Encounter connect serve belong
A four-pointed compass star with a beige circle at the center and brown points extending from it.

Rural Outreach

Rural youth ministry outreach exists to bring the joy of Christ to rural parishes and communities by meeting them where they are. We provide opportunities to encounter the Lord, connect with one another, and access resources and experiences that strengthen youth ministry. We also reach beyond parish walls by creating joyful opportunities for young people to encounter Christ through serving their neighbors.

Explore Events
View Our Resources 
Our Mission

Supporting Rural Parish Communities

Rural ministry is unique, and so are the communities it serves. Prairie Star Ranch partners with rural parishes by providing leadership, regional events, and practical resources that help young people encounter Christ and grow as His disciples.

  • Multiple brown chocolate cookies on a black surface.

    On Mission

    Outreach

    While the ranch offers incredible opportunities to encounter Christ onsite, we bring those experiences and opportunities directly to you. We also desire to bring opportunities for people to encounter Christ through serving and loving our neighbors, meeting Christ in the people and communities around us.

    Partner With Us →
  • Silhouette of a person in a walking pose with a large red plus sign behind them, centered on a dark background.

    Belong

    Connection

    Connection is at the heart of what we do—helping people grow in connection with the Lord, build meaningful relationships with one another, discover valuable resources, and stay connected to the great things happening throughout the Archdiocese and the larger Church. We want no one to feel like they are walking this journey alone, but instead to be connected to a community, resources, and opportunities that help them encounter Christ and live out their faith.

    Learn About Our Events →
  • A computer icon featuring a gold cross symbol on a dark background.

    Catholic life

    Rural

    Rooted in an understanding of Catholic Rural Living, we recognize the beauty, simplicity, relationships, and faith woven into rural life—and seek to build a vibrant community where young people can grow in their relationship with Christ, His Church, and one another.

    View Our Resources →
A group of eight young people and one adult in a workshop or garage, smiling for a group selfie. Shelves with tools and supplies are visible in the background.
Group of teenagers posing in front of a mural with a dove and a clock on a yellow wall.
Group photo of a large crowd of young people and adults, many wearing matching blue t-shirts with a white emblem, inside a gymnasium with a basketball hoop and a stage. The stage has a bus prop with people leaning on top and a sign that spells 'RETRR
A group of young people wearing life jackets lined up on a sandy beach by calm water, with green trees in the background.
A group of smiling teenagers and a priest posing together at an indoor event, holding large decorated letters spelling B R C 2 3 in the foreground, with a stage, microphones, and large screens displaying discussion questions in the background.
Indoor concert scene with Christmas trees decorated with lights framing the stage. Stage has white drapes and a large screen projecting a Facebook event for Emanuel Advent Concert, featuring a male singer playing guitar. The ceiling is decorated with
Group of teenagers outdoors forming a human pyramid and smiling, with trees and grass in the background.
Group of eight smiling teens and preteens hugging each other outdoors under a large tree, with others standing nearby, in a park or yard with green grass and trees.
Seven people standing in a row in front of a large gray wall with the words "Fulton Sheen black box Theater" written on it. The group is smiling, and some are wearing matching blue shirts that say "Let's walk the narrow path together." The setting ap
Two young women smiling and wearing cowboy hats at an indoor event with wooden bleachers and a chalkboard in the background.
Two musicians performing on stage, one singing with a guitar and hand raised, the other playing drums, with colorful sunburst backdrop.
A group of young people, mostly teenagers, sitting and standing in a wooden room with large windows showing green trees outside. They are smiling and appear happy.
A group of young people standing outdoors in front of a monument with statues and carved figures, surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
Group of young people with two adults posing on grass in front of a vehicle with a promotional banner for Rural Youth. Everyone is smiling, some sitting, some standing, outdoors on a sunny day.
A group of smiling children and teenagers posing outdoors at night, some sitting and some standing, with string lights and a building in the background.
A group of young women sitting on a bench with their backs to the camera, arms around each other's shoulders, inside a church with a crucifix and stained glass window behind them.
Group of young people posing playfully in front of a building, some making yoga poses with trees on either side.
A group of smiling teenagers taking a selfie outdoors on a sunny day with trees, parked cars, and a building in the background.
Group of six young women and two young men posing together outdoors next to a white and blue bus and a black trailer with a metal gate, under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of young people wearing red shirts sitting in stadium seats at an indoor sports arena.
Group of four young women sitting close together, smiling, and posing for a photo inside a rustic building with a large open window, revealing green trees and a blue sky outside.
A group of seven young people, six girls and one boy, standing together outside on a sunny day in front of a house with a brick walkway and a green lawn. They are all wearing white T-shirts with a pink and purple logo on the front and are smiling at
A group of children and a woman forming a human pyramid outdoors on a grassy area with trees and a brick building in the background on a sunny day.
A young woman with light skin, wearing a beige sweatshirt, a pearl necklace, and various bracelets, has her hand over her heart and appears to be in a moment of reflection or prayer. She is in a room full of people, likely at an event or gathering.
Large gathering of people in a gymnasium with a stage, where a band is performing. People in the audience are standing in a circle holding hands, some seated at tables, participating in a group activity. The gym features a basketball hoop and screens
A group of young people playing ping pong indoors, with wooden walls and a concrete floor, in what appears to be a recreational or community space.
Three young women standing outdoors on a sidewalk, smiling at the camera. They are wearing casual athletic clothing and have name tags around their necks. In the background, there are more people sitting and standing, some wearing similar attire, nea
Group of nine young people are posing outdoors around a fallen tree trunk with green trees and a small building in the background. They are smiling and dressed casually.
Group of people at a social gathering in a restaurant or event space, smiling and posing for a group selfie at a table with drinks and snacks.
A group of young people sitting at a long table decorated with a small floral centerpiece, in a large indoor space with a mountain mural on the wall behind them. Many other people are standing or sitting in the background, and there is a table with f
People gathered around tables at an indoor event, with decorations, flowers, and drinks visible on the tables.
A group of young women and a man participating in a crafting activity at a table during an indoor event. The women are wearing plaid shirts and name tags, and the man is wearing a plaid shirt and a cowboy hat. The table is decorated with flowers and
Two young girls smiling and sitting at a table with colored markers and artwork in progress, surrounded by backpacks and water bottles, in a busy indoor event space with many people seated at tables and engaging in activities.
Two women smiling and standing close together at an indoor event, with wooden bleachers and a large sign with text in the background. One woman is wearing a black head covering and crosses necklace, while the other has long brown hair and is wearing
Group of five young adults standing together indoors, smiling, with some wearing name tags, at a social or university event.
Three people smiling and posing with their hands raised inside a room with wooden walls and banners hanging in the background.
A group of teenagers sitting at a long table in an indoor community center or sports hall, smiling at the camera. The table has drawings and art supplies. Some attendees are in casual clothes, and one is in a basketball jersey. There is a mural of mo
A group of people gathered outdoors, listening to a man speaking and playing guitar, surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
A group of young people forming a human pyramid under a large tree in a park with green grass and blue sky.
Group of smiling teenagers sitting on stone stairs in front of a large green bush and a statue, with a sign that reads 'St. Bernad'.
View of a large indoor event with many attendees seated and standing, with a stage at the front featuring a backdrop and decorations, inside a sports arena or convention center.
Three women posing together, wearing red shirts with a white logo, standing in front of a maroon wall with a large number 0.
Inside a church with a congregation seated in wooden pews, a man dressed in blue stands at a microphone near the altar, which has a large elaborate white and gold altar with religious statues and a crucifix. The church features stained glass windows
A group of seniors wearing colorful cowboy hats and sunglasses are sitting at a table in a gymnasium, attending an event with a stage and audience. The stage has a large screen displaying a woman speaking, and there are musical instruments and artwor
People sitting at a table in a convention or event space, wearing colorful hats and costumes, with signs in the background depicting abstract human figures.
Group of young people and an adult man wearing purple shirts and holding large wooden letters forming
Two smiling people, a woman and a man dressed as a priest, with the woman having her arm around the man's shoulder, standing in front of a climbing wall.
A group of teenagers sitting on couches and chairs in a rustic indoor space, possibly a lodge or retreat center, engaged in a discussion or listening to a presentation. There are large windows on one side, a stone fireplace with religious decorations
A group of young people gathered around a memorial fire pit outdoors, with some looking down and others engaged in conversation, surrounded by trees.
A group of young women attending a conference or seminar, focused on listening to a speaker.
A group of nine children and teenagers standing together outdoors against a beige wall with a window, smiling at the camera, some holding gardening or yard tools, dressed in casual summer clothes.
A group of teenagers and young adults standing outdoors on a grassy field, dressed in colorful and playful outfits with accessories like hats, glasses, and headbands, smiling and posing for the camera. 
Stronger Together

Parish Partnerships

Rural youth ministry requires a unique strategy, and you don’t have to build it alone. We partner directly with local pastors and coordinators to cultivate sustainable, relationship-driven ministry tailored to your community. By utilizing Prairie Star Ranch, your parish gains immediate access to retreats and summer camps without the burden of planning from scratch.

We support your team through custom consultations, volunteer onboarding, and the Lay Ministry Formation Fund—which covers up to 50% of training costs for parish clusters. We handle the underlying logistics so your parish can focus entirely on helping young people encounter Jesus Christ.

Explore Our Resources
Explore Our Resources
Contact Us
Contact Us
Group of young people smiling in matching t-shirts 
youth leadership

Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council

NEKRYC is Prairie Star Ranch's leadership and discipleship community for high school students across Northeast Kansas. Through faith formation, service, and authentic friendships, members grow as Catholic leaders while helping plan and lead Rural Outreach events throughout the year.

Learn More About NEKRYC
Learn More About NEKRYC 
Engaging our rural communities

Rural Outreach Events

You are your child's first and most important teacher of the faith, and you are doing a beautiful job. Thank you for trusting us with your family. We are here to support your journey and give your kids a summer of pure, holy joy.

Explore Rural Outreach Events

Contact Us Today

A compass rose with a white circle at the center, four points extending outward in north, south, east, and west directions, all colored in brownish-red, with black background

We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions about Prairie Star, our facilities, or our programs, please don't hesitate to reach out. Fill out the form below with your details, and a member of our ministry team will get back to you as soon as possible.