Inspired by St Carlo Acutis

Every Parish, Every Young Person, Every Opportunity

We exist to support parishes in starting their own youth groups, ensuring every young person has access to Catholic community, faith, and fellowship.

The Challenge

Youth Ministry Needs Your Parish

Across large areas of the Archdiocese, youth provision is inconsistent and often absent.

78
Parishes Surveyed

Across Oxfordshire, Birmingham East & North, and North Staffs

7
Active Youth Groups

Only 9% of parishes have youth provision

0
In Many Deaneries

Large deaneries with no active youth provision at all

Parishes consistently cite the same barriers:

  • Lack of experience starting a youth group
  • Uncertainty over safeguarding, logistics, and structure
  • No clear step-by-step process
  • Limited confidence or training for new leaders

CAA fills this gap by offering a blueprint, mentorship, and practical support drawn from lived experience.

Our Model

The Trinity of Youth Ministry

A framework proven to sustain long-term, parish-rooted youth groups.

Trinity of Youth Ministry: Community, Church, and School

Community

Parishioners lead the youth group, supported by volunteers, parents, and wider parish networks.

Church

The parish priest provides pastoral care, sacramental grounding, and spiritual leadership.

School

Catholic schools partner in communication, formation, and leadership development.

What We Offer

Building Youth Ministry Together

We give parishes the confidence and tools to start, sustain, and grow their youth groups.

1

Step-by-Step Guide

A clear, practical guide to starting a parish youth group from the ground up.

2

Mentorship

Direct support from experienced youth leaders who have built successful groups.

3

Templates & Resources

Ready-to-use templates,processes and resources.

4

Shared Tools

Access to shared tools, training signposting, and collective knowledge.

5

Connections

Links to mainstream Catholic youth services.

6

Accompaniment

Ongoing support from launch through early development of your youth group.

Our Impact

St Carlo Acutis Youth Groups Solihull

A case study showing what is possible when parish, school, and community work together.

80+
Young people attending weekly
3
Parishes collaborating together

Sessions have inspired contributions to Radio Maria and involvement in parish liturgy. Both junior and senior groups have grown, offering safe spaces for friendship, faith, and formation.

Read the full case study
"Young people lead discussions, take part in prayer and explore real life topics with respect and maturity. Families have travelled long distances to attend because of quality and trust."

- CAA brings this model to other parishes to replicate success

Our Team

Meet the Leadership

Experienced Catholic youth leaders dedicated to supporting parishes.

Ray McNally

Ray McNally

President

Maggie Fox

Maggie Fox

Secretary & Safeguarding Lead

Fr Andrew Franklin

Fr Andrew Franklin

Dean of Birmingham East & North Deanery

Marie Westmoreland

Marie Westmoreland

Leadership Mentor

"The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven"
- St Carlo Acutis

Ready to Start a Youth Group?

Trust the Holy Spirit and take the first step. CAA exists to walk with every parish, one at a time, so every young person has a place to belong.