LUBBOCK- The Diocese of Lubbock announces plans for a new youth and family center in the former Guadalupe Elementary School in the Guadalupe Neighborhood in north Lubbock—Lubbock ISD donated the building, located at 101 N Avenue P, to the diocese in March.

Renovations have begun on the Guadalupe Youth and Family Center of the Diocese of Lubbock. Repairs to the building include a new roof, ceiling replacements where needed, thorough cleaning and disinfecting, and repairs to kitchen appliances.

In June 2023, the Diocese of Lubbock celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its founding, and Most Rev. Robert Coerver, Bishop of Lubbock, shared priorities for the diocese. Two of the top priorities focus on young adults, youth, and families in the diocese.

Ministering to youth and young people was the most frequently mentioned theme in listening sessions Bishop Coerver led in 2022 in the 60 Catholic churches across the 25,000 square-mile area making up the diocese.

“As a diocesan Church we must move boldly and intentionally into a new approach to serving our youth and all young people,” Bishop Coerver said.

“As a diocesan Church we must move boldly and intentionally into a new approach to serving our youth and all young people,” Bishop Coerver said. “Moving forward in new directions with ministry to youth will require great commitment and collaboration among the entire People of God throughout the Diocese of Lubbock.”

With Bishop Coerver’s guidance, the Guadalupe Youth and Family Center will serve as a headquarters for collaboration with– and a commitment to— thousands of young people and families in the 25 counties of the Diocese of Lubbock.

The center will house the Diocese of Lubbock’s Office for Marriage and Family Life and the diocese’s Office for Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry. It is also hoped that the Guadalupe Center will be seen and used as a community center for the neighborhood and the city.

The diocese aims to open the Guadalupe Youth and Family Center in the fall.

Look for more coverage in the Fall 2024 issue of the South Plains Catholic magazine in mailboxes in October 2024.

Diocese of Lubbock photos of the Guadalupe Youth & Family Center of the Diocese of Lubbock. (July 2024) Photos provided by the Diocese of Lubbock Office for Stewardship and Development.