned and their commitment is made in front of their community that they will take becoming missionary disciples seriously. 

LIT Minimum Requirements (adjusted under the COVID-19 pandemic):
  • 15 hours of service
  • 16 faith formation sessions
  • 8 hours of liturgy
  • Enriching prayer life
  • 20 hours of Youth Group
  • 8 meetings with mentor (once a month minimum)

2020-2021 Leaders-in-Training: Brenda Barajas, Emmett Blunk, Catherine de los Reyes, Melissa Garcia, Natalie Naja, Frida Perez, Keyon Robinson-Tomilo, Miguel Rojas, Caroline Verdon, Stefanie Yuen
Previous LIT Cohorts
2019-20: Adela Bautista, Robert D'Almeida, Emmanuel Guijosa, Shane Koehler-Davis, Ederson Lorenzo, Rhianna McKean, Cecilia Medina, Jasmyne Montoya

2018-19: Harry Castro, Rebeca Castro, Isabella De La Torre, Enzo Gomez, Edgar Guijosa, Hector Montoya, Erandeni Navarrete,  Alize Ramirez

2017-18: Carmelita Armenta, Nathan Beale-DelVecchio, Jeffrey Garcia, Emilio Leon, Liza Moreno, Oliver Pacheco, Francisco "Pancho" Patiño, Mateo Perez, Audrey Pride, Alex Roman

Interested in being a Mentor?

LIT Mentors are young/adults who commit to accompanying an LIT through their year-long program. Check the Employment & Volunteering page for mentor openings!
LIT Program Leadership
Mirka C. Gallo, MSW