Serving High School Youth | You are welcome here!
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment strives to accompany youth in the Diocese of Youngstown and those who minister to them by promoting and providing formative, spiritual, and relational opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and in networking with one another.
If you would like to join the email group to receive eNewsletters biweekly about youth ministry updates and opportunities throughout the diocese, please email mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org with [eNewsletter Subscription] in the subject line.
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Announcements For Youth Ministry
NCYC 2025
The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
Save-the-Dates: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Events in 2025
Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
Eagle of the Cross 2025
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 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 For Youth Ministry
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!
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.
Eagle of the Cross
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 in. Up to 3 awards per county for parish involvement, and up to 2 awards per diocesan Catholic high school are awarded each year.
Eagle of the Cross FAQs
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 in. Up to 3 awards per county for parish involvement, and up to 2 awards per diocesan Catholic high school are awarded each year.
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.
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.
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.
Important Youth Ministry Forms
Permission slips, medical release forms, permission to publish consent forms, and more are all listed here for youth ministers to access.
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!
