Spanish religious orders open new year of youth ministry programs

The Spanish Conference of Religious (CONFER), which brings together religious orders and congregations in Spain, began a new year of youth and vocations ministry (PJV) on September 2, 2026. The aim is to bring people together, share experiences and grow together in work with young people. Its youth and vocations ministry office has set out several training programs to help with pastoral accompaniment of young people and to strengthen cooperation between congregations and institutions.

Conectando PJV: online meeting for delegates

One of the first activities is "Conectando PJV", an online meeting for delegates who have recently taken on responsibility for youth ministry in their institutions, as well as for those already on the team. It will be held on Friday, September 11 at 5 p.m. and will offer a space for discussion and a chance to learn about the office's initiatives.

Experienced delegates will take part, sharing their experiences and offering practical pointers for day-to-day work. Registration is free at https://forms.gle/XV3xZNBYnaxAJk2n8.

In-person meeting in Madrid in October

The Subcommission for Youth and Children of the Spanish Bishops' Conference and CONFER have organized a meeting of delegates and leaders in youth ministry, to be held in Madrid from October 1 to 4, 2026. The in-person meeting is intended for all those who work with young people in dioceses, consecrated life and movements, and is aimed at building networks, sharing experiences and shaping a ministry lived in communion. Registration is at https://jornadasconferenciaepiscopal.es/juventud.

Blended online course until June 2027

The Red de Pastoral Juvenil (Youth Ministry Network, RPJ), together with the Subcommission for Youth and Children and CONFER, has launched an online course titled "Acompañar procesos de Pastoral con Jóvenes". It is aimed at youth leaders, delegates and ministry coordinators, and seeks to deepen their understanding of the mission, of the situation of young people today, and to provide practical tools in line with the new framework project "Poneos en Camino".

The course runs from October 2026 to June 2027 in a blended format and is aimed at youth leaders from dioceses, congregations and movements. Registration is at https://academy.redpastoraljuvenil.org/curso/diplomado-animador-pastoral-jovenes.

Básicos PJV module in October

The module "Básicos PJV 2x2 | Acompañamiento pastoral hoy: un camino compartido" will offer training aimed at renewing the foundations of ministry with young people. It is aimed at PJV delegates and teams, heads of schools and educational foundations, pastoral workers, educators, those in formation, priests, lay people and members of CONFER's regional and diocesan boards.

The online session will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with Jorge Sierra, FSC, and María José Silva, FMA, as speakers. The program and registration are available through CONFER's channels.