Teen Peer Ministers Formation Program
Forming Young Disciples of Christ! 

Level 1 (SPRING):

• 5 Modules

• Given in a series of dates or in a full weekend intensive

• Cristo-centric Leadership Formation

• Focus on the ministry and calling of the Young Peer Minister

LOCATION:

3600 W. Cermak Rd. 60623

DATES

Too be Announced soon

Level 2 Formation in the Fall

Fall 2026 information will be shared soon

• $250 per teen, which includes food, materials, and resources.  

• Scholarships of $200 per teen are available (first come first serve) 

MISSION: 

The Mission of the BSYC Teen Peer Ministry Formation Program is to gather potential young leaders from different Catholic Schools and Parishes to build community among them, prepare them to give witness, and develop them as young disciples of Christ, equipped and trained to effectively support the evangelizing efforts of their own Parish ministries, Schools, and communities

VISION:

The vision of the BSYC Teen Peer Ministry Formation Program is that participating schools and parishes are retaining their teen peer ministers for at least two years in active, effective, and committed service to their mission thanks to the ongoing formation that this program provides them for two years.  

GOAL STATEMENT:

BSYC Teen Peer Ministry Formation Program has adopted the three major goals of the Renewing the Vision Plan written by the USCCB, which also align with the three essential goals of Renew My Church of the Archdiocese of Chicago: Form Disciple through Evangelizing Catechesis (Goal #1 of the RVP), Inspire Witness through Prayer and Service (Goal #2 RVP), Build Community through pastoral care and Supportive Accompaniment (Goal #3 RVP).  

AUDIENCE:

This program works with young high school and 8th grade teen leaders of various Catholic Schools and Parish ministry programs within the various Chicago urban communities.  These teens have been nominated by their parish youth ministers, approved by their parish pastors, and are looking forward to an active/creative learning process that will include three levels of formation within two years, divided in three levels.

1. Young People receive quality Formation that will prepare them to initially minister to their peers through accompaniment, giving witness, and hospitality. 

2. Young people learn to share their own witness account, inspiring other peers to engage. 

3. Young People develop and strengthen their positive networking with other Teen Peer Ministers for support

4. Young people learn key leadership skills needed to support the mission of their youth ministry programs

5. Young People gain more confidence in public speaking and presenting. 

1. Parents must work with their school or parish to register to this retreat.  We cannot accept kids not registered through their school or parish programs.  

2. Parents MUST leave their kids between 8:30-9:00 AM on assigned sidewalk drop-offs around the building. Volunteers with security vests will be there to receive your kids and guide them to the entrance of the building. 

3. MUST be on time! The Program will start exactly at 9 AM and the doors, for safety reasons will close at 9:15 AM 

5. Parents MUST come and pick up their kids between 12 PM - 1:00 PM. The building will close at 1 PM.  

I understand that we, the parents/guardians, are responsible for the transportation of my child to and from the event on the specific times mentioned for drop-off and Pick-up. I understand and consent to pictures and video being taken at the event, including all participants, for the purpose of promotion and marketing of the event and Blessed Sacrament Youth Center.  While food will be provided, my child, through my direction and guidance, will be responsible for choosing the food items best to eat according to his/her health. In consideration of allowing my child to participate in this event, I indemnify and hold harmless the organizers, staff, and volunteers involved in this event from any and all liability.  I realize and accept that in the event of my child’s behavior affects the safety of the event, the organizers and chaperones reserve the right to return my child home.