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 Called to Journey Together Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB, Executive Director Dear UCYM Community, As we begin Lent and receive ashes marked in the shape of the cross, we are reminded of who we are: beloved, fragile, and called to return to God with our whole hearts. Lent is not a journey we take alone. We are called to walk together, to journey to the Cross in solidarity with Christ and with one another. The Church gives us three sacred Lenten practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as pathways of conversion for both our hearts and our world. Through prayer, we allow God to shape us. In prayer, we bring before God the realities of our time: people facing uncertainty and fear due to unjust treatment of immigrants and people profiled as an immigrant, communities wounded by racism and homophobia, and a world crying out under environmental degradation. True prayer does not close our eyes to suffering; it opens them. It forms us into disciples who listen deeply and act courageously if we allow to see where God is revealing for us to act. Through fasting, we let go of comfort and indifference. We fast not only from food or distractions, but from attitudes and systems that diminish human dignity. Fasting invites us into solidarity with those who carry crosses daily: young people navigating prejudice, exclusion, and fear. It reminds us that following Christ means standing with those whose dignity is threatened. Through almsgiving, love becomes visible. We share our resources, time, and advocacy so that every young person, regardless of race, background, immigration status, or identity, knows they belong to the heart of the Church. We recommit ourselves to caring for creation, protecting human dignity, and building communities rooted in justice and mercy. At UCYM, our mission has always been accompaniment. This Lent, may we accompany one another more intentionally, walking toward the Cross together, trusting that resurrection hope is born from courageous love. Let us pray boldly, fast with purpose, and give generously. In solidarity with you on the Lenten journey,  Dear UCYM Community,
Peace in Christ! On March 1, United Catholic Youth Ministries will celebrate our 10th Birthday! What began as a faithful “yes” to the Holy Spirit and Renew My Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago's call to renewal and collaboration has grown into a vibrant ministry of accompaniment, leadership development, and life-changing encounters for young people across the Chicagoland area and even a little beyond. As we mark this milestone, our hearts are filled with profound gratitude. Over the past decade, we have witnessed countless moments of grace: teens discovering their voice in faith, young leaders stepping into service with confidence, parishes collaborating across boundaries, and families strengthened through authentic community. From retreats and immersion experiences to leadership formation and parish partnerships, UCYM has been a place where young people know they belong, are seen, and are sent forth as missionary disciples. This anniversary is possible because of your generosity of time, talent, and treasure. Volunteers who stayed late, donors who believed in the mission, board members who stewarded vision, youth ministers who collaborated boldly, and parents who entrusted us with their children — you are the story of UCYM. We also offer special gratitude to our founding pastors whose courage and pastoral imagination gave life to this ministry: Rev. Hernan Cuevas, Rev. Dan Costello, Rev. Kevin McCray, and Rev. Joseph Tito. Their willingness to dream beyond parish walls and invest in young people planted seeds that continue to bear fruit today. Their leadership reminds us that when the Church accompanies young people intentionally, lives are transformed. As we celebrate ten years, we are also looking ahead. We invite you to prayerfully consider three ways to support UCYM’s next decade of impact:
As we celebrate this milestone on March 1, may we remember that anniversaries are not simply about looking back — they are about renewing our commitment to the mission ahead. The same Spirit who inspired our founding continues to move among us. Thank you for ten incredible years. With gratitude and hope, we look forward to the next decade of forming young people who know they are loved, called, and sent. With profound gratitude and recommitted service to you, Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB Executive Director |
