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 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.