Post-high school up through 20s and 30s | Single, Engaged, Married, With or Without Children | You are welcome here!
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment strives to accompany young adults ages 18+ in the Diocese of Youngstown by forming disciples for Jesus Christ through a ministry of presence, programs, and missionary service.
Please email mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org if you are interested in joining the “Y-Town YAs” GroupMe, with [Catholic Young Adult GroupMe] in the subject line or use this QR code:

If you would like to join the email group to receive eNewsletters biweekly about young adult updates and opportunities throughout the diocese, please email mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org with [eNewsletter Subscription] in the subject line.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Fundraising
Looking for fundraisers for a young adult retreat or conference? Here are some helpful tips, tricks, and ideas of how to fundraise for these events!
Announcements for Young Adult MInistry

Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025
Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!

ARISE 2025 – Register Today!
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.

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.

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.

*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.
Resources for Young Adult MInistry
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.

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!

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!

Diocesan Vetting Policy for Speakers/Musicians
The Official Diocesan Speaker Vetting Policy for vetting speakers/musicians from outside of the Diocese of Youngstown. Instituted/Updated 2024.

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!

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!