Hey Future Catholic Youth Ministers!

Welcome to Your Youth Ministry Launchpad

If you’re serious about becoming a Catholic youth minister, the ProjectYM Missionary Program is where you start. You'll get practical formation, intentional mentorship, and the opportunity to build real community with Catholic youth ministry leaders from across the country.

APPLY NOW

Connect

Build the community you'll need.

Collaborate

With youth ministry experts.

Contribute

Invest in other leaders.

Become a ProjectYM Missionary

and help us build a program that will form the next generation of Catholic youth ministers

About the Program

The ProjectYM Missionary Program is a paid, residential experience designed specifically for future youth ministers. You’ll live, learn, and serve at the ProjectYM Mission Base near downtown Chattanooga, TN.

You'll provide hospitality and care for Catholic youth ministers across the country while learning how youth ministry really works, building your network, and growing into the kind of leader parishes are praying for.

What You'll do

You’ll help us create a welcoming environment for the leaders who come through the Mission Base for training, retreats, and leadership events. You'll also get to be part of the conversations shaping the future of Catholic youth ministry – while receiving the training and mentorship that will prepare you to lead it.

Lead with Hospitality
Welcome Catholic youth ministers from across the country to the ProjectYM Mission Base – a unique place designed for rest, renewal, and community.
You’ll help set the tone for every gathering – preparing spaces, meals, and moments that make people feel seen, cared for, and ready to learn.
Care for the Leaders Who Care for Teens
Build authentic relationships with Catholic youth ministers across the country.
Offer encouragement, listen well, and connect them with the resources, tools, and community they need to keep thriving in ministry.
You’ll learn firsthand what it means to walk alongside those who walk with others.
Collaborate and Create
Collaborate with the ProjectYM team on new resources for youth ministry leaders.
You'll be helping to create training materials, brainstorm event ideas, and content that equips leaders everywhere.
Your perspective as a young leader matters – and it will shape what we build next.
Be Formed While You Serve
Participate in more than a dozen ministry training events – including every ProjectYM Masterclass, Thrive Intensive, and Ministry Think Tank.
You’ll also join the ProjectYM team for select national conferences, helping behind the scenes while growing your own ministry network.
You’ll sit in on real conversations with diocesan leaders and national presenters, learning from the best in Catholic youth ministry.

What You'll Gain

The ProjectYM Missionary Program is designed to launch your life in ministry. You’ll gain the kind of formation, mentorship, and connections that most youth ministers spend years trying to find – and you’ll do it all surrounded by community, joy, and purpose.

Formation and Mentorship
Learn directly from ProjectYM’s leadership and other national ministry experts.

You’ll grow in both skill and spirit through practical training, personal coaching, and intentional mentorship.
Ministry Training That Matters
See youth ministry from the inside out.

Participate in live events and conversations that reveal how healthy ministry is built, sustained, and multiplied.
Professional Network
Build relationships with hundreds of Catholic ministry leaders – opening doors for your first job in ministry.

You'll leave your missionary year with the endorsement (and support) of one of the largest Catholic youth ministry organizations in the country.
Ongoing Growth
Your formation doesn’t end when your missionary year does.

You’ll keep lifetime access to ProjectYM’s community, training library, and events – so your learning and support continue wherever you serve.
Travel Opportunities
Join the ProjectYM team at select national youth ministry conferences and gatherings.
‍
You’ll see the wider Church in action—and connect with the leaders shaping its future.
Live at the Heart of the Mission
You'll call the ProjectYM Mission Base home.

It's a hub of hospitality and hope – filled with prayer, laughter, creativity, and leaders who care.

TWO OPTIONS: 6 MONTHS or 12 Months!

the Details

Program Dates:
January 2026 – June 2026
or
July 2026 – June 2027
‍
Location: Chattanooga, TN

Compensation: $1,000/month + housing + most meals.
("Most" includes team lunches daily, meals during events, and a household stipend.)

Plus: 6 or 12 months of direct formation and mentorship, participation in all ProjectYM Mission Base events, travel opportunities to national youth ministry gatherings, lifetime access to Thrive Pro, plus access to future ProjectYM trainings.

Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years old and desire a career in Catholic youth ministry.
(This position is open to U.S. citizens and those legally authorized to work in the United States.)
.

APPLY NOW

You're the ideal candidate...

If you feel called to youth ministry but don’t know where to start.

You want to serve the Church, but you need guidance, formation, and real mentorship to take your first step.

If you want to be a youth minister who leads with confidence.

You’re ready for the kind of training and support that will help you grow as both a disciple and a leader.

If you want to build a network
that opens doors for your ministry future.

You’re ready to connect with hundreds of Catholic leaders from across the country.

If you’re hungry for mentorship and authentic community.

You want to grow alongside people who love Jesus, love the Church, and believe in you.

If you want to be part of something new in the Church.

You’re excited to help build a new initiative at ProjectYM that could and shape the future of Catholic youth ministry formation.

If you’re ready to serve others while preparing for your own mission.

You want to make an impact now – while getting equipped for the ministry you’ll lead next.

If you’ve dreamed of working in ministry that actually changes lives.

You’re not chasing a job title – you’re chasing impact, purpose, and discipleship that lasts.

If you’re discerning your calling to youth ministry.

You’re ready to spend a season listening, learning, and preparing for what God has next.

If you want to learn from people who are shaping the future of youth ministry.

You’re excited to sit at the table with national leaders and be part of the conversations that matter.

If you’re looking for more than another service year.

You want an opportunity that combines spiritual growth, practical formation, and future preparation.

If you want to learn how great ministry really works.

You’re don't want to guess – you want to see it up close and learn from youth ministry leaders who’ve actually done it.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for ministry into a real vocation.

You’ve got the heart – now you’re looking for the training, clarity, and confidence to match.

Are you interested?

We'd love to connect and find out more about you.

How can we contact you?

We're excited to tell you more about this opportunity

Questions? Email us: hello@projectym.com

Made by Michael Marchand
We love youth ministers.
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