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Bring DTS to your
Parish or School

DTS can be used as a stand-alone youth ministry program or
as a complement to an already-established youth ministry program

Scroll down to learn more

Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources Make it Easy to Start

Starting a DTS chapter is quite easy to do. Chapters are primarily parish and school based and have an adult leadership of three. The leadership includes a priest or deacon in good standing with the Catholic Church. The other leaders are usually the parish youth minister, DRE, associate youth minister, or other adults approved by the pastor and who have completed all child safety programs required by the Diocese.

Apply for a Chapter
I have known Mr. Eddie Cotter of DTS for several years since my time in Limerick Diocese. I met Eddie in the company of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. It was then that I learned of his great work using the example of the lives of the saints as a tool to teach our Catholic faith. I am delighted to be associated with Eddie and now, as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Diocese, I am very happy to welcome him to start up the work of Dead Theologians Society here in my diocese. I warmly recommend his work and wish him every blessing and success.
The Most Reverend Alphonsus Cullinan
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Ireland
Helping to lead Dead Theologians Society while I was in College Seminary at the Josephinum truly helped me to discern my vocation. The Holy Eucharist, the lives of the Saints, the atmosphere of prayer, helped open my heart and mind to what the Lord desired of me and how my desire was really what He desired!
Fr. John Paul Mary
Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word
It was not a mere social gathering, but a time and place to reflect on the Christian call in the light of true exemplars of holiness. Being a part of DTS got me saying the prayer of St. Gertrude every day, which we know is a tremendously powerful prayer for helping the souls in purgatory.
Fr. Raymund Snyder, O.P.
Diocese of Columbus
If we are seriously interested in doing something good for the youth of today, then let’s take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that DTS is an option to satisfy their hungry and enquiring minds. [Fr. Fitzpatrick started a DTS Chapter at his parish in the Diocese of Colorado Springs before receiving his commission to serve our country.]
Fr. Jack Fitzpatrick
U.S. Navy Marine Corp. Chaplain, Japan
If we are seriously interested in doing something good for the youth of today, then let’s take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that DTS is an option to satisfy their hungry and enquiring minds.
Fr. William Evans
Diocese of Green Bay
I can attest that the Holy Spirit is truly able to work through the DTS format. It is one of my most treasured evenings of the week being able pray with the Saints and the high schoolers.
Joetta H.
Illinois
I'm very excited! This program is exactly what the Catholic youth world needs, in my humble opinion.
Kim C.
Wyoming
The DTS meetings have been so well received! We have done St. Padre Pio, St. Dominic Savio, and Blessed Margaret Castello. St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Maria Goretti and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati are up next. We have had 30 teens attend which is TRIPLE the amount that usually have come to the parish youth group. The Graces are flowing......praise God and DTS!
Patrice L.
Alabama
By attending the Dead Theologians Society, I have deepened my knowledge of the saints. Through learning of their personal holiness, we are all inspired to continue to “fight the good fight” and strive to achieve our own sanctity.
Ben E.
Young Adult
Hearing about the lives of the Saints at DTS helps to remind me that great holiness is possible, and that I can overcome my weaknesses with God’s help.
Bobby M.
Young Adult
When a bunch of teens get together to learn about God and His Saints, you learn how truly close and real God is, and you feel a great excitement for His plan in your life.
Carey B.
Young Adult
Through the years, the Dead Theologians Society has worked here in the Diocese of Madison to bring young people closer to Himself. Through the lives of the saints, young people have been encouraged to grow in holiness and seek God’s particular will in their lives. Indeed, some of those from our diocese who are currently discerning calls to the priestly or religious life, including several of our seminarians, had the seeds of their vocation nurtured in DTS. This apostolate is headquartered and active in the Diocese of Madison and has proven to be both enjoyable and successful in catechizing and evangelizing youth and young adults.
Most Reverend Donald Joseph Hying
Bishop of Madison, Wisconsin
The reason for DTS’s effectiveness lies in its simple focus – to present the saints as role models and heroes for young people. Not only does DTS empower young people to live lives of holiness and justice, but it also empowers adults to share the Gospel with teens. Anyone can tell a story.”
The Most Reverend Jerome Listecki
Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Dead Theologians Society, which I happily invited to the Diocese of La Crosse in the year 2002, has very effectively carried out the New Evangelization among the youth and their families whom it serves. The apostolate, firmly grounded in the teaching of the Scriptures, the Ecumenical Councils, the Fathers of the Church and the Saints, and nurtured by prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, draws young people to an ever-deeper knowledge of Christ and His Church, and a corresponding more fervent love of God and of neighbor. I am happy to commend the Dead Theologians Society to individual families and to parishes, as a most effective form of Catholic youth ministry.
His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
I think these kids are hungry for the traditions of the Church. That’s something I’ve seen them totally connect to.
Carolyn F.
Ohio
This is sort of counter-cultural because it’s quiet, somebody’s talking to you and telling you a story. It’s not about television and video game images coming at you. This is different than any other part of their life.
Karen C.
Youth Minister
It's been fun to watch our chapter grow. It’s a great place to hang out, and you can ask those hard questions. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to learn about our faith!
Shannon B.
New York
I enjoy it! I enjoy the people! I enjoy learning what we learn!
Andrea T.
Wisconsin
Dead Theologians Society is a great way to educate teenagers about the Saints and how they lived like Christ. In turn, the teens can use this information to aid them in their quest to be Christ-like.
Kyle S.
New Jersey
DTS looks at the bigger things in life – beyond the natural to the supernatural. We learn that the
Lisa S.
Ohio
I started DTS when I was Pastor of Saint Paul's Newman Center on the campus of Wichita State University in the early 1990's. When I went to Rome in 1996 to begin my work at the Vatican, I continued DTS with the college students at the University of Dallas Rome campus during the 6.5 years I served as the UD Rome chaplain. To this day, I receive emails from old DTS students who are now married and deep into their vocations, about questions of the faith and issues that came up years ago in our DTS sessions. One of my students at the Newman Center at WSU went on to become a priest in Wichita. He has had huge success with DTS. This apostolate provides a wonderful setting for young people to study the Catholic faith in an informal and fun atmosphere. It also introduces them to the great super-heroes of the faith.
Most Reverend James D. Conley
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Denver
It is my pleasure to endorse the Dead Theologians Society and its work of evangelization among Catholic youth and young adults. It is a joy to support the work of the Dead Theologians Society here in the Diocese of Venice in Florida and I am happy to recommend DTS to families and to parishes throughout the world.
The Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane
Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida
I think it’s marvelous that our high school age teens are learning the things our Church has held in high esteem for thousands of years. Studying the Saints provides a great moral influence for our young people and challenges them to live good lives. I’m really glad to see that our students are getting "solid stuff" instead of "popular fluff!"
Reverend Dean Mathewson
Priest for over 30 years
It is a pleasure to recommend The Dead Theologian's Society to all those who are looking for an effective and faithful Catholic Youth program for their parishes. When the lives of the saints are unpacked for Catholic youth, a host of graces becomes available for the Church. Examples of heroic virtue and faith in the face of challenges can inspire and shape the teenage lives in ways so many youth programs simply cannot. It is not too much to say that the lives of the saints are living catechisms, written by the grace of God in these lives. May the Lord bless this line apostolate and continue to bring its message and ministry to dioceses around the world!
Bishop Robert Baker
Bishop of Birmingham
The Dead Theologians Society is so named as to point to the great saints of the Church whose spiritual and theological wisdom is still a great source of encouragement and light for all of us. The Dead Theologians Society seeks to call our wonderful young people to be saints of today and tomorrow by reflecting on the spiritual and theological wisdom of the saints of the past. This core or substance of their focus is expressed in very contemporary pedagogical approaches which young people find attractive. It seems to me that The Dead Theologians Society approach would be perfect for your high school youth ministry or responding to the need of continuing formation of the post Confirmation young people. I cannot think of a better approach for use with this particular age group. . . . I commend Eddie Cotter and The Dead Theologians Society to all of you in the earnest hope that many of you will make contact with him and give serious consideration to the live that Christ can breathe into the young people in your parish family through this particular ministry.
The Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison, Wisconsin (now deceased)
The goal of the Dead Theologians Society is to bring the lives and writings of the saints to the youth of today, in order that they might be challenged and encouraged to grow in holiness. The Dead Theologians Society has tremendous potential, not only to lead our young people to a deeper love of God, but also to serve as a wonderful point of unity for the youth of our Diocese.
The Most Reverend Robert F. Vasa
Bishop of Santa Rosa, CA
This relatively new outreach to youth concentrates on scripture, prayer, doctrine, and study of the towering saints and theologians of the Church, and has met with amazing success in parishes where youth ministers have introduced it. I am delighted to endorse this promising evangelical and catechetical endeavor.
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archdiocese of New York, NY
The Dead Theologians Society, which I happily invited to the Diocese of La Crosse in the year 2002, has carried out very effectively the New Evangelization among the youth and their families whom it serves. The apostolate, firmly grounded in the teachings of the Scriptures, the Ecumenical Councils, the Fathers of the Church and the Saints, and nurtured by prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, draws young people to an ever deeper knowledge of Christ and His Church, and a corresponding more fervent love of God and neighbor. I am happy to commend The Dead Theologians Society to individual families and to parishes, as a most effective form of Catholic youth ministry.
His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
archbishop and the patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
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Our Impact
On Your
Parish

Parishes regularly report to us the blessed results DTS has born in the lives of their parish teens and young adults such as:

Mass Attendance

Increased Mass attendance among teen and college age population

Vocations

Vocations to religious life and/or a life of service

Confirmation

Increased pre-Confirmation enthusiasm and post-Confirmation attendance at Mass and youth/parish activities

Participation

Increased interest in young people participating in parish life, service, and other ministries

Reception

Increased reception of the Sacraments, especially Communion and Confession

Faith Formation

Increased faith formation and a deeper prayer life

Pricing

Programs that make a difference in the lives of young Catholics for costs that are accessible to every parish.

Initiation Fee

$ 500 USD
  • Usage Rights
    The rights to use the name and the logo of the Dead Theologians Society for one year.
  • Manual
    The DTS Manual complete with prayers, which explains how to set up and run a DTS meeting from A to Z. Manual also comes with a resource list.
  • Chapter Support Services
    Access to Chapter Support Services which include downloadable Saints teachings, links to Saint teachings, apologetic questions and answers, and more.
  • DTS Hoodies
    Seven official DTS hoodies with embroidered DTS logo
  • Rosaries
    Seven olive wood rosaries made in Bethlehem exclusively for the Dead Theologians Society.
  • Scapulars
    Seven wool Brown Scapulars of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
  • Posters
    Full color posters to promote your DTS chapter

Yearly Dues

$ 250 USD / Year
  • Usage Rights Renewal
    To maintain the rights of the Dead Theologians Society name and logo.

How to Start Your Chapter

Starting a Chapter of the Dead Theologians Society is quite simple, just follow the steps below.

Get Your Parish On-Board and Apply

Get the approval of the Pastor where the chapter will be located and submit the application form by clicking the button below.

Get Approved

Upon approval, sign and return to the National Office, a copy of the Chapter Agreement Form along with any payments outstanding.

Receive Materials

You will then receive the materials you need to run your DTS chapter!

Apply for a Chapter

Frequently Asked Questions

The frequency of DTS meetings vary based upon the schedule of the individual parish where a chapter exists. DTS meetings are most frequently held once per week. Many chapters meet every other week and some meet once per month. Chapters that meet only once per month do experience greater challenges in creating a community and in keeping a momentum going. DTS chapters meet on the night of the week and time that is best for the parish where it is held. Some groups meet year ‘round while many meet from September/October and go till April/May. The summer is often used for pilgrimages and retreats under the auspices of the parish youth program. Many chapters officially take a break in the summer and its members replace the usual meeting time for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration. This is highly encouraged.

An evening of DTS combines a nice blend of the social and spiritual. We believe that two great errors in youth ministry are programs that are either, a) all religion and no social or b) all social and no religion. DTS has a format that blends the two in an evening that keeps the interest of the young people while helping them to grow in faith and community. A typical evening lasts for two hours. A good time is 7:00pm to 9:00pm. This time usually does not conflict with after school extra curricular activities, family dinner time (which hopefully is being carved out by families), homework, and it still gets the young people home at a decent hour.

At a DTS meeting, young people are inspired by the lives of Saints, grow in their prayer life and deepen their knowledge of the Catholic Faith, in a way that engages them while allowing time to grow in community and socialize.

DTS is an apostolate for high school age teens grades 9 thru 12 and/or college age young adults ages 18 thru 24 but not a mix of the two. Membership is limited to these age groups and the designated adult leadership of each chapter. In special circumstances and with the approval of the National Office, 8th grade Chapters of DTS can be formed. Please contact us for more information.
There is an annual renewal fee of $250.00 to maintain the rights of the Dead Theologians Society name and logo. The initial fee provides all materials for a group of seven members. For each additional member a parish can budget a cost of about $50 per member. For this cost of about $50, a DTS member can be sponsored with all their materials for four years!!! This provides their DTS hoodie, scapular, DTS rosary, and membership card which can last them a lifetime. Anyone who has teens can appreciate how fast parents can go through $50 and more for things that don’t help their teens grow in faith! Members are not asked to pay membership fees or buy their own DTS hoodie, scapular or rosary. Most parents and parish adults are happy to sponsor their young people in this faith endeavor. DTS chapters are supported through parish or school and youth ministry budgets, parent/adult sponsorship, private benefactors, parish organizations like the Knights of Columbus and various fund raisers.

Chapters purchase the additional DTS hoodies and rosaries from the DTS International Headquarters as their chapters grow. This ensures quality, uniformity, assistance for poor and mission parishes with DTS, and helps the apostolate continue to grow.

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  • P.O. Box 368,
  • Black Earth, WI
  • 53515-0368

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