About Us
A growing network of Catholic youth leaders dedicated to helping parishes establish and sustain youth groups across the Archdiocese.
Our Mission
We exist for parishes - not to run youth groups ourselves, but to make youth ministry possible everywhere.
A mission-led network of experienced Catholic youth leaders
Dedicated to supporting parishes to start their own youth groups
Inspired by St Carlo Acutis and rooted in Eucharistic devotion
Built on the proven Trinity model of Community, Church, and Schools
Committed to accompaniment rather than ownership
Independent of any single diocesan youth service to maintain collaboration and neutrality
Our Patron
St Carlo Acutis is at the heart of our mission because he shows young people that faith is real, joyful and possible today.
He was a modern teenager who loved football, coding and technology, just like many of our young people.
St Carlo used his gifts to share the Gospel through a major Eucharistic miracles project at the age of fourteen.
His simplicity, kindness and sense of humour help young people see that holiness is not far away - it is lived in ordinary daily life.
His life helps young people recognise their own potential and invites them to grow closer to Jesus with confidence and joy.
"The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven"- St Carlo Acutis
This reflects everything the Association hopes to inspire in parish youth groups.
Our Foundation
The Carlo Acutis Association is rooted in a simple truth: Young people grow strongest when they encounter Jesus through prayer, community and the sacraments.
Prayer at the end of every youth session helps young people pause, reflect and connect with God.
We encourage devotion to Our Lady and the beauty of the Rosary, helping young people discover the richness of our Catholic faith.
The Eucharist sits at the centre of our mission, inspired by Carlo's devotion and witness.
Sessions reflect the rhythm of the liturgical year, allowing faith to grow naturally through seasons and feast days.
We support youth involvement in vocational and parish Masses, giving them a place within the life of the Church.
Young people are encouraged to live their faith in their friendships, homes and online spaces with authenticity and kindness.
This spiritual foundation ensures that every youth group remains rooted in Christ.
The Bigger Picture
CAA exists within a wider network of strong Catholic youth ministries across England and Wales.
Organisations such as Kenelm, NDCYS, YMT, BCYS and many others provide retreats, leadership training and formation.
These centres enrich the faith lives of thousands of young people every year.
Many parishes, however, struggle to connect with these services because they do not yet have a youth group or leaders in place.
CAA fills this gap by helping parishes build the foundations that make participation possible.
CAA acts as a bridge organisation, ensuring that more parishes are ready to engage with diocesan youth services effectively.
Organisation
A clear framework ensuring effective support for parishes across the region.
Senior youth leaders and at least one spiritual advisor providing guidance, oversight, and mission alignment.
One or more leaders from each parish youth group, forming a collaborative network.
Resource development, events, mentorship, and operational support.
Our Charter
To support, guide, and inspire every parish to establish a youth group, ensuring every young person has access to Catholic community, faith, and fellowship.
At least one youth leader representative from each parish youth group, creating a growing network of experienced leaders supporting one another.
We support, complement and enhance the work already happening across the country.
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