Who We Are

United Catholic Youth Ministries (UCYM) is a collaborative Catholic ministry dedicated to serving youth, young adults, and families in communities across the Chicagoland area. Rooted in accompaniment and partnership, we walk with individuals and Catholic communities as they grow in faith, leadership, and Christian discipleship. 

Founded in 2016 in response to the Renew My Church initiative of the Archdiocese of Chicago, UCYM was first commissioned to serve in the Evanston and Skokie region, bringing people together beyond parish boundaries to build vibrant, life-giving ministry. 

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​Why UCYM?

Our work is grounded in collaboration, support, and co-creation — we don’t “do ministry for you,” but rather walk alongside parishes, schools, and organizations to help them build strong, confident, and sustainable youth and young adult ministry programs tailored to their unique communities

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Mission

​Our Mission is to be co-builders with communities, creating innovative and comprehensive ministry opportunities that support meaningful and transformative faith journeys for people of all ages.

Vision

Our Vision is a Church where every person experiences personal growth, belonging, purpose, and deep connection with their faith — regardless of age, background, or identity — through engaging, inclusive, spiritual activities and relationships.

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Our Team
Our team is YOUR team!

Staff and Board of Directors

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Who We Work With
Organizational Partnerships and Collaborators

UCYM partners with local and national organizations to strengthen ministry, foster community, and expand opportunities for young Catholics to encounter Christ in service, worship, formation, and advocacy. ​

• Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach (Chicago)
• Benedictine Sisters of Chicago
• ​Instituto Fe y Vida
• LaRED National Catholic Network for Pastoral Juvenil Hispana
• ​National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry
• Pro-Am Team Sports
• Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus​

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What We Can Help You With
Menu of Possibilities

Our mission is to serve parishes and bring their innovative ideas to life. Visit our featured programs page for ideas of where you could get started.

Don't see what you are looking for? We might be missing something. Remember, what we do is about the communities we serve. If you have an innovative idea you want to start, we will help you discern it, develop it, and make it happen! 

Visit Our Programs Page

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How We Build Community

Through four areas of focus and four foundational pillars of ministry, we work to co-build vibrant program structures with parishes and Catholic communities. 

Four Areas of Catholic Community Building

• Liturgy and Spirituality
• Christian Service
• Advocacy
• Belonging

​Four Foundational Pillars of Ministry

• Faith Formation
• Christian Service
• Prayer and Worship
• Accompaniment (Community Building)

Our Founders

Rev. Daniel Costello

Rev. Hernan Cuevas

Rev. Kevin McCray

Rev. Joseph Tito

Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB

Inaugural Board Members

• Carmelita Armenta*
• Damian Barta
• Karie Ferrell
• Jeffrey Garcia*
• David Giampietro*
• ​Violeta Gomez
• Annie Guter, ​Chair
• Tim Higgins
• Kevin Kirkland
• Madison McGuire*
• Jason McKean
• Daniela Menichella
• Blanca Merriam
• Liza Moreno*
• Oliver Pacheco*, Vice Chair/President, Youth Council
• Alex Roman*
• Valerie Romano
• James Sulton
• Valerie Walker

*Youth Council Member