How we support parishes
CAA exists to help parishes start, sustain and grow their own youth ministry. We don’t arrive with a programme to impose or a youth group to run on a parish’s behalf. Instead, we walk alongside parishioners, priests and local leaders, helping them build something that belongs to their own parish and community.
Our support includes practical resources, mentoring, volunteer recruitment, school engagement and connections to the wider Catholic youth community. The aim is always the same: to give parishes the confidence and tools they need to build youth ministry that can stand on its own.
From first conversation to thriving youth ministry
Every parish is different, so there is no rigid formula. A journey might begin with a parishioner who feels called to youth ministry, a conversation with the parish priest or a parish simply asking, “Where do we start?”
CAA listens first. We help bring the right people together, support the recruitment and development of leaders, encourage connections with local Catholic schools and provide practical guidance as the group takes shape.
Once the youth group is established and connected to wider Church opportunities, our role changes. We remain part of the wider CAA family, but step back from the day-to-day journey so local leaders can take ownership.
We accompany. We never take over.
Working in partnership with Kenelm Youth Trust
Within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, CAA is delighted to work in conjunction with the Kenelm Youth Trust.
Our roles are complementary. CAA works from the parish upwards, helping parishes develop the local foundations, leaders and structures that make sustainable youth ministry possible. Kenelm provides diocesan youth ministry, opportunities and support across the wider Archdiocese.
By working together, we can help more parishes become ready for youth ministry and enable more young people to benefit from the opportunities available across the wider Church.
One shared mission, with each organisation bringing something different to it.
Could this work in your parish?
You don’t need to have a team, a detailed plan or all the answers before you speak to us. Sometimes the journey begins with just one person who feels that something more could be possible for young people in their parish.