United Catholic Youth Ministries
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MANY parts.
​ONE Body of Christ.
​EVERYONE belongs here.


​For more stories on what UCYM is up to in the community and what members of our team are doing on behalf of UCYM, follow us on social media @unitedcatholicym on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Happy Mother's Day!

5/11/2025

 
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​Dear UCYM Community,

Happy Mother's Day! It's a beautiful day to celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and people who live motherly roles in our lives. 

When she was very young, Mary said yes to being the mother of God. God chose her, however, long before that moment. Since that time, God has called countless of people into motherly roles and Mary has been an example for each one. 

Though Jesus was fully divine, he was fully human. Mary still had to raise a human son. Mary experienced moments of frustration, deep love, and perhaps even confusion. Every motherly figure who cares for someone probably has these feelings at one point or another. Mary also experienced deep pain as she accepted the destiny of her Son and walked with him through his passion and death. 

This Mother's Day, we pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother for health, happiness, and courage for all of those who we consider to be mothers in our lives. 

Mary, Blessed Mother, pray for us! 
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Habemus Papam!

5/8/2025

 
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Statement on Election of Pope Leo XIV
Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB, Interim Executive Director

Dear UCYM Community,

As you are all well aware by now, we received the somewhat surprising news through white smoke that the Holy Spirit moved our cardinal electors to come to agreement on who should be our new pope. This is always a special moment not just in our Church, but throughout the entire world. 

After four votes, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as our 267th pope and took the name Pope Leo XIV. 

Pope Leo is a Chicago native and graduate of Catholic Theological Union. Reports indicate that he is a White Sox fan (I know, sorry Cubs fans)! This is an exciting moment for the United States as he is the first American pope and, even more exciting, from Chicago. 

I listened to his words spoken from the balcony in St. Peter's Square and they brought me tears. The spirit of Pope Francis, of synodality, and a call for unity rang true. 

"We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love." -Pope Leo XIV

These words bring me so much hope for how our Church will continue forward. May we join with Pope Leo in his vision to be a missionary church; a people going out and bringing Christ to every part of the world, especially in those spaces where there is a lack of love, inclusion, and hope.

St. Peter pray for us!
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A May Message

5/4/2025

 
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Statement on Trump AI Image and May Celebrations
Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB, Interim Executive Director

Dear UCYM Community,

Yesterday, our youth leaders brought a photo generated by artificial intelligence (AI) of our president portrayed as the pope to our attention, which was shared by the White House. I want to take this moment to express my deepest disappointment in this on behalf of our entire leadership and join other Catholic leaders in saying that it was not acceptable. I also join my colleagues in demanding an apology not only from President Donald Trump, but the White House and any other official government agency that has shared this photo, even in jest, during a difficult time as we continue to mourn the passing of Pope Francis and prepare to spiritually support our cardinals in the papal conclave. The image is not only offensive to Catholics, but to all people of good will. 

Despite this shocking moment, we want to continue to move forward and pray that the hearts of those who would condone such actions are moved to reconciliation and better judgment. 

There is a lot to celebrate and be aware of in the month of May: Star Wars Day, Mental Health Awareness, Mary; Our Blessed Mother, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, graduations, and First Communions to name a few. May 7 also marks the beginning of the papal conclave in Rome. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our cardinals as they discern who will be called to lead our church. Let us also continue to remember the legacy of Pope Francis as he now rests in the loving arms of God. 

We also continue our 50-day Easter journey during May and look forward to our Pentecost sending forth in June. As we mark all of these special days and the joyful moments that accompany them, may we remember that each brings hope in the Risen Christ. 

May this month of May bring you many blessings and infectious joy to share with others! 

In the hope and joy of the Risen Christ,
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MANY parts. ONE Body of Christ. EVERYONE belongs here.

Address & Hours

Mailing Address
St. Scholastica Monastery
7430 N. Ridge Blvd.
​Chicago, IL 60645
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After Hours (Immediate Assistance - TEXT ONLY)
If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, please call 9-1-1. If you need non-emergency resources, contact us. 
Phone: 224-307-4048

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UCYM is a tax-exempt organization with a 501(c)(3) status. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about giving, please contact us at [email protected].
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​© United Catholic Youth Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
  • ABOUT US
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
    • Protection of Children and Youth
    • Who We Are
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • News Room
    • Resources >
      • Domestic Violence Outreach
      • Care for Creation
      • V Encuentro
      • LGBTQ+ Community >
        • AGLO
        • Global Catholic Resource Center
        • God Is On Your Side
        • New Ways Ministry
        • Outreach - An LGBTQ Catholic Resource
      • Vocations
    • Calendar
    • Store
  • PROGRAMS
  • JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
    • Sites & Partners
    • Volunteer & Employment
  • Donate
  • CONTACT US
  • Jubilee 2025
  • Pope Francis