HELPING CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTERS THRIVE
We started ProjectYM for one simple reason: because we love youth ministers. And we are passionate about equipping those youth workers for success!
Find out more about how we help Catholic youth ministers thrive.
How to Minister to Elementary AND Middle School
When I first started working with middle schoolers, other youth ministers were quick to give me praise. “Oh, you work with middle school? God bless you!” “It takes such a special person to work with that age!” “I could never do that. You must be some kind of saint!”...
Equipping Teens to be Faithful Young Adults
Having been involved in both youth and young adult ministry, I’ve had a lot of time and opportunity to observe the “young adult problem” in the Church, from multiple angles. For many reasons, young adults get lost in the shuffle, particularly so if they are not in the...
Run a Trivia Night Fundraiser
Finally a fundraiser you'll actually WANT to do – plus you can raise thousands of dollars for your organization in just one night! The best part is people will have so much fun they’ll be asking when you’re doing it again.
Guilt-Free Ways to Get Out of the Office
Having trouble leaving the office at a decent hour? Not taking a day or two off a week? Finding yourself saying over and over again, “Sure I’m free”? Most youth ministers struggle to work any kind of regular hours. If you don’t have the self discipline to set regular...
You NEED a Personal Retreat and Here’s How to Have One
We all need it. Here’s how to make it actually happen. A personal retreat is a necessity for anyone giving their heart in ministry. Let’s talk more about what that looks like, why it’s worth taking, and how to structure it. What is a personal retreat? A personal...
Daily Catholic Images for Your Instagram
What if you could easily post images with verses pulled from the daily readings? Use them to spark conversation and increase engagement on all of your social media platforms.
Calling All Writers and Wannabe Writers!
ProjectYM is looking for some youth ministers and core team members to write for our blog! The ProjectYM blog is a place where readers all over the world come to find useful information to help them thrive in their ministry. We publish articles that touch the...
Not Your Traditional March For Life
I have been a pilgrim in DC around January 22 (the anniversary of Roe v Wade) since I was a teenager. I’ve attended the rallies, the Masses, the concerts and speakers. Endured cold temperatures and aching feet. Last year, I was a pilgrim again, not in DC, but in a...
How to Run an Awesome Guided Meditation
It’s a great experience to have the prayer of your life. Those are the experiences we usually remember. Most often, it’s on retreats where we have wonderful experiences with God and deepen our relationship with Him. But it doesn't just have to be. I have had a super...
Do You Know This Person?
Many parish religious education and youth ministry programs require or give the candidate for Confirmation the option to choose a Saint or Blessed as their patron for the Sacrament of Confirmation. If you are responsible for preparing young people for the Sacrament of...
5 Ways to Thank Your Core Team
This time of year we all come to realize this is “the time” we are to be thankful for things. Here are some ways you can be thankful for your core team: Listen Better: Often times, especially in the heat of a youth event, we can get lost in our own vision or way of...
More Than Just Catholic Beard Balm
Though Catholic Balm Co is the creator of the original Catholic beard balm, they've got tons of other Catholic inspired products for anyone with skin, lips, or (yes) beards. Plus every purchase you make funds the ministry of ProjectYM.
Sharing God’s Gifts With One Another
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10) Each person has wonderful talents and gifts given to them by God. These gifts are meant for the service of others. As youth ministers who lead a team of...
Effective Communication is Key
No matter how long you have been in Youth Ministry you will discover quickly that effective communication is absolutely key. Communication with God, your pastor, volunteers or teens—anyone connected to the mission—is a must. Here are a few things to keep in mind when...
How to Minister to Parents Too
As a baby youth minister, my biggest apprehension was how to best work with parents. My year of service had been filled with intergenerational Ministry. I had learned about how important it was to have a relationship with parents as a youth minister. The difference?...
How I Talked My Way Into A Terrible Job
Back in January of 2006, I was coasting through my last semester of college. Everything was all set: I'd graduate in May and get married in August, but there was one big issue... I didn't have a job lined up. I was home for winter break when I got an idea. I setup an...
Leave the 99: Welcoming New Sheep Into the Fold
As we prepare for our elaborate Fall Kick-Offs designed to reel in the teens and get them hooked on our absolutely amazing youth ministry programs, I am reminded of my past failures in achieving what is most important in a new beginning. Welcoming new teens is not a...
3 Ways to Make You, Your Staff, and Your Team More Effective
We ministers always tend to think outwardly. We want to serve our youth, our parish, our community. There needs to be times that we look inwardly. Do we know our gifts and use them? Do we look at our staff and recognize the gifts other bring to the team and maximize...