One of the best parts of gathering with other youth ministers is the practical sharing. We all need to be fed to continue to grow in our ministry. Read on to see how youth ministers in Boise, Idaho, are gathering and sharing.

Because the Diocese of Boise is so large, youth ministers meet as deaneries each month. Within the capital city of Boise, several of the larger (compared to the rest of the state) urban parish youth ministers meet about once a month–getting together at different parishes for a meeting and, recognizing they need to be fed in all ways, continue on for lunch.

A typical meeting includes getting ready for diocesan events such as summer camp as well as sharing what is working or not working within their ministries. Sharing as a community is what feeds the group. This group prays together and offers support for the difficult times–both personal and professional. They are not all business because they also celebrate birthdays, new additions to families, and have even had a night of bowling together. Right now the group is going through a transition and has shared sad farewells but are also looking forward to welcoming new members.

Youth ministry is not small potatoes in Idaho. The larger group, spread across 1,200 miles of God’s country, gathers together once a year, usually during the fall conference. They also try to attend the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) as a group.

Thanks to Lorissa Horn of St. John’s Cathedral for answering the interview questions.

If you would like to see your group highlighted, please contact Kelly at kmunsee@stcharles-kettering.org.

Idaho Fun Facts

• The Diocese of Boise covers the entire State of Idaho, all 83,574 miles!
• The population of Idaho is 1,293,953 of whom 120,000 (10%) are Catholic.
• Catholics make up the second largest religious denomination in the state, the largest being Latter Day Saints.
• If you like a less crowded environment, you might consider a move to Idaho…not only would you boost the Catholic population, your neighbors would include only 14.64 more per square mile!