5 Levels Coordinator Intake Form
Use this form to fill out for Priest or Ministry Leaders
🎯 Empathy Map: OMI Parish Leaders & Pastors
Focus: Implementing the Youth & Young Adult “Levels” Ministry Framework
🗣️ SAYS
What leaders and pastors often say during conversations:
“We really want to get something going for the youth, but we don’t know where to start.”
“We tried a youth group years ago, but it fizzled out.”
“We don’t have the people or the time to make this work.”
“Our young adults are too busy or disconnected.”
“We’re open to ideas, but it has to fit our parish culture.”
“We need something sustainable, not just another short-term program.”
“I just don’t have anyone to lead this right now.”
“How much support can we actually get from the Oblates or the diocese?”
đź’ THINKS
What they are thinking but may not always verbalize:
“This is important, but I already feel stretched thin.”
“What if I invest time in this and it doesn’t go anywhere again?”
“Do I have the right people to build this ministry?”
“I’m not sure I fully understand what’s expected of me.”
“Will this create more work or conflict in my already full parish schedule?”
“Our parish isn’t like the others — will this framework actually fit here?”
“I’d love to see our youth and young adults on fire for Christ — but I don’t know how to get them there.”
🤲 DOES
Observed behaviors and actions:
Tentatively agrees to try something new but hesitates to commit too deeply
Delegates youth or young adult ministry to a volunteer or part-time staff if available
Engages in occasional parish activities for youth (e.g., confirmation, Advent events)
Reacts positively to encouragement and support, especially when follow-up is consistent
Expresses gratitude when practical tools and guidance are given
Attends Oblate meetings or calls when scheduling allows
Occasionally shares parish stories or challenges when trust is built
❤️ FEELS
Emotions experienced during ministry growth conversations:
Overwhelmed — due to limited resources, volunteers, and time
Hopeful — when presented with simple, practical steps
Skeptical — from past ministry disappointments or burnout
Protective — of parish culture and priorities
Encouraged — when they feel seen, supported, and not judged
Inspired — when reminded of the mission and long-term vision of youth ministry
Lonely — especially in rural or smaller parishes with limited support networks
🔍 Key Pain Points & Concerns
Lack of volunteers or young adult leaders
Uncertainty about how to start or restart ministry
Feeling unsupported by the broader Church structure
Fear of failure or investing energy into something short-lived
Balancing ministry growth with other pastoral priorities
Difficulty connecting with today’s young people
âś… How Coordinators Can Support Effectively
Lead with empathy and pastoral care. Begin every conversation by listening before offering solutions.
Simplify the process. Offer one clear next step rather than overwhelming them with the whole framework.
Affirm what’s already good. Celebrate any effort toward youth engagement, no matter how small.
Customize support. Adapt resources to fit their parish size, culture, and available leadership.
Offer consistent follow-up. Don’t assume one meeting is enough—relationship is built through continued connection.
Be a bridge, not a burden. Bring resources, ideas, and encouragement — not another “thing to do.”
Highlight the mission. Remind them this is about forming missionary disciples, not checking program boxes.
đź“‹ Parish Youth Group Self-Assessment Tool
Determine Your Current Stage & Plan the Next Step
🔹 Instructions
Review the statements under each level below. Check off all statements that are true of your current youth group. Your highest fully-checked level likely reflects your current stage.
đź”´ Level 1: Emerging Presence
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