Engaging the Young Church Conference 2026
About this Event
TO KNOW AND BE KNOWN
Inspired by Hebrews 10:24-25, join us at the Engaging the Young Church conference as we focus on relational ministry with younger and older adolescents and their families. Spend time on Friday reflecting on how you know the Lord; inspired by that knowledge, look at ways to connect in deeper and new ways with those in your ministry setting, your larger community, and beyond. Set aside time on Saturday to reflect on how God has called you to your mission, and then discern the next steps to guide the young people in your ministry to come to know the Lord and to experience being personally known and loved by Him.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Engaging the Young Church Conference is an opportunity for priests, deacons, and all who minister to younger and older adolescents, including Youth, Middle School Ministers, their volunteers, Parish Catechetical Leaders (including Discipleship Formation and Family Ministry Directors), High School Campus Ministers and Theology Teachers, Athletic Coaches, Young Adults, and any other adults who minister to the adolescent age group.
- Get encouraged and inspired for the work of ministry
- Foster relationships and collaboration between fellow ministers and
- Collectively pray for the needs of youth, young adults, and various ministries with them.
COST
$45 per day/$85 for both days.
Registration includes: keynote presentations and workshop opportunities, prayer, table discussion, Mass on Friday, continental breakfast and lunch each day.
Registration deadline: September 12, 2026.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
- 8:00 am Gather
- 8:15 am Mass
- 9:15 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am Keynote
- 11:00 am Workshop
- 12:15 pm Lunch
- 1:00 pm Keynote
- 2:15 pm Prayer
- 2:30 pm Depart
SATURDAY
- 8:30 am Gather/Registration/Breakfast
- 9:00 am Welcome/Prayer
- 9:30 am Keynote
- 11:00 am Workshop
- 12:15 pm Lunch
- 1:00 pm Keynote
- 2:15 pm Prayer
- 2:30 pm Depart
WORKSHOPS | FRIDAY
Accompanying Younger and Older Adolescents in Difficult Times
Explore practical ways to support young people as they navigate challenging moments. This workshop will examine the spirituality of trauma-informed ministry, the role of trusted accompaniment, and meaningful strategies for helping adolescents find hope and resilience during difficult times.
Building a Sustainable Young Adult Ministry
Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, this session will equip ministry leaders with tools to build young adult ministries that are adaptable and rooted in meaningful relationships for lasting impact. This workshop will be a panel discussion, moderated by Patrick Howard.
Building Trust, Engagement, and Belonging
Learn strategies and practical tools for building a ministry setting that creates a welcoming environment, encourages participation, and allows you to build relationships through active listening with young people and their families.
Finding Peace
Take some time to reflect on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s wisdom and learn how to cultivate your own interior peace, trust in God, and spiritual freedom amid the challenges of daily life.
Helping Younger and Older Adolescents Navigate Relationships
Help young people understand trust, vulnerability, compassion, and forgiveness as we take a deep dive into adolescent relationships. This workshop will look at various relationships (i.e., friendships, romantic, online, parental) and how to accompany young people as they navigate them.
WORKSHOPS | SATURDAY
Finding Joy in the Journey or Courage for the Call
Discover practical ways to remain grounded, renewed, and hopeful in your ministry setting.
Forming Young Hearts in Prayer
This practical workshop equips ministry leaders with simple, effective ways to foster meaningful prayer habits with middle and high school youth.
Partnering with Parents: Strengthening the Domestic Church
Explore strategies for communication and creating supportive, faith-filled environments that help parents reclaim their role as primary formators of their children in faith.
Sharing Your Faith Story
Learn how to share your faith story in various situations to open doors that allow for everyday evangelization.
KEYNOTE PRESENTER | MICHAEL MARCHAND
Michael Marchand is the president and cofounder of ProjectYM, where he equips leaders who work with younger and older adolescents and their families to build formation systems that shape young people for lifelong growth—not just short-term engagement. With more than two decades of experience, he partners with parishes, dioceses, schools, campus ministries and national organizations to design ministry approaches that are relational, sustainable, and built for long-term impact across diverse adolescent communities.
A sought-after facilitator and strategist, Michael is known for helping leaders move from reactive programming to intentional leadership. His work has shaped how Catholic youth ministry leaders, faith formation leaders, and campus ministers approach evangelization, adolescent development, accompaniment, leadership development, and authentic community.
Michael holds a degree in theology from Loyola University Chicago. He received the 2025 Saint John Bosco Accompaniment Award from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and is the author of Small Group Discipleship, a forthcoming book from Ave Maria Press.
He has presented at major national gatherings, including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and National Catholic Youth Conference. He leads immersive leadership training experiences at the ProjectYM Mission Base.
Michael lives in Tennessee with his wife, Crystal, and their children.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 45.00 to USD 85.00
