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
Eagle of the Cross 2026
The Eagle of the Cross award is given to outstanding juniors and seniors throughout the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown who exemplify particular zeal in their faith and ministry programs. Awardees are chosen annually by a team of youth ministers and DREs who judge nominations from counties in which they are not located. Up to 3 awards per county for parish involvement, and up to 2 awards per diocesan Catholic high school are awarded each year.
ENCOUNTER Mercy: Diocesan Youth Convention 2026
ENCOUNTER 26 – Registration is Now OPEN! Join hundreds of teens from across the Diocese of Youngstown for a day-long event where youth groups gather
Diocesan Confirmation Retreat West
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is collaborating to provide a diocesan Confirmation retreat. Permission Forms Due to your DRE on January 15th. DREs turn in permission forms to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment by January 22nd. Questions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
ENCOUNTER 2026 Sponsorship Packages Available
Sponsorship packages available for our next diocesan youth convention – titled ENCOUNTER MERCY – with a four-year rolling theme of “encounter.” Questions? Please contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.
The Answer: The Musical
The Answer: The Musical — Coming Soon! Save the Date for a Diocesan Revival Event on March 6 & 7, 2026! The Answer is a
Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026
Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
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.
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
Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17
Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Check for updates as the event being planned over this next year!
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!
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.
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.
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!
