This is the application to be a Young Adult Leader (YAL) for the Viatorian Youth Congress (VYC) which will take place at Viatorian Province Center and Casa Iskali in Des Plaines, IL. The in person time commitment is Saturday, July 26 at 8:00am through Thursday, July 31. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed one year past high school. This application is due April 11, 2025.
- Attend Leader Training
- Lead morning and evening prayer for the entire Congress
- Lead nightly small group discussions and prayer
- Set up and participate in all sessions
- Organize social and free time recreation
- Help enforce the Congress Code of Behavior
- Coordinate a Congress variety show
- Perform other duties, as needed
Leaders attend the congress free of charge but are responsible for travel to the site.
Questions should be directed to Associate Karen Cutler at kcutler@viatorians.com or call her office line at 847-637-2125
Section 1 is basic intake information. Section 2 covers ministry experience and reflection prompts. Section 3 is final information collection and certification. You can save your progress if you're logged into a Google Account and return to complete the Form later.
Social Media Advisory
This is a statement developed by past VYC Young Adult Leaders (YALs) to help inform applicants and help them reflect on this role.
In addition to the leadership that VYC YALs provide during the four days of VYC, YALs also often remain connected to teen delegates after VYC. These ways to keep in touch and catch up with each other help us build community and positive friendships.
When YALs connect with teens through social media and messaging apps, we expect YALs to set a positive example and interact with teens responsibly and carefully. VYC YALs are some of the best and brightest in the Viatorian Community, and we value the witness and service you offer to these young people. You can be a positive influence and trusted mentor.
To help support you in considering VYC leadership and thinking about how to do this responsibly, we want to share these insights to help and support you:
First off, we hope your social media accounts are a place where you can share good, positive things. We encourage you to rise above the negativity often found there and be a source of something better.
Viatorians are known for balance – for being serious about our faith while still being grounded, accessible people. Seek this balance online, too. We don’t want you to avoid fun social situations, but we do want you to avoid inappropriate, dangerous, or illegal activities. Anything you post can be seen by others, especially teens, as exemplary and something they may want to emulate. So strive for that something better!
It is always up to you to control your connections and activity on social media. You are always welcome to remain private, to decline invitations and follows, and to decline to reply to messages and comments. Remember that approved followers of private accounts can see and interact with everything on your account.
Remember that even young adults are still adults. Remember that most high school students are minors. All of your interactions, both public and in private messages, should exclude inappropriate language, questions, comments, or activity. Parents and guardians can access children’s activities.
On the whole, when in doubt, don’t send or share! Err on the side of caution. If you’re uncertain about something, ask a Viatorian or another Viatorian youth leader for input.
“Don’t be holy on Sundays only!” We encourage you to be proud of your Catholic faith and Viatorian identity. Highlight and celebrate your acts of service, prayer, and reflection. Invite others to engage.
