Peacebuilders Initiative

Peacebuilders Initiative is a leadership and ministry program for high school youth. Begun in 2001 with funding from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Peacebuilders Initiative is housed in Catholic Theological Union’s Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry.

The program prepares Catholic youth for active leadership roles in peacemaking, reconciliation, and conflict transformation in their homes, schools, parishes and neighborhoods, inspiring them to consider ministry as a life choice. Each year, our program equips 50 high school students from the Chicagoland area with in-depth knowledge and hands-on-experience to grow into Catholic leaders and promoters of peace and justice among the poor, the marginalized and the underserved in our world. Click here for information on the Peacebuilders Initiative.

Only a select few Peacebuilders are chosen each year from the Archdiocesan Catholic High Schools and Parishes and Holy Family is very blessed to have had many teens chosen as Peacebuilders in the past and present. Past and Present Peacebuilders are:

Current Project: 2011-21012

• Elizabeth Tokarz
• Marjie Gerke
• Christopher Benka
• Casey Kaldahl

Peacebuilders applications are advertised in late fall with applications due after Christmas. Please watch this page and the Youth homepage for more information as applications open. Contact the Teen Faith Office at 847-907-3439 for more information.