What is Lifelong Formation?

A pathway for all to encounter Christ. 

At St. Cletus Parish, lifelong formation is rooted in the belief that faith is not simply learned; it is lived, shared, and continually deepened throughout every stage of life. From infancy to adulthood, our parish community walks together as disciples of Jesus Christ, growing in faith through prayer, learning, service, and community. 

The Office of Lifelong Formation provides opportunities for all to encounter Christ, explore the richness of the Catholic tradition, and discover their unique call to discipleship through opportunities for learning, prayer, worship, and community building. Whether someone is just beginning their journey of faith or seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with God, St. Cletus offers a welcoming pathway for all!

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2026-2027 Information

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​Questions about registration or programs?
Contact Liz Nunez, Ministries Assistant at [email protected] or ​708-968-6070.

Programs Information

Children's Faith Formation (PreK-5th grade)
Preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist
Sunday 9:00-10:15 AM or Monday 6:00-7:15 PM

Special Religious Development (SPRED)
Monday 6:00-8:00 PM

Middle School Youth Ministry (Confirmation 6th-8th grade)
Sunday 9:00-10:15 AM or Monday 6:00-7:15 PM

Teen Seekers (Middle and High School Sacramental Preparation)
Wednesday 6:30-7:45 PM

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
​Thursday 6:30-8:00 PM

Tuition Information

Children's Faith Formation* 
​Middle School Youth Ministry*
  • 1 Child/Teen: $300
  • 2 Children/Teens: $500
  • 3 Children/Teens: $650
  • 4+ Children/Teens: $750
SPRED
No cost or fees.
OCIA and Teen Seekers
$100 per teen or adult.
*Any child or teen receiving a sacramental, there is an additional $75 sacramental fee that covers administrative, liturgy, and retreat expenses. 

Our Ministry Areas

Children and Family Formation
Children and families are at the heart of our parish community. Through engaging catechesis, prayer, and community-building opportunities, we support parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith. 

Children & Family Ministry includes: 
  • Faith formation for children in elementary school. 
  • Children’s Liturgy of the Word 
  • Vacation Bible School 
  • Family-centered catechesis and gatherings 
  • Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion 
  • Opportunities for families to pray, serve, and grow together 
  • Seasonal celebrations during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter 

Our goal is to help children encounter God’s love and to support families in building strong foundations of faith in the home. 
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry at St. Cletus accompanies middle school and high school students as they grow in faith, identity, and leadership. Through community, service, prayer, and meaningful conversation, young people are invited to discover how Christ is present in their lives. 

Youth Ministry opportunities may include: 
  • Weekly or monthly youth gatherings 
  • Service and social justice opportunities 
  • Retreats and faith experiences 
  • Leadership development and peer ministry 
  • Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation 

We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where young people can ask questions, build friendships, and deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church. 

St. Cletus collaborates with our neighboring parishes of St. John of the Cross and St. Francis Xavier on Kairos retreats and other gatherings throughout the year!
Young Adult Ministry
Young adults (ages 18–39) are invited to grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, and discern their vocation through the life of the Church. 

Young Adult Ministry offers opportunities for: 
  • Small faith-sharing groups 
  • Social gatherings and community-building events 
  • Service opportunities and outreach 
  • Spiritual formation and prayer experiences 
  • Discussions on faith and life 

Whether someone is in college, beginning a career, starting a family, or discerning their next steps, young adults are welcomed into a vibrant community of faith. 

St. Cletus collaborates with our neighboring parishes of St. John of the Cross and St. Francis Xavier on Theology on Tap and other gatherings throughout the year! Follow us on Instagram @yam_sfx_sjc_sc to learn more about opportunities throughout the year!
Adult Faith Formation
Faith formation does not end after receiving the sacraments—it continues throughout our entire lives. Adult Faith Formation provides opportunities for adults to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and grow spiritually. 
​
Programs may include: 
  • Scripture study and Bible reflections 
  • Seasonal faith formation during Advent and Lent 
  • Speaker series and parish workshops 
  • Small faith-sharing groups 
  • Opportunities to explore Catholic social teaching and spiritual practices 

These offerings invite adults to continue learning, praying, and growing in their relationship with God.
Order of Christian Initiation (OCI)
The Order of Christian Initiation (OCI) is the process through which older children, teens, and adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church. 

​OCI is for those who: 
  • Have never been baptized. 
  • Were baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to become Catholic. 
  • Were baptized Catholic but have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation. 

Through prayer, learning, and participation in the life of the parish, participants gradually grow in faith and prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about our OCIA process for adults and our Teen Seekers program for middle and high school adolescents. 


Looking for information on Alpha and evangelization? ​​Click here to go to our Evangelization page!

Our Team

Insert pictures available for each member of the team.
Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB, ​Pastoral Associate
Oblate James guides the Office of Lifelong Formation. You can connect with him about anything related to Lifelong Formation. ​
Liz Nunez, Ministries Assistant
Liz is the administrator for Lifelong Formation. You can connect with Liz about program registration, faith formation tuition payments, calendars, and anything related to administrative support. 
 Karissa Johnson, Coordinator of Children's Faith Formation
Karissa Johnson coordinates all aspects of the Children's Faith Formation (PreK-5th grade) program. She also provides support to sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion.
 Viviana Soria, Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Viviana provides support and leadership to our Confirmation program, youth group activities, and is part of Teen Seekers Team.
Araceli Valadez, Youth Minister
Araceli is the co-coordinator for our Confirmation and Teen Seekers programs. You can connect with her about anything related to Confirmation, Teen Seekers (OCIA adapted for teens), and general youth ministry. ​​
Frank Ochoa, Youth Minister
Frank is the middle school religion teacher in our parish school. He also is the co-coordinator of the Confirmation program. You can connect with him about anything related to Confirmation preparation and general youth ministry. ​
Dr. Kenneth Ortega, Ed.D., Coordinator of Missionary Discipleship
Dr. Ortega (Ken) volunteers as a leader in our OCIA process, leading the team. Ken also assists with general parish evangelization efforts. You can connect with him about OCIA and general evangelization. 
Maria O'Connell, Youth & Young Adult Sports Coordinator
Maria O'Connell is the parish school athletic director. On the Lifelong Formation Team, she leads programs and events for youth (6th-12th grade) and young adults (18-39 years old) that involve sports. You can connect with her about Church League and our Tri-Parish Young Adult Running Club. 

Get Involved!

There are many opportunities to get involved with Lifelong Formation! Contact Oblate James to discern getting involved. 

Children and Family Formation
Catechists and Catechetical Assistants
Door Monitors/Security
Children's Liturgy of the Word Leaders and Assistants
Family Spiritual Vitality Team Member (Parents/Caregivers)

Youth Ministry
Youth Ministers
Catechists for Confirmation Preparation
Peer Ministers (High School Students)

Young Adult Ministry
Young Adult Council Team Members

Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation Leadership Team Members

Order of Christian Initiation
OCIA Leaders and Sponsors
Teen Seeker Leaders
MANY parts. ONE Body of Christ. EVERYONE belongs here.

Address & Hours

Mailing Address
United Catholic Youth Ministries
c/o St. Scholastica Monastery
7430 N. Ridge Blvd.
​Chicago, IL 60645
​Directions

​Hours of Availability
Contact us to schedule meetings.
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Giving to UCYM

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].

Connect

Phone: ​847-719-9071
Text Us: 224-307-4048
Email: [email protected]

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