Province launches “Virtual Fraternity” to unite Youth & Young Adult Ministry leaders

In response to a growing need for connection, collaboration and shared formation, the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry announces the launch of a new province-wide initiative: the Virtual Fraternity. This digital and relational network is designed to connect those serving youth and young adults across the province. 

The initiative marks a significant step forward in the province’s broader strategic vision to build a coordinated Franciscan ecosystem of discipleship, rooted in this pathway:  

Encounter → Accompaniment → Formation → Mission. 

Responding to a province-wide need 

The Virtual Fraternity emerges directly from recent provincial listening sessions, where friars, ministry leaders and young people consistently identified both strengths and gaps in current ministry efforts. 

While ministries across the province demonstrate strong participation, authentic Franciscan identity and a deep spirit of welcome, leaders also highlighted key challenges: 

• Isolation among ministry leaders

• Limited communication and collaboration across sites

• A lack of shared formation and support structures

• Duplication of efforts across ministries

   

“This is not about creating something new for its own sake,” said Christopher Rivera, director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry. “It is about strengthening what is already alive by connecting it through fraternity.” 

What Is the Virtual Fraternity? 

The Virtual Fraternity is envisioned as a province-wide network of connection, formation and collaboration that brings together: 

• Youth ministers

• Young adult ministers

• Ministry volunteers

• Secular Franciscans (OFS)

• Friars and accompanying leaders

   

Rooted in Franciscan spirituality, the initiative seeks to ensure that those serving youth and young adults are supported not as individuals working alone, but as a fraternity on mission together. 

This effort directly aligns with the province’s strategic goal of building structures of communion and collaboration, while strengthening leadership formation and sustaining long-term ministry impact.  

Launching in phases 

Rather than a single rollout, the Virtual Fraternity will be developed in phases over the next year, ensuring that each component is built sustainably and in response to real ministry needs. 

The first phase begins this summer with the introduction of Quarterly Collaboration Sessions, which will serve as the foundational gathering point for leaders across the province. 

“These sessions are about building relationships first,” Rivera explained. “Before we build systems, we build fraternity.” 

Invitation to participate in our Summer Collaboration Sessions 

The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry has released the first two opportunities for leaders to engage: 

These sessions are open to all those involved in youth and young adult ministry, including volunteers and Secular Franciscans seeking deeper engagement with younger generations. 

Leaders across the province are encouraged to take part in this initial phase and help shape the future of the Virtual Fraternity. 

“This is not just a platform to join,” Rivera noted. “It is a fraternity to build together.” 

Participants can expect opportunities to: 

• Share experiences and best practices

• Receive ongoing formation in Franciscan accompaniment

• Build relationships with leaders across the province

• Contribute to shaping future phases of the Virtual Fraternity

   

Supporting a Larger Vision 

The launch of the Virtual Fraternity is closely connected to the province’s broader efforts to form missionary disciples and develop leaders for long-term ministry. 

Recent communications from the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry have emphasized that sustainable ministry will not be driven by programs alone, but by leaders who are formed, connected and equipped to accompany others.  

The Virtual Fraternity is designed to support that reality by creating an environment where ongoing formation and collaboration become part of the culture—not a one-time experience. 

Looking Ahead 

Future phases of the Virtual Fraternity will expand to include: 

• Province-wide leadership formation opportunities

• Shared digital resource libraries

• Seasonal prayer and formation gatherings

• Coaching and accompaniment spaces for ministry leaders

• Strengthened communication across ministries

   

By building gradually, the initiative aims to create a model that is both scalable across the province and adaptable to local ministry contexts. 

As the province continues its commitment to renewal and mission, the Virtual Fraternity represents a concrete step toward a more connected, collaborative, and deeply Franciscan approach to accompanying young people. 

For more information:

Christopher Rivera 
Director, Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry 
crivera@friars.us