Catholic Youth Ministry Convention
June 11 - 14, 2023 / Scottsdale, AZ

Real Presence

wonder
is
here.

SINCE THE DAWN OF HUMAN HISTORY, we’ve looked toward the heavens, wondering what lies beyond the stars. From paintings to space races, we’ve been drawn to the vast unknown, hoping for something – echoing the restless search deep in our souls, the ache to see and be seen, to know and to be known.

2,000 YEARS AGO THAT HISTORY SHIFTED. The Great Unknown we were unknowingly chasing entered time and space. The Creator revealed his nearness, knowing us and allowing himself to be known. An unfathomable mystery now made tangible. Christ among us — God Incarnate declaring that we are not alone.

NOW, AS HISTORY CONTINUES TO BE WRITTEN, the gift of the Incarnation continues to be given. This is my Body. This is my Blood. God in the flesh handed on for every generation.

OUR HEARTS STILL WONDER, but no longer looking “out there”. It’s closer: on the altar, in the bread — through his real presence THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE HAS DRAWN NEAR.

ON
EARTH
AS IN
HEAVEN

FOR THOSE CALLED TO YOUTH MINISTRY, the reality of His presence is more than sentiment. It’s a necessity to accomplish the mission – as Jesus reminds us, “apart from me you can do nothing.”

AS WE ANTICIPATE the Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention, we can’t imagine a more appropriate focus for effective and sustainable youth ministry than encountering, or re-encountering, the reality of our Source and Summit.

OVER THE COURSE OF 4 DAYS, you will receive practical training, relevant methodology, and incredible community. We’re confident the content line-up will continue to prove this to be the leading formation event for anyone in Catholic youth ministry. However, that’s just the start. This year, we have a specific desire to press further into spiritual renewal, letting our hearts explore the wonder of the Eucharist through the phenomenon of the Incarnation. Ultimately, our prayer is that you would leave this gathering amazed at His nearness and forever changed by His presence.

$600.00

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY CONVENTION
JUNE 11 – 14, 2023
DOUBLETREE PARADISE VALLEY
SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Conference price will increase April 15th.

Each event registration includes general sessions, breakouts, Sunday dinner, Monday lunch and dinner, Tuesday lunch and dinner, and conference materials. Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodations. See the Hotel Info for discounted rates and booking details. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND / ENLIST:

Are you passionate about young people and the future of the Church? Do you work or volunteer in youth ministry at a local church or school? Are you a DRE or Confirmation Coordinator? Perhaps a priest or religious looking for a holistic approach to caring for your parish?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention has been specifically crafted with you in mind. Join us, we can’t wait to meet you.

2023 CREW

IF WE’RE EXPLORING the nearness of the Great Unknown, we’re going to need an amazing crew to lead the way. This year we’ve gathered together a team of experienced and devoted ministry leaders and experts from across the country. Not only will they walk you through concrete practices, engaging catechesis, and lasting formation, they will do it all with a visible and contagious love for Christ.

Sr. joseph
andrew
bogdanowicz, op

Vocations Director and Founder,
Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist

curtis
martin

Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)

danny ray

danny
ray

Illusionist, Author,
and Speaker

Fr. John Parks

Fr. John
Parks

Life Teen Alumnus
Pastor in the Diocese of Phoenix, AZ

Sr. Josephine Garrett

Sr. Josephine
Garrett

Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth
Licensed Counselor and Speaker

sarah
kroger

National Recording Artist
and Worship Leader

special
guests
and staff

Andrew Laubacher: 
Worship Leader and Songwriter

Fr. John Montejano:
Pastor in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA
Life Teen Board Member

Fr. Dan Beeman:
Pastor in the Diocese of Richmond, VA
Life Teen Board Member

Eric Colton:
Chairman and Founder, Untrafficked

Jenna Quinn:
National Spokesperson, Untrafficked

Randy Raus  President / CEO
Mark Hart  Chief Innovation Officer
Steve Allgeyer  V.P. of Ministry Advancement
Kristin Ables  Parish Success Specialist
Paul Albert  Dir. of Missions
Jill Bagshaw  Dir. of Catechesis / Research
David Calavitta  Dir. of Creative / Marketing
Katie Gray  Dir. of Parish Outreach
Monica Harness  Regional Coordinator
Helena Heffernan  Edge Support Coordinator
Bart Kovacic  Regional Coordinator
Jake Martin  Missions Coordinator
Ryan Petrillo  Advancement Officer
Jose Rodriguez Rivera  Life Support Coordinator

THE CONVENTION IS held at the DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort. This luxurious resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is the perfect destination to relax, enjoy the sun, and be cared for during your time at CYMC.

IF THE LIFE TEEN ROOM BLOCK at the DoubleTree is sold out, no worries… we’ve got you covered! Additional rooms can be booked at our overflow location.

A FREE SHUTTLE WILL BE PROVIDED between the overflow hotel and the DoubleTree Resort so you won’t miss any of the excitement! Please note the shuttle will ONLY run between these two properties. The shuttle will not be able to pick up or drop off at any other locations outside the conference designated hotels.

DOUBLETREE PARADISE VALLEY RESORT
Website: DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort
Location: 5401 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Rate: $89/night
Cut Off Date: May 19th or when block fills
To Book: Click here or call 800-222-8733

EMBASSY SUITES SCOTTSDALE RESORT
Website: Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort
Location: 5001 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Rate: $99/night – including breakfast!
Cut Off Date: May 19th or when block fills
To Book: Click here or call 800-362-2779

WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION,  be sure to mention that you are with the Life Teen Convention to receive the discounted rates.

ALL REGISTRATION FEES must be paid no later than May 1st. Payment can be made by check or credit card.

Checks should be made out to Life Teen and mailed to:

Life Teen, Inc.
ATTN: Convention 2023
P.O. Box 117299
Atlanta, GA 30368-7299

TO SUBMIT A CREDIT CARD PAYMENT, click here to view and pay your balance. You will need your group leader first name, group leader last name, email address and confirmation code to log in. Once logged in, you will be able to put in your credit card information and submit your payment.

CANCELLATION FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Until March 31st = $150 cancellation fee
April 1st-April 30th = $300 cancellation fee
After April 30th = no refund

WHO CAN ATTEND THE EVENT?

WHAT DOES MY CONVENTION FEE INCLUDE?

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH MINISTERS?

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS?

ARE YOU GOING TO SELL DIGITAL COPIES OF THE CONVENTION TALKS?

WHAT TIME DOES THE CONFERENCE START & END?

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO FOR THE CONFERENCE?

DOES LIFE TEEN PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO OR FROM THE AIRPORT?

I CALLED THE RESORT OR OVERFLOW HOTEL AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOT A LIFE TEEN CONFERENCE LISTED OR THAT THE ROOM BLOCK IS FULL. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY?

I AM COMING TO CONVENTION AND WANT TO BRING MY SPOUSE/KIDS. CAN I DO THAT?

WHAT DO PRIESTS NEED TO BRING TO CONFERENCE?

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 1

“at every time and
in every place,
god draws
close to
man.”

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY CONVENTION

Need help? You can always contact the events team with any questions you may have.

Julianna Nett, Events Registration Coordinator
jnett@lifeteen.com / 800-809-3902 ext. 231

Real Presence

Catholic Youth Ministry Convention
June 11 – 14, 2023 / Scottsdale, AZ

ENLIST / REGISTER

WONDER
IS
HERE.

SINCE THE DAWN OF HUMAN HISTORY, we’ve looked toward the heavens, wondering what lies beyond the stars. From paintings to space races, we’ve been drawn to the vast unknown, hoping for something – echoing the restless search deep in our souls, the ache to see and be seen, to know and to be known.

2,000 YEARS AGO THAT HISTORY SHIFTED. The Great Unknown we were unknowingly chasing entered time and space. The Creator revealed his nearness, knowing us and allowing himself to be known. An unfathomable mystery now made tangible. Christ among us — God Incarnate declaring that we are not alone.

NOW, AS HISTORY CONTINUES TO BE WRITTEN, the gift of the Incarnation continues to be given. This is my Body. This is my Blood. God in the flesh handed on for every generation.

OUR HEARTS STILL WONDER, but no longer looking “out there”. It’s closer: on the altar, in the bread — through his real presence THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE HAS DRAWN NEAR.

ON
EARTH
AS IN
HEAVEN

FOR THOSE CALLED to youth ministry,  the reality of His presence is more than sentiment. It’s a necessity to accomplish the mission – as Jesus reminds us, “apart from me you can do nothing.”

AS WE ANTICIPATE the Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention, we can’t imagine a more appropriate focus for effective and sustainable youth ministry than encountering, or re-encountering, the reality of our Source and Summit.

OVER THE COURSE of 4 days, you will receive practical training, relevant methodology, and incredible community. We’re confident the content line-up will continue to prove this to be the leading formation event for anyone in Catholic youth ministry. However, that’s just the start. This year, we have a specific desire to press further into spiritual renewal, letting our hearts explore the wonder of the Eucharist through the phenomenon of the Incarnation. Ultimately, our prayer is that you would leave this gathering amazed at His nearness and forever changed by His presence.

CATHOLIC YOUTH
MINISTRY CONVENTION
JUNE 11 – 14, 2023
DOUBLETREE PARADISE VALLEY
SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Conference price will increase April 15th.

Each event registration includes general sessions, breakouts, Sunday dinner, Monday lunch and dinner, Tuesday lunch and dinner, and conference materials. Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodations. See the Hotel Info for discounted rates and booking details.

Are you passionate about young people and the future of the Church? Do you work or volunteer in youth ministry at a local church or school? Are you a DRE or Confirmation Coordinator? Perhaps a priest or religious looking for a holistic approach to caring for your parish?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention has been specifically crafted with you in mind. Join us, we can’t wait to meet you.

  • Creating and Implementing a Kerygmatic Vision for your Youth Ministries
  • Ten Amazing Games for Teens that Every Youth Minister Should Know
  • Five Keys to Finding Ministerial “Sanity”
  • Conversation “Jump Starters” with Teens
  • Talking to your Youth about Sensitive Social/Cultural Topics
  • Taking your Talks and Presentations to the Next Level
  • How to Diagnose the Spiritual Health of your Core and Youth Ministry
  • Getting More out of Small Groups
  • Re-thinking Ministry Communication, Time Management, and Workflows
  • Ten Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Middle School Ministry
  • Ministering to Teens with Anxiety/Depression
  • How to Build a Lasting Parent Ministry/Support Team
  • Keys to Building Successful Working Relationships within a Parish
  • Creating a Confirmation Program that Truly Transforms
  • Re-engaging the Masses Post-Pandemic
  • Secrets to Helping Teens Grow in Reverence at Mass and Beyond

We’ll also offer a Complete First-Timers Track for those new to Life Teen/Edge or Youth Ministry, in general, focusing on:

  • Creating and Sharing a Vision for Youth Ministry
  • Keys to Building Relationships with Modern Teens
  • Involving Teens in the Liturgy
  • How to Give Effective Teachings
  • Managing Small Groups that Get Teens Sharing
  • Semester Planning
  • Ongoing Catechist Training for Core Members
  • Praying with Teens
  • Weekly Activities, Retreats, and More!

We will also be sharing:

  • An exciting new resource to protect our teens and raise awareness about the reality of human trafficking.
  • A sneak peek at the all-new version and vision of Life Support coming this fall!
  • An amazing new resource and strategy for small and rural parishes to implement impactful and high-quality youth ministry in any parish.

2023 CREW

THIS YEAR WE’VE gathered together a team of experienced and devoted ministry leaders and experts from across the country. Not only will they walk you through concrete practices, engaging catechesis, and lasting formation, they will do it all with a visible and contagious love for Christ.

SR. JOSEPH ANDREW BOGDANOWICZ, OP

Vocations Dir. / Founder, Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist

CURTIS MARTIN

Founder / Chief Executive Officer,
Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)

danny ray

DANNY RAY

Illusionist, Author,
and Speaker

Fr. John Parks

FR. JOHN PARKS

Life Teen Alumnus
Pastor in the Diocese of Phoenix, AZ

Sr. Josephine Garrett

SR. JOSEPHINE GARRETT

Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth
Licensed Counselor and Speaker

sarah kroger

National Recording Artist
and Worship Leader

Andrew Laubacher:
Worship Leader and Songwriter

Fr. John Montejano:
Pastor in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA
Life Teen Board Member

Fr. Dan Beeman:
Pastor in the Diocese of Richmond, VA Life Teen Board Member

Eric Colton:
Chairman and Founder, Untrafficked

Jenna Quinn:
National Spokesperson, Untrafficked

Randy Raus
Mark Hart
Steve Allgeyer
Kristin Ables
Paul Albert
Jill Bagshaw
David Calavitta
Katie Gray
Monica Harness
Helena Heffernan
Bart Kovacic
Jake Martin
Ryan Petrillo
Jose Rodriguez Rivera

ENLIST / REGISTER

RECRUIT

The convention is held at the DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort. This luxurious resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is the perfect destination to relax, enjoy the sun, and be cared for during your time at CYMC.

If the Life Teen room block at the DoubleTree is sold out, no worries… we’ve got you covered! Additional rooms can be booked at our overflow location.

A free shuttle will be provided between the overflow hotel and the DoubleTree Resort so you won’t miss any of the excitement! Please note the shuttle will ONLY run between these two properties. The shuttle will not be able to pick up or drop off at any other locations outside the conference designated hotels.

DOUBLETREE PARADISE VALLEY RESORT

Website: DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort
Location: 5401 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Rate: $89/night
Cut Off Date: May 19th or when block fills
To Book: Click here or call 800-222-8733


EMBASSY SUITES SCOTTSDALE RESORT

Website: Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort
Location: 5001 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Rate: $99/night – including breakfast!
Cut Off Date: May 19th or when block fills
To Book: Click here or call 800-362-2779

When making a reservation,  be sure to mention that you are with the Life Teen Convention to receive the discounted rates.

ALL REGISTRATION FEES MUST BE PAID NO LATER THAN MAY 1ST. Payment can be made by check or credit card.

Checks should be made out to Life Teen and mailed to:


Life Teen, Inc.
ATTN: Convention 2023
P.O. Box 117299
Atlanta, GA 30368-7299

TO SUBMIT A CREDIT CARD PAYMENT, click here to view and pay your balance. You will need your group leader first name, group leader last name, email address and confirmation code to log in. Once logged in, you will be able to put in your credit card information and submit your payment.

CANCELLATION FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Until March 31st = $150 cancellation fee
April 1st-April 30th = $300 cancellation fee
After April 30th = no refund

WHO CAN ATTEND THE EVENT?

WHAT DOES MY CONVENTION FEE INCLUDE?

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH MINISTERS?

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS?

ARE YOU GOING TO SELL DIGITAL COPIES OF THE CONVENTION TALKS?

WHAT TIME DOES THE CONFERENCE START & END?

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO FOR THE CONFERENCE?

DOES LIFE TEEN PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO OR FROM THE AIRPORT?

I CALLED THE RESORT OR OVERFLOW HOTEL AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOT A LIFE TEEN CONFERENCE LISTED OR THAT THE ROOM BLOCK IS FULL. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY?

I AM COMING TO CONVENTION AND WANT TO BRING MY SPOUSE/KIDS. CAN I DO THAT?

WHAT DO PRIESTS NEED TO BRING TO CONFERENCE?

ENLIST / REGISTER

RECRUIT

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 1

"AT EVERY TIME
AND IN EVERY PLACE
GOD DRAWS
CLOSE TO
MAN."

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY CONVENTION

Need help? You can always contact the events team with any questions you may have.

Julianna Nett, Events Registration Coordinator
jnett@lifeteen.com / 800-809-3902 ext. 231

TOPICS:

  • Creating and Implementing a Kerygmatic Vision for your Youth Ministries
  • Ten Amazing Games for Teens that Every Youth Minister Should Know
  • Five Keys to Finding Ministerial “Sanity”
  • Conversation “Jump Starters” with Teens
  • Talking to your Youth about Sensitive Social/Cultural Topics
  • Taking your Talks and Presentations to the Next Level
  • How to Diagnose the Spiritual Health of your Core and Youth Ministry
  • Getting More out of Small Groups
  • Re-thinking Ministry Communication, Time Management, and Workflows
  • Ten Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Middle School Ministry
  • Ministering to Teens with Anxiety/Depression
  • How to Build a Lasting Parent Ministry/Support Team
  • Keys to Building Successful Working Relationships within a Parish
  • Creating a Confirmation Program that Truly Transforms
  • Re-engaging the Masses Post-Pandemic
  • Secrets to Helping Teens Grow in Reverence at Mass and Beyond

We’ll also offer a Complete First-Timers Track for those new to Life Teen/Edge or Youth Ministry, in general, focusing on:

  • Creating and Sharing a Vision for Youth Ministry
  • Keys to Building Relationships with Modern Teens
  • Involving Teens in the Liturgy
  • How to Give Effective Teachings
  • Managing Small Groups that Get Teens Sharing
  • Semester Planning
  • Ongoing Catechist Training for Core Members
  • Praying with Teens
  • Weekly Activities, Retreats, and More!

We will also be sharing:

  • An exciting new resource to protect our teens and raise awareness about the reality of human trafficking.
  • A sneak peek at the all-new version and vision of Life Support coming this fall!
  • An amazing new resource and strategy for small and rural parishes to implement impactful and high-quality youth ministry in any parish.

SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, JUNE 12
11:00am Check-In
3:00pm Session 1 / Sunday Mass
5:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Session 2

MONDAY, JUNE 13
7:30am Kickstart 1
9:00am Mass
10:45am Breakout 1
12:00pm Lunch / Free Time
2:00pm Session 3
4:00pm Breakout 2
5:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Session 4

TUESDAY, JUNE 14
7:30am Kickstart 2
9:00am Mass
10:30am Session 5
12:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Breakout 3
3:00pm Free Time
5:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Sessions 6

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15
9:00am Session 7
10:45am Mass
12:00pm Depart                   

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