Who are we We are the Western Canadian Association of Catholic Youth Ministers (WCACYM). Our membership includes Youth Ministers and Coordinators of Youth Ministry working and volunteering in parishes, schools, dioceses, and on campus. Our association serves Catholic ministers and institutions primarily and we welcome anyone working with young people in Western Canada to join us. There are numerous membership options and these are open to employees and volunteers, and to those in other denominations also ministering to young people. What are we all about Youth Ministers from across Western Canada felt the need for mutual support and a desire to be a voice in the Church as advocates for youth. In December 1988 they joined together to form WCACYM as an official association. In 1995, we earned recognition as a registered non-profit charitable organization. We continue to meet as a membership annually and stay in contact with one another via a quarterly newsletter. Our ministry focus Our ministry with young people flows out of the three-fold mission of the Church: to become, to belong, and to transform. Comprehensive Youth Ministry seeks to work towards three goals: to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community; to empower young people to become disciples of Jesus Christ who witness to their faith by living and working for justice, peace and human dignity. We believe in a comprehensive, family-supportive ministry, working for and with young people, drawing youth to active discipleship. Advocacy WCACYM is committed to collaborative ministry and desires to offer support to youth ministers, information to organizations, and recommendations to those seeking resources for youth ministry programming, structures, hiring, and employment guidelines. We work at promoting the need for and benefits of Youth Ministry in parishes and schools, and at advocating the needs of Youth Ministers. In particular, we are able to provide information packages concerning the employment of youth ministry leaders to any interested groups or organizations, as well as training standards and opportunities. We are in dialogue with, and connected to, the Western Canadian Bishops and the Western Conference of Catholic Religious Educators. Core The Western Canadian Association of Catholic Youth Ministers has a Core Committee which consists of 4 Positions. Chairperson Joe Glaab Vice Chairperson Pierre St. Amant Treasurer Leanne Wilson Plamondon Secretary Sharon Borges Liaison Bishop Most Rev. Gerald Wiesner, O.M.I. Bishop of Prince George Diocese.