Life Teen's Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention has become America's premier event for everyone involved in parish youth ministry. Why? Maybe it's because we are different. We believe in practical, comprehensive youth ministry training. But we don't think that's enough. That's why we incorporate elements of a spiritual retreat into the training convention. Because youth ministry isn't about what you know, it's Who you know.
The Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention provides a beautiful mix of practical, comprehensive training and spiritual renewal. There will be over 60 creative sessions to choose from, led by some of the best youth leaders around. Daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, praise and worship, and prayer time will be incorporated throughout the convention. By the end, youth leaders will leave knowing they are not alone, but a part of a greater community that is ready to help and support them.
From humble beginnings many years ago, the Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention has grown and evolved over the years, just as the Life Teen movement has been strengthened through God’s guidance.
However, our charge remains the same: equip adults to lead teens closer to Christ. So whether you are a priest, a high school youth minister, a middle school youth minister, a DRE, a core member, campus minister, or an interested parent, we are ready to serve and train you.
"At the Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention I felt, for the first time in a long time, like I was not alone in this ministry. I have brothers and sisters who will life me up and remind me why I am a youth minister."
- 2012 attendee
The luxurious DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is the perfect destination to relax, enjoy the sun, and be cared for during your time at the Catholic Youth Ministry Training Convention. Thousands of participants have left glowing reviews of one of Arizona's premier resort facilities. And they give you a warm delicious cookie when you check in, too!
Update 5/3/13: The Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley has now sold out of its room block. Please use the hotel below for further accommodations. Refer to the Life Teen Training Convention when making reservations. The room rate is $85 per night, which includes breakfast. Chaparral Suites is about 0.5 mile from the Doubletree Resort. A morning and evening shuttle will be available between the two properties
Chaparral Suites
5001 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Phone Number: 1-800-528-1456
Generous donors have made it possible for any priest to attend any of our Life Teen events for free. If you've never been to a Life Teen event, we'll cover your flight, hotel, and conference registration. If you've attended one of our events and would like to come back, we'll cover the cost of your conference registration. Let us know how we can help you. Contact Jon Givens at jgivens@lifeteen.com or call 480-820-7001.
Connect with fellow priests who share a passion for their vocation and for serving the young Church.
Each of our conferences is anchored with prayer. For over two decades, people return to our training conferences because the retreat-like setting.
Youth ministry doesn't have to be hard. Our staff, resources, and training sessions will help your parish community grow by first investing in youth ministry.
"I've never met a group of people more supportive of priests. Besides learning more about youth ministry, I always leave Life Teen events spiritually refreshed and confirmed in my ministry as a priest."
Fr. Nathan March, Diocese of Portland, ME
Your convention fee includes all sessions, breakouts, and materials. In addition, Sunday dinner, Monday lunch and dinner, and Tuesday lunch and dinner are included. Guests are responsible for booking their own hotel rooms.
If you have a food allergy we need to be aware of (vegetarian, lactose intolerant, wheat/peanut allergy, etc.), please let us know. There is a section that allows you to share this information with us during the online registration process. We always do our very best to accommodate your needs; however, it never hurts to bring some snacks just in case.
Phoenix is very warm during the summer. Dress to be casual and comfortable. The main room/breakout rooms can get chilly so bring a sweater or sweatshirt just in case. There is a pool at the resort so bring your bathing suit!
We would love for you to concelebrate! We ask that you please bring your own vestments as we cannot promise that we will have enough or the correct size.
Life Teen does not provide transportation for the Convention. We do recommend Super Shuttle as a good option from the airport to the resort. They usually run about $.75 per mile per person.
The Doubletree Resort hosts numerous events throughout the year and sometimes the person on the phone may not be aware of our conference. It may be a simple mistake in relaying the proper information to you. One recommendation is to hang up and call back to speak with a different person. If the problem continues, give us a call at the Life Teen office: 404-252-8815
Yes, we will have USB drives for sale at the conference. They will contain the keynote talks, the breakout talks, and all handouts. The USB drive will not contain music that is played at the conference (we cannot record and distribute music for copyright reasons). In the registration process, you will have an option to pre-order a USB. You can also buy one on site. If you are unable to stay for the entire convention, an option to mail the USB to your house will available for an additional $5. Please note, the USB will contain all materials from Sunday-Tuesday. The Wednesday materials will be available online through a link you receive once you purchase the USB.
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your families. If you would like them to join us for meals, you can purchase a “Meal Plan” when you register that will allow them to do so.
Yes, the Life Teen store will have many options for you to choose from. And, if we do not have a particular resource there for you to purchase, you can always order it online!
We are here to help you! Contact the Events Team at 404-252-8815 and ask for Chris Turner, Events Director . You can also email Chris at cturner@lifeteen.com.
5/18 Update: This event is at capacity. Please register for the waitlist.
$450/participant
*does not include lodging
Download a Participant Agreement Form here. Please bring this form with you to the event.
Give us a call at 800-809-3902 and we'd be happy to help you with any questions you might have regarding this event.
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