Diocesan-level youth ministry is currently coordinated by the Youth Advisory Council. The council and other volunteers organize youth events, help build children and youth leader community and collaboration through regular meetups, and share feedback about the needs and concerns of young people with Bishop Paula Clark.
For more information about the work of the Youth Advisory Council please contact Kyle Oliver or Rachel Snavely by email.
Keep in Touch!
Volunteer and paid youth and children’s ministry providers, please subscribe to our Children & Youth Leader Updates.
Youth and their families: please subscribe to Youth & Parent Updates
Youth Advisory Council
Kyle Oliver, St. Lawrence, Libertyville, co-chair
Rachel Snavely, Holy Nativity, Clarendon Hills, co-chair
Rebecca Elfring-Roberts, staff liaison, Church of Our Saviour, Chicago
Sean Cramer, Emmanuel, Rockford
Melissa Durbin, Christ Church, Winnetka
Ian Grant-Funk, Church of the Holy Comforter, Kenilworth
Lily Jacobsen, St. John the Evangelist, Flossmoor
Abby Kettlewell, St. Gregory’s, Deerfield
Sebastien Lucien, St. Thomas, Chicago
Jesse Marinelli, All Saints, Chicago
Wanda Norris, St. Thomas, Chicago
Pauline Sachar, Church of the Atonement, Chicago
Ben Sweeney, All Saints, Chicago
Upcoming Events
November 13–14: Diocesan Convention & Youth Delegates Overnight in Rockford
January 11, 2027, 7 PM: Children & Youth Leader Meetup
TBD: 2027 Lenten Retreat Day
TBD: 2027 Youth Worship Festival
Youth Ministry Resources 
Formation Resources
Find children’s and youth programs and curricula in use in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.
FORMA
Forma is a community of Christian educators, formation professionals, and youth ministers from the Episcopal Church. The Forma website has a wide range of resources, including curriculum descriptions and recommendations for all ages.
My Faith, My Life
My Faith, My Life is a handbook for teens in the Episcopal Church that is often used for confirmation classes. It is also an excellent resource for youth study groups and high school Christian education programs. My Faith, My Life covers scripture, church history, and sacraments as well as the meaning of prayer and ministry in the lives of real teens today.
Church Publishing
Church Publishing Inc. is an official publisher of worship materials and resources for The Episcopal Church.
Release Form/Waiver Template
Churches frequently ask for sample release forms (waivers) for use in parish youth events and trips. Our Diocesan Youth Event Release Form provides a template that you can customize for your own context.