Who We Are
What is United Catholic Youth Ministries?

United Catholic Youth Ministries (UCYM) is a collaborative ministry that serves youth, young adults, and families within the context of their local communities. Our purpose is to immerse ourselves in the mission of the organizations we serve and partner with to empower and encourage young people to take responsibility for their faith and co-leadership of their communities as the future of the Church in the present. 

UCYM was established in 2016 in close consideration of Renew My Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago. UCYM was commissioned in the Evanston and Skokie region of the Archdiocese of Chicago in the parishes of St. Athanasius, St. Joan of Arc, St. Mary, and St. Nicholas.

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​Why UCYM?

UCYM exists to serve communities. If a parish, school, or other Catholic organization is looking to build vibrant programs and community for young people, we are here to help. We see our role as one of accompaniment. It's not a "do it for you" model, but one of Home Depot's old motto, "You can do it. We can help.​" We will provide your leaders with a network of support and partnership that enables them to build strong programs with confidence. For each community, this is also not a "one size fits all" model. Our featured programs are examples of successful programs we have built on over the years and are templates for building a foundation. 

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Mission

We are dedicated to being co-builders within communities of innovative and comprehensive ministry for youth, young adults, and families as they embark on their meaningful and transformative faith journey. 

Vision

Through a diverse range of engaging, inclusive, and spiritual activities, programs, and events, we are committed to foster an environment where every participant can experience personal growth, find a sense of belonging, lead a purposeful life, and develop a profound connection with their faith no matter their age, background, or identity.  ​

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Our Team
Our team is YOUR team!

UCYM Staff Members

UCYM Board of Directors

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Who We Serve
Ministry Sites and Communities

Our list of sites is growing and we will update it soon!

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Who We Work With
Organizational Partnerships and Collaborators

• 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 Advisory Board Members

• Carmelita Armenta
• Damian Barta
• Karie Ferrell
• Jeffrey Garcia
• ​Violeta Gomez
• Annie Guter, ​Chair
• Tim Higgins
• Kevin Kirkland
• Madison McGuire
• Jason McKean
• Sam McKean
• Daniela Menichella
• Liza Moreno
• Oliver Pacheco, Vice Chair
• Valerie Romano
• Valerie Walker