In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Marisally Santiago, Director of the Office for Ministry with Youth in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, hosts Stephanie Peddicord and Maggie Smith dive into the nuts and bolts of youth ministry done differently. Discover how the YCAPI (Youth Co-Leadership, Protagonism, and Initiative) initiative empowers teens to identify community needs, step into their agency, and experience lifelong discipleship—all while challenging adults to embrace new, collaborative roles. Hear stories of transformation, candid reflections on church culture, and get practical for parishes eager to foster authentic youth engagement.
Key Quotes:
- “It’s building something alongside this adult that’s gonna help them. And we eventually, we make them, they have to put together a presentation for their pastor, for the pastoral staff, so they do have to present what this is.”
— Marisally Santiago - “We wanted to do—I wanted to really emphasize the word mission—because that’s who we are. …We are the missionary militant church here on Earth.”
— Marisally Santiago - “How do we help them to engage in a life that is, my actions are driven by faith? And that’s really what we want to cement.”
— Marisally Santiago - “How do we create a culture within parish settings that allows for these two pieces to happen? I would say the two pieces are accompaniment, right, and protagonist.”
— Stephanie Peddicord - “It’s about young people being church in the parish community. So it’s a lot bigger than that.”
— Marisally Santiago - “It is the process of transformation that, to the extent that we transform your heart and your mind and your hands to go forth and change the world, that is what will keep you tethered to your faith for the long haul.”
— Stephanie Peddicord - “It’s as simple as walking with someone so they don’t go by themselves. … If we can recognize…Christ is present in every person…how do I just walk with someone?”
— Marisally Santiago
