New Emmaus Ecology Program Aims to Grow Youth and Young Adult Involvement in Parishes

Ash Wedbnesday Service

In a time of challenge for many Catholic congregations, Dominican University is embracing opportunities for revival.

Thanks to a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving Congregations Initiative, Dominican’s Office of University Ministry and its Theology and Education Departments have launched Emmaus Ecology, a program aimed at reaching—and igniting the spirits of—youth and young adults.

The name Emmaus comes from the town in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus appears to two of his disciples after his resurrection. “Emmaus is a story of disillusioned disciples as they walk away from the Church, a story which mirrors the lived experience of so many young people today,” said Dr. Clodagh Weldon, professor of theology and co-interim vice president of Mission and Ministry at Dominican University. “But it is also a story of encounter and accompaniment, a story of the risen Jesus who dares to ask them, ‘What are you talking about?’ That is ultimately what this project is all about.”

Emmaus Ecology goes beyond the walls of Dominican with its outreach to parish communities near the River Forest campus, as well as in Little Village and Pilsen, where the new Chicago Campus is being developed.

The goal? More church involvement and leadership among young people, allowing their voices to be heard. 

“Ultimately, we envision a robust ecosystem where youth-facing practitioners and congregations have the skills, resources, and confidence to effectively accompany young people throughout their faith journeys,” said Tara Segal, assistant vice president and co-interim vice president for Mission and Ministry at Dominican University.

In partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago, the program will:

  • Create and invest in youth ministry “hubs” that coordinate activities like retreats, peer leadership and worship nights.
  • Increase professional development opportunities for Catholic school teachers.
  • Convene small groups of pastors and parish staff to discuss challenges, brainstorm new ideas for their parishes and reflect on their roles and practices.

“The ultimate goal of this is to help the parishes become more youth-centric,” explained Elizabeth Young, advancement and communications coordinator for Mission and Ministry. “This grant will allow us to create intentional spaces for professional ministers to explore the minds and hearts of the young people they serve and to contemplate creatively— together—the future of youth ministry and leadership in their congregations.”