Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment

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

Dedicated to a mission-driven culture, we actively engage and accompany youth and young adults across the Diocese of Youngstown. Our primary focus is on providing ample opportunities for their growth in love and knowledge of Christ—the protagonist of the greatest love story ever told. Simultaneously, we are committed to equipping and encouraging leaders in youth, young adult, and campus ministries throughout the diocese, fostering a vibrant and impactful community.

What is a missionary disciple?

A missionary disciple is one who joyfully proclaims the Gospel in word and deed, but mostly by ministry of presence; by joyfully ‘unfastening their sandal straps at the foot of another,’ knowing that they are stepping on sacred ground.  A missionary disciple is one who allows the “love of Christ [to] urge us on” (2 Cor. 5:14); who allows Love to propel him or her forward.

What does it mean to live a life of mission?

Pope Paul VI in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi states that “life is attained and matures in the measure that it is offered up in order to give life to others.  That is certainly what mission means.”

To live a life of mission is to love one another. We are all missionaries by merit of our baptism!  Living a life of mission is setting sail into the reckless sea. It is coming after Jesus, and trusting him to make us “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). It is the story of the prodigal son – setting aside our selfish needs and interests to welcome back home the lost, isolated, and rebellious.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

ARISE 2025 – Registration is LIVE!

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.

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ARISE 2025 Logo

ARISE 2025 Sponsorship Packages Available

Sponsorship packages available for the Diocese of Youngstown’s third annual Young Adult Festival, titled ARISE, happening on July 26, 2025! This year’s theme is “FULLY KNOWN,” taken from 1 Corinthians 13:12. Questions? Please contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org.

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Emmaus 2025 Logo - Stark County

*NEW YOUNG ADULT SERIES* – “Emmaus”

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.

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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

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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.

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RESOURCES

OYAYAA 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!

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Confirmation Retreat Guide Logo 2024

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.

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Youth Ministry Core Team Leadership Retreat

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.

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Contact

Maddie Francisco

Director of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment, Discernment, Formation and Missionary Discipleship

(330) 744-8451 x310

mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org

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!

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