Our Mission
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment strives to accompany the teens and young adults in the Diocese of Youngstown by forming disciples for Jesus Christ through a ministry of presence, programs, and missionary service. This includes facilitating collaboration, generating enthusiasm, and creating and promoting opportunities to personally encounter Jesus Christ.
Goals
What is a missionary disciple?
What does it mean to live a life of mission?
Upcoming Events
Announcements & Upcoming Events
ARISE 2025 – RECAP
ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to experience authentic community, delve deeper into their faith, and become empowered to go into the world to spread the Gospel message. Questions? Contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025
Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series
Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
ENCOUNTER 2025 Recap
ENCOUNTER LOVE 2025 On March 8, 2025, over 155 youth, 40 adults, 30 volunteers from parishes and university, numerous priests, deacons, and seminarians came
RESOURCES
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Newsletters
The OYAYAA eNewsletter is sent out every two weeks to youth ministry leaders, young adult ministry leaders, campus ministers, and other priests, deacons, and young adults who want to be “in the know” with all things youth, young adult, and campus ministry!
Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
Hiring a Youth Minister
The Diocese of Youngstown invites passionate individuals to consider youth ministry, offering support, formation, and community for those called to accompany young people in faith. This webpage provides guidance for both parishes seeking to hire Youth Ministers and candidates discerning this vital role in the life of the Church.
For New Youth Ministers
Welcome to your new role in ministry! Stay connected, supported, and equipped through the Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment, which offers training, resources, and a vibrant community to help you thrive in your journey of forming young disciples.
Fundraiser Ideas
Various fundraiser ideas to try with your youth group to raise money for trips such as NCYC, Steubenville Youth Conferences, mission trips, and other “encounter” experiences that may come along! It is important to always plan a couple of fundraisers throughout the ministry year. Contact the Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment with any questions or if you want to brainstorm with someone!
ARISE: Young Adult Summer Festival on July 26-27, 2024
ARISE is an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-39) across the diocese to pray, laugh and experience God’s love for us, together. Questions/Suggestions? Please contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
Diocesan Confirmation Retreat
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing a Confirmation Retreat Guide and piloting a collaborative Confirmation retreat. Questions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is on Social Media!
The Office is now posting updates, events, and more on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to on the DOY website and the Communique. Please give it a like and a follow!
Listen, Teach, Send: A National Pastoral Framework for Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Listen Teach Send is a new framework for ministry with Youth and Young Adults approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June of 2024.
Retreat Ideas
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment has compiled a list of retreat sites over the past couple of decades and wants to share them with you in hopes of assisting you in achieving your youth retreat needs.
Contact
Maddie Francisco
Director of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment, Discernment, Formation and Missionary Discipleship
(330) 744-8451 x310
Please contact me if:
- You need help promoting an event or program!
- You have been recently hired by the diocese and would like some resources!
- You need moral support or someone to brainstorm ideas with!
