Congratulations on your new position! Let our office know if we can be of any help as you take on this new role!
“Although it sounds obvious, spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God, in whom we attain true freedom,” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 132).
Just Hired? Get Connected!
- Subscribe to our biweekly eNewsletter by emailing us at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org with [NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION] in the subject.
- This is our primary mode of communication with an updated issue generally sent out twice a month.
- HERE you can see past issues of the eNewsletter!
- Reach out to Maddie Francisco, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment for the diocese. She would be happy to meet with you, pray with you, and support you in any way she can. Email her to set up a time to meet!
- There are many opportunities for prayer, formation, and fellowship throughout the year. These are often great networking opportunities to share your joys, challenges, and everything in between with your coworkers. Having a community to be connected to reminds you that you’re not alone!
Safe Environment Requirements
You and all your volunteers need to do the following:
- VIRTUS Registration & Training
- Criminal Background Check
- Authorization, Verification & Acknowledgement of the Diocesan Safe Environment Policy
Visit Safe Environment | The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown to accomplish these steps.
Questions? Contact Dominic Colucy, Director of the Office of Safe Environment, at dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.
2025 Formation and Training Opportunities
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First Things in Youth Ministry
- NFCYM is providing a “First Things in Youth Ministry” Course for those who have been doing youth ministry for 3 years or less!
- First Things in Youth Ministry is a six-session online formation program for anyone new to youth ministry (YM).
- Whether volunteer or paid, this training provides direction for the first six months of taking on a new leadership role. Think of it as Basic Training in Comprehensive Youth Ministry.
- National cohort groups will begin every fall, winter, and spring. Upon completion, participants will have received between 40-45 hours of practical and ministerial formation.
- NFCYM is offering the cost at only $150 per participant – and this includes a one-year Associate Membership to NFCYM (a $75 value), where you will be able to join virtual discussions and have access to resources.
- The next course begins on October 1st, and the deadline to register is September 12th. To register or learn more, click HERE.
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Idea Sharing
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The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment will be hosting Idea Sharing Sessions in the 2025-2026 ministry year For anyone who ministers to and with Youth and Young Adults
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The sessions will be on the third Wednesday of each month for three months, beginning in October 2025.
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Each gathering will have a theme and a couple predetermined speakers (fellow youth or young adult ministers*, or guests from outside the Diocese!) who will discuss Best Practices and what has been fruitful for them in ministry.
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High School & University Campus Ministers, Pastors, volunteers/Core Team members are welcome, too!
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There will also be time for Q&A built into each gathering. Please be on the lookout in the coming months for the meeting link and opportunity to RSVP!
- Save these dates:
- Wednesday, October 15th at 9:30-11:00am
- Thursday, January 21st at 9:30-11:00am
- Wednesday, April 15th at 9:30-11:00am
*If you have a great idea and are interested in sharing it on one of these calls, please contact me ASAP!
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Fall Book Study
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Beginning on September 11th, the Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment will host a book study on The Imitation of Christ
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It will take place on Thursdays from 9:30am-11am until October 23rd (skipping October 2nd).
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The book study will be casual and will have a virtual and in-person option, taking place in the 2nd Floor Diocesan Conference Room.
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There will be assigned portions of the book to read between meetings, and each meeting will allow for discussion, idea sharing, and growing in the faith with fellow friends and coworkers.
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Book not included.
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RSVP form will be sent out in August. All who minister directly or indirectly with youth and young adults are WELCOME!
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Fall Workshop
- Save-the-date for the next biannual workshop for for Youth Ministers, Young Adult Ministers, and Campus Ministers
- Taking place Tuesday, September 9th, from 10am-2pm at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, St. Charles Campus (Sts. Matthew/Mark Room)
- Great opportunity to network, share, learn, train, and pray with fellow “Co-Workers in the Vineyard”
- Further details and information will be announced soon – stay tuned!
Resources:*
- NFCYM: The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry has a Models & Methods page with various resources, as well as a plethora of other resources, articles, and webinars to help you in your ministry.
- Springtide Research Institute is a nonprofit organization that researches emerging generations. Reviewing their research will help you gain a better understanding of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha experience religion, spirituality, mental health, and more.
- Marathon Youth Ministry Newsletters: In these newsletters, Christopher Wesley, experienced youth minister, gives practical insight and wisdom into the youth minister experience.
- Life Teen is one of the most widely used youth ministry platforms in the Catholic Church. Offers curricula, retreats, events, and leadership training. Includes programs for both middle schoolers and high schoolers, as well as models for those kickstarting a youth ministry for high schoolers.
- ProjectYM offers tools, training, and online content tailored to youth ministers; especially helpful for small parishes or volunteer-led ministries
*Disclaimer: The Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment of the Diocese of Youngstown does not endorse any organizations listed above (in no particular order) but sees value in providing them as potential resources for parish employees and volunteers to use within their ministry to youth and/or young adults. This list is also non-exhaustive and may be updated/changed periodically.
“Even if it is not always easy to approach young people, progress has been made in two areas: the awareness that the entire community is called to evangelize and educate the young, and the urgent need for the young to exercise greater leadership” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 87).
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment journeys with and supports the youth ministers, young adult ministers, and campus ministers in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, working to provide formative and inspirational opportunities to be fed spiritually so they can continue to encourage a life of faith among youth and young adults throughout the diocese. The Office facilitates collaboration between parishes and our Catholic high schools and colleges, generates enthusiasm, and creates and promotes opportunities to personally encounter Jesus Christ.
