July 11, 2025— “We May Not Have Much, But We Have a Home”
Claretian Community Impact supports innovative youth programs that bring out the best in our future leaders. This month’s Story of Hope features a new group that formed this year in one of our Claretian communities.
In July 2024, Fr. Byron Macias, CMF, took on his new assignment at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish with a simple mission: preach the Gospel in every way possible. That inspiration sparked something greater than he ever imagined.
What began with a lot of faith and the discovery of a vacant building across from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Chicago, IL, has become a thriving youth group. Here, more than 22 teenagers gather every Monday for honest conversations about life and faith. With five dedicated mentors, this ministry provides teens a safe space to discuss personal struggles and explore how Jesus meets them where they are.
“We may not have much, but we have a place to gather and call home,” says Fr. Byron.
The youth group’s room is furnished with gifted couches, bean bags, a popcorn machine, and even an air hockey table. Parents are welcome too, gathering downstairs for their own time of Bible reflection while their teens grow in spiritual connection upstairs.
Perhaps the most powerful sign that this ministry is changing lives arrived in the story of an unexpected Christmas card Fr. Byron received.
A young boy had been brought to the group by parents desperate to help their son with pressures he was facing to follow the wrong path. At his first sessions, he was silent—angry, closed off, and unwilling to engage. But week by week, something changed in him. Through patience, consistency, and the steady presence of this new peer community, he opened up. He talked. He laughed. He even started attending Mass with his family. That’s when Fr. Byron received the Christmas card with the message:
“Thank you for making me realize I’m a good person.”
Doesn’t that message says it all? Fr. Byron knew the growing group was transforming lives. Despite its positive impact, this new ministry is faces growing pains and challenges.
The group is quickly growing and running out of space and furniture. Though there’s fresh paint, donated furnishings and such, there’s more work needed to repair the building fully. And with summer here, Fr. Byron dreams of taking the teens on college tours and meaningful excursions that show them the world beyond their neighborhood—and the futures they can build.
Fr. Byron and the OLG Youth Group invite CCI supporters to help them meet these challenges. First, help spread the word of this important ministry by sharing this story with your social network, family, and friends. Next, share the group’s dedicated fundraising page.
Gifts in support of the CCI youth ministries do more than just create a place to gather — they build dignity, faith, and potential. With your support, this home can grow to welcome even more young people searching for guidance, connection, and hope. Accompany them on their journey!
