Youth Apostles is a mixed public association of the faithful canonically established in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. We have consecrated clerics, consecrated layman, married men, and single men in one community. We are committed to serving youth with the heart of Christ and in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The central house of the community is located in McLean, VA. We also have community houses in Blacksburg, Harrisonburg and Tidewater communities in Virginia.

The community was founded in 1979 by Dr. Eduardo Azcarate, who discerned a call from the Lord to found a men’s community focused on inspiring young people to live Christ-like lives.

John More is the General Director of Youth Apostles. Every three years, a new General Director is elected by the community, along with a General Council who serve and direct Youth Apostles.

At the heart of the community’s patron saints is Saint John Bosco - who had a love to serve youth and bring them to Christ. With that, Youth Apostles has a heart for serving youth in the same way. Currently, we serve middle school, high school, and college aged youth.

Youth Apostles spirituality is centered on the values of truth, freedom, and care. From that, members are dedicated to daily participation in the Eucharist at Mass, daily prayer rooted in Sacred Scripture, regular confession, spiritual direction, and Marian devotion. Their ministry to young people flows from a personal relationship with Christ. Each member is called to minister with the head, hearts, and hands of our patron saints St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. John Bosco.

Youth Apostles began as a continuation of a high school boys’ community led by a Catholic layman who especially hoped to find brothers who could help him continue and expand his work with young people. While Youth Apostles is a men’s community, we work alongside our sister community, Women Youth Apostles. To find out more about their community, visit their website at womenyouthapostles.org.

Absolutely! To bring a Youth Apostle to your parish, your pastor needs to invite us to begin the process. During that process, we review the Youth Apostle Vision for Parish Ministry, identify if we have the availability of a member to coordinate youth ministry at your parish, and agree to the Youth Apostle Vision.

If you are interested in joining Youth Apostles, you need to be at least 18 years old. To learn more about the process of becoming a Youth Apostles, visit youthapostles.org/member.

There are many ways to walk alongside us in our mission to serve young people. Through volunteering with us, donating to one of our ministries, or serving as a Mission Companion, see the different ways you can support us at youthapostles.org/support.

In order to update or change donation information, please find your donor portal at https://donor.youthapostles.org.