|
MANY parts.
|
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!
|
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
UCYM takes pride in its roots, which are in the Gospel and the two Great Commandments of Jesus Christ, which are to love God and love our neighbor. During PRIDE Month, UCYM affirms the dignity of each human person who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ Community. You are always welcome in our community and we celebrate you and who you are, which is, first, a person made in the likeness and image of our God, who is love. Happy PRIDE Month!   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!   Statement on Election of Pope Leo XIV |
 |  |
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,
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,
 | |
The Passing of Pope Francis
Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB, Executive Director
Dear UCYM Community,
It is one of those times in life that you will never forget where you were when you first found out. I am writing at 3:15 am after having found out 15 minutes ago of the passing of Pope Francis when feeling a particular urge to check Facebook one last time before bed.
This is a pivotal moment for billions of people as Pope Francis for the last 12 years has prayed for us, challenged us, and helped us take steps forward as church. I won't forget where I was in 2013 when it was announced he was elected pope. I remember not knowing a thing about him, but someone next to me was crying because they were happy to see the institutional Church make this somewhat "daring" move to affirm a leader who was an advocate of reform. That gave me hope.
Over the last 12 years, I have watched Pope Francis lead by example. His actions more often than not spoke louder than his words, which always seemed to bring light to darkness. Pope Francis taught simply. His ideas were not new, but he gave an immensely strong platform for the way the faithful must always have eyes, hearts, and hands to serve the poor and marginalized. His words rang true as I studied liberation theology and discerned that it not only was how I wanted to be in relationship to God, but to my sisters and brothers.
To say that Pope Francis will be missed is an understatement. He was a champion for all who seek to follow Christ. I don't feel it was an accident that he was able to offer us one more Easter message; one more inspiring message of hope as we all now seek to bring to life the hope and love of the resurrected Christ.
As we look ahead and know there will be a conclave, we must pray. Let us pray for our cardinals. Let us pray for each other. Let us pray for Pope Francis. His spirit lives on in all of us.
Pope Francis, pray for us.
It is one of those times in life that you will never forget where you were when you first found out. I am writing at 3:15 am after having found out 15 minutes ago of the passing of Pope Francis when feeling a particular urge to check Facebook one last time before bed.
This is a pivotal moment for billions of people as Pope Francis for the last 12 years has prayed for us, challenged us, and helped us take steps forward as church. I won't forget where I was in 2013 when it was announced he was elected pope. I remember not knowing a thing about him, but someone next to me was crying because they were happy to see the institutional Church make this somewhat "daring" move to affirm a leader who was an advocate of reform. That gave me hope.
Over the last 12 years, I have watched Pope Francis lead by example. His actions more often than not spoke louder than his words, which always seemed to bring light to darkness. Pope Francis taught simply. His ideas were not new, but he gave an immensely strong platform for the way the faithful must always have eyes, hearts, and hands to serve the poor and marginalized. His words rang true as I studied liberation theology and discerned that it not only was how I wanted to be in relationship to God, but to my sisters and brothers.
To say that Pope Francis will be missed is an understatement. He was a champion for all who seek to follow Christ. I don't feel it was an accident that he was able to offer us one more Easter message; one more inspiring message of hope as we all now seek to bring to life the hope and love of the resurrected Christ.
As we look ahead and know there will be a conclave, we must pray. Let us pray for our cardinals. Let us pray for each other. Let us pray for Pope Francis. His spirit lives on in all of us.
Pope Francis, pray for us.
 |  |
Easter Reflection
Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB, Board Member and Spiritual Advisor
Happy Easter!
We have made it through the long forty days of Lent, through the commemoration of the Lord’s supper, and Jesus’s passion and death to Easter! “Let us rejoice and be glad” as the psalms tells us.
And yet, today’s Gospel fails almost completely to convey that sense of joy. It’s still dark when Mary goes to the tomb. Seeing the stone removed, she leaps to the worst-case scenario; and who can really blame her? She has just seen Jesus, her friend, suffer and die; it hardly seems outside of the realm of possibility that “they” would have taken his body away as well.
The disciples too, seem suspended in uncertainty and confusion. They race to the tomb, but stop just short of going in. When the finally do go in, they aren’t certain what they are seeing. Jesus’ death were disturbing enough. Could this man, the one whom had they believed to be the anointed one of God really have been killed in this violent and ignominious way? It’s no wonder that Mary and the disciples meet the empty tomb with fear and confusion rather than joy and hope.
And, yet somehow, I find this confusion to be deeply comforting. Because isn’t this how we often encounter the resurrected Christ in our own lives? Resurrection is always unexpected; always so new as to be confounding and astonishing. It usually takes time and reflection to recognize new life in our midst.
So, “let us rejoice and be glad!” Even if it is still a bit dark out and doesn’t quite look like Easter yet. Even if things seem chaotic and confusing. Even if, we with the disciple do not yet understand, let us with him, look and see and believe.
Happy Easter!
We have made it through the long forty days of Lent, through the commemoration of the Lord’s supper, and Jesus’s passion and death to Easter! “Let us rejoice and be glad” as the psalms tells us.
And yet, today’s Gospel fails almost completely to convey that sense of joy. It’s still dark when Mary goes to the tomb. Seeing the stone removed, she leaps to the worst-case scenario; and who can really blame her? She has just seen Jesus, her friend, suffer and die; it hardly seems outside of the realm of possibility that “they” would have taken his body away as well.
The disciples too, seem suspended in uncertainty and confusion. They race to the tomb, but stop just short of going in. When the finally do go in, they aren’t certain what they are seeing. Jesus’ death were disturbing enough. Could this man, the one whom had they believed to be the anointed one of God really have been killed in this violent and ignominious way? It’s no wonder that Mary and the disciples meet the empty tomb with fear and confusion rather than joy and hope.
And, yet somehow, I find this confusion to be deeply comforting. Because isn’t this how we often encounter the resurrected Christ in our own lives? Resurrection is always unexpected; always so new as to be confounding and astonishing. It usually takes time and reflection to recognize new life in our midst.
So, “let us rejoice and be glad!” Even if it is still a bit dark out and doesn’t quite look like Easter yet. Even if things seem chaotic and confusing. Even if, we with the disciple do not yet understand, let us with him, look and see and believe.
Happy Easter!
 |  |
Holy Saturday Reflection
Brother Alan Parham, FSC, Board Member
Holy Saturday is a day when we remember Jesus in the tomb. It is almost like a day of mourning. Yet there is an expectancy because we know that Easter is coming. The day is often a preparation for church and family celebrations of the Resurrection.
Not everyone attends, but Holy Saturday Evening invites us to celebrate the Easter Vigil. If one meditates on the liturgical texts for that night, it is sheer poetry, which invites us into the Easter Season.
The Easter Vigil begin with the lighting of the Paschal candle. There is the joyful and ebullient hymn called the “Exultet.” (“Let us rejoice!”) We proceed to the darkened church with lit candles. There are nine readings to help us meditate on salvation history. The lights go on, and our candles are extinguished as the altar candles are lit. The bells are rung. After the reading from St. Paul, we stand for the Gospel, which is, of course the Resurrection narrative.
After the homily, it is pure celebration as new Catholics receive the Sacraments of Initiation. We all join them as we renew our Baptismal promises and receive the Eucharist. We leave the Church singing Alleluia and, hopefully, continue to do so in the Easter Season, which is fifty days long. Like the flowers in church, there is a freshness in our hearts, which bursts with new light and restored hope.
Not everyone attends, but Holy Saturday Evening invites us to celebrate the Easter Vigil. If one meditates on the liturgical texts for that night, it is sheer poetry, which invites us into the Easter Season.
The Easter Vigil begin with the lighting of the Paschal candle. There is the joyful and ebullient hymn called the “Exultet.” (“Let us rejoice!”) We proceed to the darkened church with lit candles. There are nine readings to help us meditate on salvation history. The lights go on, and our candles are extinguished as the altar candles are lit. The bells are rung. After the reading from St. Paul, we stand for the Gospel, which is, of course the Resurrection narrative.
After the homily, it is pure celebration as new Catholics receive the Sacraments of Initiation. We all join them as we renew our Baptismal promises and receive the Eucharist. We leave the Church singing Alleluia and, hopefully, continue to do so in the Easter Season, which is fifty days long. Like the flowers in church, there is a freshness in our hearts, which bursts with new light and restored hope.
 |  |
Good Friday
Tina Carter, Board Member
He was born into humble means and had to borrow an animal’s feeding trough with hay to be laid in. It was wise men from far away lands who knew his worth and sacrifice. He was innocent, living in an occupied land doing His Father’s plan. By speaking truth to power in the hopes of returning spiritual freedom to those caught in the spiritual wilderness, he was betrayed, beaten, spit upon, and forced to carry his death device. Hot, humiliated, through blood, sweat, and tears, he carried the weight of the sins of the entire world. Yet, even when he walked, crawled, and stumbled upon the stony road toward his death, he continued to minister to the men, women, and children who saw him. He endured and through the strength that came from his heavenly father, each bloodied step was made to his eventual humanly end…and our spiritual rebirth.
Over two thousand years later, we are still reaping the benefits of this sacrificial lamb who willingly gave his life for us. How do we repay this sacrifice? We treat each other like commodities. We are cruel just because we can. We hide behind unjust laws to break up families and disappear people from the street. We make deals with the devils of this world for profit and short-term gains. We become the ugly, bloodied, bruised scars Christ endured on our behalf.
Christ has redeemed us through his sacrifice. His very death made us whole with God once again. It is incumbent on us to honor that holy scapegoat properly. We are called as the people of God to love one another. Not love one another except… we are called to love one another, period. We are called to be brothers and sisters in this body of Christ. We must embody Christ's strength to serve God and one another.
Over two thousand years later, we are still reaping the benefits of this sacrificial lamb who willingly gave his life for us. How do we repay this sacrifice? We treat each other like commodities. We are cruel just because we can. We hide behind unjust laws to break up families and disappear people from the street. We make deals with the devils of this world for profit and short-term gains. We become the ugly, bloodied, bruised scars Christ endured on our behalf.
Christ has redeemed us through his sacrifice. His very death made us whole with God once again. It is incumbent on us to honor that holy scapegoat properly. We are called as the people of God to love one another. Not love one another except… we are called to love one another, period. We are called to be brothers and sisters in this body of Christ. We must embody Christ's strength to serve God and one another.
