Forming Disciples for Today and Tomorrow

At the heart of GodSEND Youth Ministry is a bold vision: to serve as a transparent bridge between the Catholic Church's lifelong formation and the next generation of Catholic leaders. Uniting teens from St. Elizabeth Seton led by Fr. Kevin McCray, St. George led by Fr. Paul Seaman, and St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr led by Fr. Matt Nemchausky, this ministry is centered in Christ and built on three pillars—Spiritual, Service, and Social—that empower youth to discern and live out God's will for their lives.

John Sobol, youth minister and the driving force behind GodSEND, says, “This is about the youth. This is driven by God and His will for us.” Sobol, who previously served as the liturgy director at St. Elizabeth Seton, rebooted the ministry in February 2024 as part of the spiritual renewal process. A shared effort among the three parishes, an advisory board of dedicated volunteers supports GodSEND, and Sobol meets regularly with the pastors to ensure that the ministry aligns with each parish’s vision and priorities. “We’re so blessed by the leadership at all three parishes,” he says. “They've helped create the space and support for this ministry to thrive.”

A Transparent Bridge

The concept of a “transparent bridge” embodies GodSEND’s mission to support youth in the pivotal transition from middle school religious education to an active, engaged faith life in high school and beyond. Sobol is intentional about inviting young people into the Church’s liturgical life. “We ask if they’d like to be altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers. We just started a youth praise band that will play at Mass once a month, rotating among the parishes,” he shares.

Beyond the Mass, Tuesday night gatherings during the school year offer an open and engaging space for faith exploration. The group watched and reflected on The Chosen, discussed Catholic Social Teaching, and toured church buildings to learn about sacred vessels and spaces. “Theology, history, and spirituality come alive when youth are given the space to ask questions and explore,” says Sobol.

The topics explored are often chosen by the youth themselves—everything from bullying and care for creation to chastity, abortion, and free will. “We’ve built trust with our youth and families,” Sobol says. “We work closely with parents and require their consent for more sensitive conversations.”

Faith in Action

GodSEND lives its mission well beyond the walls of the church. Whether it’s hosting open gym nights, painting projects, or organizing service opportunities, the group’s focus is always on formation through relationships. “We want this to feel different from school,” Sobol says. “We ask, ‘Where are you at?’ and ‘How can we equip you with the tools of our Catholic faith to go out into the world?’” In October, they visit Brookdale Assisted Living and Bickford to lead the Rosary and decorate pumpkins; they also facilitate Christmas caroling, lead devotional Stations of the Cross, and work on Easter decorations.

One recent example stands out: “When tornados hit North Carolina and Florida last fall, the youth came to me asking what they could do,” Sobol recalls. “They collected diapers, baby wipes, water, cleaning supplies—whatever was needed. This wasn't about fulfilling a service hour. This was about being the hands and feet of Christ.”

Each year, youth from GodSEND attend Catholic HEART Workcamp mission trips. Last year, five teens attended and came back transformed. This summer, 15 are registered. “Their faith came alive in service,” says Sobol. “Some of them even wrote bulletin articles about their experiences.”

Building Community, Encountering Christ

Social connection is vital to GodSEND’s approach. From fun nights at local entertainment venues to collaborative events with the Southwest Suburban Youth Ministers Association, the ministry recognizes that faith formation also happens through friendship and shared joy. “We're taking 48 youth to a gaming center this week,” Sobol shares. “It's not just about fun—it’s about building relationships the way Jesus did.”

These relationships, in turn, open the door to profound spiritual growth. Sobol recalls a recent moment of transformation: “We took students to see the movie about Blessed Carlo Acutis. Many were amazed that someone their age could live such a holy life. Carlo is now our patron saint. The youth left inspired and changed.”

Adoration, rosary prayer, and catechesis around the Stations of the Cross have become meaningful spiritual practices for many in the group. “Some parents came to Stations of the Cross for the first time and were moved to tears,” says Sobol. “This is about missionary discipleship. We're called to bring people back—but the Eucharist is at the center of it all.”

The Church of Now

For Sobol, the greatest source of joy is witnessing the hunger these young people have to know and live their Catholic faith. “They ask incredible questions,” he says. “We live in a world where many messages conflict with Church teaching, but our youth are opening up and trusting us to help guide them.”

And they’re leading, too. Last year, with approval from the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sobol trained three new teen lectors, four Eucharistic ministers, and two greeters and launched the youth praise band with 10 musicians—all high schoolers with years of choral and instrumental experience. “We are so blessed,” he says. “These young people are not the future Church. They are the Church—right now.”

Looking ahead, GodSEND is planning a Bible Study Bootcamp this summer, focusing on the book of Genesis and preparing a group to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis in November. “They'll meet peers from across the country, discover different expressions of our shared faith, and grow closer to the Eucharist,” Sobol says.

Through every Mass, retreat, service project, and Tuesday night gathering, GodSEND continues to bridge generations—offering young people the tools, support, and relationships they need to live lives rooted in Christ.