The fall of 2024 is going to be a bit busier at some parishes in the archdiocese as 13 new parishes are poised to start up youth ministry for the first time, and 11 new youth ministers take up the reigns of existing youth ministries. The OCY provides monthly training for "new-to-the-role youth ministers" to help guide them in laying important foundations to make the ministry launches successful and sustainable. Thus, the gatherings are called "Foundations" meetings. More seasoned youth ministers have "huddle" opportunities every three months or so to help elevate and stay on top of practices, trends and resources at their disposal.  September "Foundations" meetings took place at St. John Vianney parish in Barrie as well as St. Padre Pio parish in Kleinburg, and were attended by youth ministers all within their first year of being the parish youth minister. The first year of launching youth ministry is pivotal in setting the tone, expectations and healthy practices for parishes and their youth ministers. Ten years ago, the average time span of service for a youth minister was nine months. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, by the end of 2023 that average had grown to 3.25 years.

For more information in starting up a youth ministry at your parish, contact the OCY at 416-599-7676 or youth@archtoronto.org.