A newsletter for those working in parishes, high schools, and college campuses | | |
Dear Friends in Youth Ministry,
This month, we gather with joyful anticipation for the Catholic Youth Convention 2025 at St. Martin’s University, where hundreds of young hearts from across the Archdiocese will unite under the powerful theme: “Saints in the Making.” This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to holiness, a reminder that sainthood isn’t reserved for the distant few. It’s a destiny within reach for every young person who dares to say “yes” to God.
As Pope Leo XIV recently proclaimed at the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, “All of you, all of us, are also called to be saints.” These two young men—one a tech-savvy teen who evangelized through Eucharistic miracles online, the other a mountain-climbing activist who served the poor with joy—show us that holiness is not about perfection, but about passion for Christ lived in everyday life. The French Catholic writer, Leon Bloy, wrote "… the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint."
We’re thrilled to welcome Fr. John O’Brien, affectionately known as “The Relic Hunter,” whose keynote will bring the lives of the North American Martyrs closer to us through the sacred relics they left behind. And we’re equally excited for Fr. Maximiliano Muñoz, whose dynamic preaching and pastoral heart will challenge and inspire us to live boldly for Christ in our own generation. The Youth Council will also interview Jake Finkbonner, who's story marks the miracle that led to Kateri Tekakwitha's canonization. If you haven’t already registered your young people, don’t wait. Sign up now at the link below.
Let this month be a time of reflection, renewal, and recommitment. Whether you're preparing for the convention or simply walking your daily journey of faith, remember: you are a saint in the making. And the only real tragedy is to miss that calling.
In Christ,
Garth Pereira, Director of Youth Ministry Services
garth.pereira@seattlearch.org | 206-382-2067
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DID YOU KNOW?
There’s a vibrant community in our Archdiocese for Young Catholic Professionals (YCP)! YCP connects individuals in their 20s and 30s who seek to live their faith boldly in the workplace and beyond. Through engaging events, retreats, and mentorship opportunities, YCP fosters Catholic identity, builds authentic community, and inspires professional excellence rooted in faith. Whether you're a young adult minister or know someone navigating early career life, YCP offers a space to grow spiritually and professionally. Learn more at www.ycpseattle.org
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The USCCB has released Inviting Young Adults into Dialogue, a practical guide for Church leaders seeking to engage young adults with authenticity and care. It offers insights and strategies to foster meaningful conversations, build trust, and accompany young people in their faith journey. Explore the resource at Inviting Young Adults into Dialogue | USCCB
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CATHOLIC YOUTH CONVENTION 2025 - Saturday, November 15th at Saint Martin's University, Lacey
Register Today!
Registration closes Wednesday, November 12th-end of day (11:59pm)
This year’s theme was chosen by our Archdiocesan Youth Council – they’d like the young people in Western Washington to know that we are all Saints in the Making! We’re looking forward to welcoming your high schoolers at CYC 2025!
You can check out the details and sign up at the CYC 2025 Event Page.
CYC 2025 Flyer - English
CYC 2025 Flyer - Spanish
Saints in the Making LOGO
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HOW TO SAVE A LIFE. SCHEDULE A SAFETALK FOR YOUR TEENS THIS COMING YEAR!
Teens are struggling.
Anxiety, depression, and isolation are rising—and too many suffer in silence. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults in America.
But there is hope.
Teens are the first ones to see the warning signs in other teens if taught how. The Catholic Lifesaver Corps provides high-quality peer-to-peer suicide prevention training facilitated by Catholic high school students who have been certified as safeTALK facilitators.
Don’t wait.
Start the conversation that could save a life.
Contact Garth at garth.pereira@seattlearch.org for more information about the Catholic LifeSaver Corps or to schedule a SafeTalk at your parish, free of charge!
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CONFIRMATION RETREATS IN 2025-2026:
We are offering several Confirmation Retreats during the 2025-2026 year in locations throughout the Archdiocese.
There is still space for the following dates:
- Saturday, March 7th: St. Frances Cabrini, Lakewood
- Saturday, April 18th: Mary, Queen of Peace, Sammamish
- Saturday, May 2nd: St. Nicholas, Gig Harbor
Please click here to reserve your spot at one of these retreats!
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DOOR OF HOPE: YCP ADVENT RETREAT- December 6, 2025, at Holy Rosary Church, Edmonds
Join Young Catholic Professionals Seattle Chapter for a day of prayer, community and reflection for our Annual Advent retreat.
Led by Abbot Marion Q. Nguyen, O.S.B., we will begin the day with Mass followed by time for prayer, fellowship, and small group discussions.
There will be an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and pray a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Coffee, light breakfast snacks and lunch are provided. YCP Members: FREE, Non-members: $20. Learn more and register here.
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ALL-SEATTLE ARCHDIOCESAN YOUNG ADULT CHRISTMAS FORMAL - Saturday, December 13, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Family Center, Ballard
Join us for the All-Seattle Archdiocesan Young Adult Christmas Formal! This year's theme is “An Old Fashioned Christmas!” Gather for a festive and classy celebration of the Christmas season with live music, dancing, appetizers, & seasonal cocktails, and connect with Catholic young adults across the diocese and region. Invite a friend and make new ones! We can’t wait for another year of this joyful tradition. This is a 21+ event hosted by the UW Newman/Frassati Young Adult group. IDs will be checked at the door. Parking and coat check are available. Learn more and register here. Printable flyer, click here.
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ADVENT RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS - Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Peace and Spirituality Center, St. Mary on the Lake, Bellevue
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace
A retreat for young adults - Give yourself the gift of time and prayer this Advent at the beautiful Peace and Spirituality Center in Bellevue. Click here for more information and to register. Click here for a printable flyer.
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| | A full list of upcoming events and regular activities are available in the weekly email, the Scroll. Encourage young adults to sign up! | | | |
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SAVE THE DATE! LENTEN RETREAT FOR YOUTH MINISTERS AND FAITH FORMATION LEADERS - March 16-17, 2026, at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way
You have a wonderful and exciting ministry year ahead! It will be fast-paced and full of fun, and by this spring, you might like a little time to replenish and renew. Carve out a little time now and save the date: You’re invited to the Annual Lifelong Formation Lenten Retreat. We’ll share additional information with you in the coming months.
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11/7-11/9/25: Women’s Retreat with the NRVC (St. Mary on the Lake, Bellevue)
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11/15/25: Catholic Youth Convention 2025 (Saint Martin’s University, Lacey) Events Page, Flyer (English), Flyer (Spanish)
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12/20/25: Advent Retreat with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (St. Mary on the Lake, Bellevue)
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1/31/26: Confirmation Retreat (Our Lady of Fatima, Seattle)
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3/7/26: Confirmation Retreat (St. Frances Cabrini, Lakewood)
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3/16-3/17: Annual Lenten Retreat for Youth Ministers and Faith Formation Leaders (Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way)
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3/21/26: Middle School Encounter MSE 2026 (Kennedy Catholic High School, Burien)
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4/18/26: Confirmation Retreat (Mary, Queen of Peace, Sammamish)
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5/2/26: Confirmation Retreat (St. Nicholas, Gig Harbor)
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6/10/26: Annual Faith Formation Conference (Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades)
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