Teams

Following the example of the small group of apostles who accompanied Jesus, the team is a living cell in the Church. The team is the medium chosen by YTOL to live in the Church, with Christ and as His witnesses.

Youth

Team members can differ greatly in their personal and spiritual experiences, in the level of their faith, in their culture, in their way of life and in their undertakings. Because they are young and living as single people, they are at a moment in life when many decisions have to be made. They desire to deepen their faith, to live the Gospel in their everyday life and to discern their life choices (concerning their studies, careers and way of life) with the help of the light of the Holy Spirit.

Our Lady

The name “Our Lady”, inherited from the Teams of Our Lady (Equipes Notre Dame), gives each member the desire to understand the role of Mary in the Mystery of Christ, and, consequently, in the Mystery of Salvation. Thus, all will find the role God gave Mary in their lives. This is the reason for which YTOL placed itself under the protection of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. The life of a team develops the spiritual and human values for which Mary is the model.

High School Teams (grades 9-12)

High school teams meet and work in a parish. Team members have initiated and been involved in different projects, including working with children preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, leading monthly meetings for other parish youth, evangelizing children, church cleaning and leading First Friday adorations.

Young Adult Teams (college, university, working)

Young adult teams meet and focus their activity around the university campus and the larger city community. Independence allows team members to be creative in answering the needs of their communities through service and out-reach projects. One team, for example, organizes a monthly Theology on Tap at a pub at the University of Toronto.

Team Animator

The animator is a member of the team, chosen by all the other members, to lead the team during monthly meetings for at least a year. All the team members hold this position in turn. The animator’s responsibilities take root in prayer.

Spiritual Counsel

The spiritual counsel is a priest or religious who is a witness of the consecrated life for the team. He or she accompanies the team on its path of spiritual development and encourages members to tackle issues from the spiritual and theological point of view. The spiritual counsel helps each of the team members to deepen their faith and their knowledge of God.

Accompanying Couple

Married couples play an integral part in the movement. Their gifts complement the gifts brought to the team by the spiritual counsel. The couple gives witness to their mutual enrichment in prayer and to their involvement in the world as lay people. It is a sign of fidelity built upon Christ through the sacrament of marriage. The accompanying couple normally belongs to the Teams of Our Lady.