Why We Use Pronouns

At UCYM, we believe that every identity holds value and we are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all where we celebrate the dignity of each human person. We have chosen to meet people where they are and use the preferred gender pronouns a person identifies with as we believe it is a necessary step to ensure that everyone is welcome and belong no matter who they are or how they identify

UCYM is committed to empowering and accompanying a new generation of faithful missionary disciples and want to affirm our young people's desire to be inclusive and thoughtful as church.  
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If some of these terms are new to you or you are looking for resources and how they relate to our Catholic identity practices, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team at [email protected].

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A Note from UCYM Leadership
As the Presidents of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of United Catholic Youth Ministries, we affirm this organization's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which holds an authentic foundation in the Gospel. We acknowledge pronouns as a way of demonstrating our deep responsibility to accompany and love our siblings in Christ no matter their background and identity. Over and over, the Gospels and the teachings of Catholic Social Teaching demand us to withdraw judgment in order to show all who Christ is, as Christ did. As our young people continue to face so many dangers in the world: polarization, individualism, intolerance, anger, and so many other things, being welcoming, accepting, and celebratory of who people are is our response to the mental and spiritual health crisis that exists among our young people. For us, it's simple: Everyone is safe with us. Everyone is welcome with. Everyone belongs wherever we are.

Claire Labbe, JD
President

Mireya Dominguez, MNA
Vice President

Obl. James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB
​Executive Director