Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment
Department of Missionary Discipleship
Mission Statement:
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment strives to accompany those who 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.
- Cultivate a culture of MISSION
- ACCOMPANY and ENGAGE youth and young adults from every corner of the diocese of Youngstown
- Provide OPPORTUNITIES for youth and young adults to grow in love for and knowledge of Christ – the protagonist of the greatest love story ever told
- EQUIP and ENCOURAGE youth, young adult, and campus ministry leaders in the diocese
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.
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.
Accompaniment is an art, as it is a relationship.
Accompaniment as an Art
- Pope Francis reminds us that accompaniment is an “art…which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other” (Evangelii Gaudium, 169), because where the other stands is holy ground.
Accompaniment as a RELATIONSHIP
- A ministry of presence: It is not leading the other, but walking with them, side by side. Pianists accompany the singer so as to highlight the singer’s voice; so too with spiritual accompaniment.
- Listening: Accompaniment is meeting a person where they are.
Resources for Youth & Young Adult Ministers
Youth/Campus Ministry
Young Adult Ministry
Announcements
First World Children’s Day -NEW
The first World Children’s Day will take place on May 25-26th, 2024. This year’s theme is “I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
ARISE: Registration is now OPEN! (Bulletin Materials)
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 DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
Youth Ministers & Campus Ministers Conversation -NEW
Youth Ministers and Campus Ministers/Theology Teachers from our Catholic Schools have a new opportunity to engage in conversation and build fellowship on April 10th or 16th.
Eagle of the Cross Awards
Congratulations to the 21 recipients of the Eagle of the Cross Awards! Contact Maddie DiSalvatore for details: 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!
Confirmation Retreat Guide
This Confirmation Retreat Guide may be used as a tool by catechists in the Diocese of Youngstown to guide confirmandi on their preparation journey to receive the Sacrament! Catechists should feel free and inspired to use as the Holy Spirit moves them. Questions/Suggestions? Please contact Maddie DiSalvatore at mdisalvatore@youngstowndiocese.org.
Upcoming Events
Contact
Maddie DiSalvatore
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!