Welcome to OYYAM
OYYAM was created to serve the youth and young adults of the Archdiocese of Seattle and the leaders who minister to and with them. We work to develop and support leadership, offer service opportunities (locally and internationally), and create a network for young people to access Church services and meet one another.
Identity Statements
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry…
- Is an office of the Archdiocese of Seattle which extends the ministry of Archbishop Brunett
- Takes its vision and inspiration from the vision of the U.S. bishops described in Renewing the Vision – A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCB, 1997) and Sons and Daughters of Light – A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults (NCCB, 1996) –see below
- Invites youth and young adults to gather in fellowship and worship at several different annual events
- Empowers adult and youth leadership through training and certification
- Actively advocates for the inclusion of youth in all aspects of the life of the Catholic faith community
- Offers Retreats and retreat space to parish communities and/or other ministry groups
- Connects the Archdiocese with youth and young adult ministry opportunities regionally, nationally and internationally
A Future Full of Hope (2004)
Convened by Archbishop Brunett in 2001, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council entered into an intense period of study, listening and dialogue. Guided by Ecclesia in America, an apostolic exhortation delivered by Pope John Paul II in 1999, the fruits of the Council’s work is expressed in A Future Full of Hope: Vision, Priorities, and Goals for the Archdiocese of Seattle. Key elements calling for a renewed ministry to Youth and Young Adults include:
- A commitment to responding effectively to the needs of youth and young adults
- Assuring that youth and young adults continue to encounter Christ and remain in solidarity with the Church
- Encouraging pastors and lay leaders to listen to young people more attentively, involving them in planning, and invite them into leadership within our parishes and faith communities
- Celebrating cultural diversity as a gift that must be woven not blended, into the fabric of each parish community
Explore our website to learn more about the Office for Youth & Young Adult Ministry or find out the latest happenings through our blogs.
Find the Sources of OYYAM’s Vision
OYYAM’s Ministry of Service is rooted in a mandate from the Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. Their vision illuminates the value and importance of the Young Church of Today and is Grounded in a framework articulated by the National Bishops in a number of foundational documents on ministry to Youth and to Young Adults.
Staff Directory
OYYAM Staff are Committed to Serving the Leadership of Our Parishes & Faith Communities
Program & Service Directory
OYYAM Programs & Services Exist to Support & Enhance Ministry at the Parish Level
OYYAM Calendar
OYYAM Strives to Communicate Effectively with Leadership About the Programs and Services We Offer