Dear Reverend Monsignors/Fathers,

Welcome! We are excited that you are here. Below you will find the latest resources and opportunities of the Office for Ministry with Youth (OMY) designed especially for you.

Pastor Cohort

A 9-Month Formation & Implementation Journey, this cohort is designed to support pastors in understanding the value of ministry with young people and to equip parishes to build healthy, sustainable, relational discipleship practices with adolescents and families. The process integrates national research, Catholic pastoral theology, and practical parish implementation in 2 Phases.

Phase 1: Growing Young (Pastor Formation)

Phase 1 focuses on pastoral conviction, shared language, and leadership posture. Pastors engage the six essential strategies from Growing Young to explore how leadership decisions, parish culture, and priorities shape the faith of young people. Outcomes include:

  • A clear pastoral rationale for prioritizing young people
  • Research-informed leadership language
  • Readiness to invite parish teams into implementation

Phase 2: Faith Formation Framework & Relational Discipleship Kickstart (Parish Implementation)

Phase 2 equips pastors and parish teams to translate conviction into practice using the Faith Formation Framework and Relational Discipleship Kickstart. Key emphases include:

  • Relational discipleship over programmatic activity
  • Intergenerational faith formation
  • Sustainable leadership practices
  • Small, low-risk experiments that build momentum

The cohort is facilitated by Christopher Wesley of Marathon Youth Ministry (our partner), who provides group facilitation, individual coaching, and ongoing support throughout the nine-month journey.

Here’s what fellow priests from our first Cohort shared about their experience and why you should join:

Additional Cohort Details:

  • The Pastor Cohort is FREE to you.
  • Parochial Vicars are welcome.
  • The sessions are a combination of in-person and Zoom.
  • Includes assessments and materials.
  • Onboarding takes place in February with kick-off in March.
  • Click here for a printable flyer.

Click here to download the Pastor Cohort Information Sheet with details including Session outlines.

Looking to Hire?

The OMY has a Pastor Job Pack ready with:

  • Coordinator of Ministry with Youth editable job description
  • Sample interview questions
  • First-week onboarding checklist
  • Salary ranges, FT and PT

Contact us to request your OMY Pastor Job Pack.

For your Minister

The OMY is here to help you accompany your Minister in their growth as a professional in the field of Ministry with Youth. Below is a list of some of the ways that we support them and assist in their growth:

  • The OMY Professional Development Track or “The Track” is a process of professional growth for all ministers regardless of their experience. It includes:
  • Professional Development gatherings that extend beyond “The Track“
  • A yearly day retreat for spiritual renewal, in collaboration with the Office for Ministry with Young Adults.
  • A network of peer support through the Deanery Family Gatherings and peer mentorship.

Click here to download our Adult Formation Info sheet with details on each of the above and additional growth opportunities.

We are here for you

Please know that you are also welcome at the various events and opportunities that the OMY offers in support of those who walk with the young church of Philadelphia. We encourage you to visit our Coming Up! page for upcoming events or view/download the OMY events and opportunities calendar.

You can also sign up to receive our monthly email showcasing events, opportunities, and resources for Ministers and youth by completing the form on our home page.

All that the OMY does for Ministers and youth is in service of your pastoral role. In any way that we may assist you, please let us know.