Catholic Social Teaching and Young People
April 28, 2026
6 p.m.
Live Online Webinar. Register here for the webinar.
Webinar recording will be available after the event.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a call to live our faith through justice, service, and love of neighbor. But how do we help young people move from understanding these teachings to actually living them? This session will introduce the core principles of CST in a clear and practical way, while inviting young people to reflect on their own gifts and how they are called to use them. Using the design model from NFCYM's Drexel Project, we will explore how young people can work alongside older generations to identify real needs in their communities and respond with meaningful action. Participants will leave with a vision and practical tools for empowering young people to turn faith into action and make a real difference.
Develop A Culture of Prayer with Hallow
May 2, 2026
8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Pastoral Center, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Join us for Formation Saturdays—they are dynamic mornings of practical leadership training, spiritual enrichment, and meaningful connection for priests, deacons, parish leaders, and volunteers throughout the Diocese of Gary. The formation will be presented in English, and a Spanish translation application will be used. A light breakfast will be offered.
To register, click here.
New Possibilities: Adoption and Foster Care Information
May 8, 2026
6 p.m.
Is God calling you to eternally impact the mission field right outside your front door?
Come and learn more about changing the world for the better through adoption, foster care, and fostering to adopt. Have your questions answered!
Speakers include Foster Care Advocate NWI and foster and adoptive parent, Danielle Bilderback and Specialist in licensing and training for foster and adoptive parents, Hailey Ratkovich.
Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me. – Mark 9:37.
Your home. Your love. Your ministry.
To register, click here.
Managing Parish Conflicts with Grace
May 16, 2026
8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Pastoral Center, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Join us for Formation Saturdays—they are dynamic mornings of practical leadership training, spiritual enrichment, and meaningful connection for priests, deacons, parish leaders, and volunteers throughout the Diocese of Gary. A light breakfast will be served.
To register, click here.
Rosary: Blessed Mother Around the World
May 23, 2026
10 a.m. Live Online Webinar. To join the webinar, click here.
Webinar recording will be available after the event.
Topic: Blessed Mother Around the World
All are invited to join a virtual Rosary celebrated in an intercultural spirit. Each decade will be prayed in a different language, reflecting the rich diversity of the Church and our unity in faith. Together, we will honor the Blessed Mother as she is venerated across cultures and entrust our prayers to her loving intercession.
This experience is especially meaningful for those engaged in intercultural ministry and for anyone with a devotion to Our Lady who desires to encounter the beauty of Marian expressions from around the world.
To register for the event, click here.
Hospitality, Welcome and Belonging
May 26, 2026
6 p.m. Live Online Webinar. To register, click here.
Webinar recording will be available after the event.
Theme: "Creating Communities Young People Want to Return To"
In ministry with youth and young adults, the experience of being welcomed can shape a person’s entire relationship with the Church. But how do we move beyond simple hospitality to create true belonging?
This session will explore the difference between hospitality and belonging, while inviting leaders to reflect on the environments they are creating in their ministries. Together, we will identify common barriers that may unintentionally exclude others and consider how authentic relationships can open the door to a deeper encounter with Christ.
Participants will leave with practical strategies to create communities where young people feel seen, valued, and invited to stay, engage, and grow in faith.
Past Event Recordings
Roundtable on Hospitality During Lent
February 6, 2026
12:30 p.m. Live Online Webinar. Register Here.
Webinar recording will be available after the event.
Understanding Gen Z & Gen Alpha: Who Are We Ministering To? A Deep Dive Into Today’s Young Church
February 24, 2026
6-8 p.m.
Live online webinar.
Explore the real motivations, challenges, and spiritual longings of the generations we serve. Cut through stereotypes and learn what research tells us about teens and emerging adults today. Open to anyone who walks with young people: youth ministers, young adult ministry leaders, pastors, deacons, parish staff, teachers, hospitality ministers, parishioners, employers, and more. Light refreshments will be served. No payment.
Participants Will Learn:
- What Gen Z and Gen Alpha value
- How they communicate and connect spiritually
- Why belonging matters more than programs
Mental Health Basics for Ministry
February 24, 2026
6-8 p.m.
Pastoral Center, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Accompaniment 101 (Listen, Teach, Send)
March 24, 2026
6-8 p.m.
Live Online Webinar.
"Walking With Young People Like Jesus Did"
What does authentic accomplishment look like in ministry today? Rooted in the model of Listen, Teach, Send, this session explores how to walk with young people intentionally: building trust, speaking truth with love and helping them discern their next steps. Learn how Jesus' approach to relationships can shape our ministry today. Featuring special guest Fr. Nate Edquist, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Gary, who will share insights from his work accompanying young people in discernment.