Overview

The Catholic Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is a group of youth ministry leaders that serves as the governing body for all youth ministry initiatives across the archdiocese. It is made up of representatives from every vicariate, every archdiocesan ministry a diverse group of clergy, lay leaders, and youth representatives, all dedicated to the holistic development of the young Church. Its secretariat is the Office of Youth Ministry which is a department of the Curia of the Archdiocese.

The Catholic Youth Commission was established in 2009 out of the Archdiocesan Synod resolution for youth ministry.

Resolution 34 – Be it resolved that all movements/organisations that cater to the needs of youth, and operate independently, fall under the umbrella of the Youth Secretariat, which includes representation from all Archdiocesan youth movements.

Its primary role is to oversee and guide the spiritual, social, and developmental growth of Catholic youth, ensuring that the teachings of the Church are effectively integrated into their lives. The Commission operates in collaboration with parishes, schools, and various Catholic and secular organizations, aiming to create opportunities for young people to deepen their faith, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in the life of the Church and society.

Through structured programs, retreats, and annual events and collaboration between various ministries, the Commission fosters a strong sense of community among young Catholics, encouraging them to live out their faith with confidence and joy. Its work spans multiple ministries including adolescents, young adults, and campus ministries, each tailored to the unique needs of their respective age groups.

Overview

The Catholic Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is a group of youth ministry leaders that serves as the governing body for all youth ministry initiatives across the archdiocese. It is made up of representatives from every vicariate, every archdiocesan ministry a diverse group of clergy, lay leaders, and youth representatives, all dedicated to the holistic development of the young Church. Its secretariat is the Office of Youth Ministry which is a department of the Curia of the Archdiocese.

The Catholic Youth Commission was established in 2009 out of the Archdiocesan Synod resolution for youth ministry.

Resolution 34 – Be it resolved that all movements/organisations that cater to the needs of youth, and operate independently, fall under the umbrella of the Youth Secretariat, which includes representation from all Archdiocesan youth movements.

Its primary role is to oversee and guide the spiritual, social, and developmental growth of Catholic youth, ensuring that the teachings of the Church are effectively integrated into their lives. The Commission operates in collaboration with parishes, schools, and various Catholic and secular organizations, aiming to create opportunities for young people to deepen their faith, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in the life of the Church and society.

Through structured programs, retreats, and annual events and collaboration between various ministries, the Commission fosters a strong sense of community among young Catholics, encouraging them to live out their faith with confidence and joy. Its work spans multiple ministries including adolescents, young adults, and campus ministries, each tailored to the unique needs of their respective age groups.

Overview

The Catholic Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is a group of youth ministry leaders that serves as the governing body for all youth ministry initiatives across the archdiocese. It is made up of representatives from every vicariate, every archdiocesan ministry a diverse group of clergy, lay leaders, and youth representatives, all dedicated to the holistic development of the young Church. Its secretariat is the Office of Youth Ministry which is a department of the Curia of the Archdiocese.

The Catholic Youth Commission was established in 2009 out of the Archdiocesan Synod resolution for youth ministry.

Resolution 34 – Be it resolved that all movements/organisations that cater to the needs of youth, and operate independently, fall under the umbrella of the Youth Secretariat, which includes representation from all Archdiocesan youth movements.

Its primary role is to oversee and guide the spiritual, social, and developmental growth of Catholic youth, ensuring that the teachings of the Church are effectively integrated into their lives. The Commission operates in collaboration with parishes, schools, and various Catholic and secular organizations, aiming to create opportunities for young people to deepen their faith, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in the life of the Church and society.

Through structured programs, retreats, and annual events and collaboration between various ministries, the Commission fosters a strong sense of community among young Catholics, encouraging them to live out their faith with confidence and joy. Its work spans multiple ministries including adolescents, young adults, and campus ministries, each tailored to the unique needs of their respective age groups.

History of Archdiocesan Youth Ministry

The history of youth ministry in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is marked by the dedicated leadership of past Episcopal Delegates and National Youth Coordinators. This section honors their invaluable contributions to the development of vibrant youth programs and initiatives. Through their guidance, many significant milestones were achieved, fostering a deepened faith and sense of community among the young people of the archdiocese. By reflecting on their work, we celebrate their legacy and continue to build upon the strong foundation they laid for future generations of Catholic youth ministry.

Synod 2003-2009

The Archdiocesan Synod of 2003-2009 was a transformative period for youth ministry in Trinidad and Tobago. It brought a renewed focus on engaging young people as active participants in the life of the Church. One of the key outcomes was the creation of structured, intentional programs to deepen the faith and leadership potential of Catholic youth. The Synod emphasized the importance of forming youth leaders and providing spaces for spiritual growth, resulting in more dynamic parish-level youth ministries. This period also encouraged greater collaboration between the clergy and laity in youth ministry, fostering a stronger sense of community and purpose.

History of Archdiocesan Youth Ministry

The history of youth ministry in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is marked by the dedicated leadership of past Episcopal Delegates and National Youth Coordinators. This section honors their invaluable contributions to the development of vibrant youth programs and initiatives. Through their guidance, many significant milestones were achieved, fostering a deepened faith and sense of community among the young people of the archdiocese. By reflecting on their work, we celebrate their legacy and continue to build upon the strong foundation they laid for future generations of Catholic youth ministry.

Synod 2003-2009

The Archdiocesan Synod of 2003-2009 was a transformative period for youth ministry in Trinidad and Tobago. It brought a renewed focus on engaging young people as active participants in the life of the Church. One of the key outcomes was the creation of structured, intentional programs to deepen the faith and leadership potential of Catholic youth. The Synod emphasized the importance of forming youth leaders and providing spaces for spiritual growth, resulting in more dynamic parish-level youth ministries. This period also encouraged greater collaboration between the clergy and laity in youth ministry, fostering a stronger sense of community and purpose.

MEET THE TEAM

The Catholic Youth Commission is managed by the Office of Youth Ministry, a department of the Archdiocesan Curia responsible for coordinating the evangelization, formation and missioning of adolescents and young adults and the formation of the (young and old) leaders that engage in youth ministry. The OYM provides services to parishes and schools in the development and maturation of parish and school-based youth ministry and it support all levels of pastoral leadership in the development  and implementation of pastoral plans and activities.