What is “The Track”?

“The Track” is short for the OMY’s Professional Development Track for Ministers with Youth who walk with High School age youth in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and those who seek to effectively disciple youth in their parish. It is meant to onboard Ministers at their level of experience to assist in their formation journey. It has two (2) “Stops”:

The Track Stop 1 > Ministry 101: Ministry with Youth Orientation

An in-person training on foundations and practical skills in Ministry with Youth to help new Ministers and those who seek to walk with them, establish healthy habits crucial to effectively engaging in the mission of ministering with youth.

Topics include:

  • Ministry with Youth Today
  • Personal Vocation
  • Vision and Goals + Partnerships
  • Professional Skills

The Track Stop 2 > Minister Cohorts: 2 Tracks

NEW Cohorts kick-off April 2026. Click here for details and registration.

Now with a new format, the Minister Cohorts offer 2 Tracks: Minister Cohort + Hispanic Ministry Minister Cohort for those who accompany Hispanic youth. They are designed to equip Ministers with tools and strategies to foster meaningful connections with young people as they journey with Christ.

Session topics for both tracks:

  1. Leading Yourself
  2. Adult Mentors
  3. Spiritual Practices & Learning (Part 1)
  4. Spiritual Practices & Learning (Part 2)
  5. Day Retreat (in-person)
  6. Service & Justice
  7. Families
  8. Leading Change

“Being brand new to Youth Ministry I left the workshop with an excellent understanding of the role and importance of Youth Ministry in our faith and local parishes. I also found a group of mentors and friends who are willing to help in any way. That kind of heartful support is amazing.”

~ Tina Angelo, DELCO Young Disciples

“I have found the monthly Cohorts with the same youth ministers, both experienced and new, to be an invaluable way to grow as a youth minister. The monthly topics are very appropriate to our ministry. Gathering with the same cohorts each month builds trust among us to learn, be challenged and affirm our work with the youth, team members and parents. The process works!”

~ Sr. Mary Ann Callahan, St. Margaret of Antioch, Narberth

Professional Development “Beyond” The Track

> Professional Development Gatherings in-person and on Zoom: Gatherings on topics relevant to Ministry with Youth, Minister care, and current youth culture and trends.

> Continuing the Journey Conference: A bi-annual weekend conference for youth workers by the Archdiocese of Newark.

> Pastor Cohort: A FREE 9-session formation opportunity to equip pastors with a better understanding of the discipleship emphases required for reaching the young.

“The formation events provided by OYM are unparalleled. When I have left the various formation opportunities, I am so grateful for it and how unknowingly necessary it was for me as a youth and young adult minister.”

~ Lisa Kopertowski, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Doylestown

Youth Ministers, we can only pour from full cups, going on Continuing the Journey is a weekend of letting God fill that cup, don’t pass the opportunity up!”

~ Kevin Kozeniewski, Epiphany of Our Lord, Plymouth Meeting

Resources, Spiritual Formation, and Pastoral Care

> Retreats: In partnership with the Office for Ministry with Youth Adults, these opportunities nurture the spirit of Ministers.

> Ministers Appreciation Mass and Dinner: An evening celebrating our Ministers in gratitude for their “all-in” accompaniment of our youth.

> Deanery Family Gatherings and Peer Mentorship: Mentors for Ministers and Deanery Family Gatherings to guarantee peer support, collaboration, and empowerment.

“Since I began working in youth ministry in the summer of 2020, the Office of Ministry with Youth has been supportive and extremely helpful. Their emphasis on professional formation and community on the local and archdiocesan level are two reasons that I am entering my 5th year of ministry at the same parish.  Each year I make small changes to my ministry as I take in new information and OMY is there to help and support me every step of the way.”

~ Paul Cillo, Our Lady of Consolation, Philadelphia

“The OMY has been such a blessing to me and my ministry! They have connected me with other ministers in my area and supported me both professionally and personally by providing ongoing formation and self-care opportunities. They are so passionate about supporting ministers in walking with the young people in our Church today.”

~Megan Carey, Our Mother of Good Counsel, Bryn Mawr

We welcome C/DREs, Scout troop leaders, CYO leaders, and others who seek to learn and grow in effectively reaching the next generation to participate in all that we have to offer!