Here, as a teen, you can belong, discover Jesus, find healing, and make an impact as a leader.
Our mission is to “make disciples”: for you to encounter Jesus and be transformed through following Him and His Church.
Looking for a youth group near you? Contact Taylor Piotrzkowski, to be personally connected to a nearby youth ministry.
Looking for Events? Click Here
Upcoming Youth Events:
Youth Encounter Service, originally scheduled for June 16 to 21, 2025, is cancelled for this year. After 25 fruitful years, Nikki Bakos, the Director of YES, has decided to step down. We are immensely thankful for Nikki, all who have served with her, and the many lives they have impacted. This seemed a natural opportunity to step back and re-evaluate. Time will be taken to pray and discern how this already wonderful experience can continue to grow into the mission of the diocese being set forward by Bishop Gruss. We thank everyone for the support over the years and if you would like to be part of the conversation for moving forward, please contact Taylor Piotrzkowski.
July 24th, ARISE Youth Fest: "Living the Faith Boldly", 9am-2pm, Holy Family Parish, Saginaw
- Come ARISE for Mass, Adoration, breakout sessions for boys and girls, and dynamic speakers.
- ARISE will highlight the amazing lives of St. Gianna Molla and St. Maximilian Kolbe
- For youth grades 5th-12th.
- Cost: $10 (includes lunch), register by June 15th.
- Email Hope Villandre (hvillandre@cathedral.diosag.org) to register.
Summer 2025: Catholic Youth Summer Camp, Brighton
- Embrace the high adventure of following Jesus! (Promo Video)
- The Diocese has sponsored 10 spots for high school students (June 29th - July 4th) and 15 spots for 6th-8th graders (July 27th - August 1st).
- Spots are filling up quickly, so register now! (only girls spots remain for each session of camp)
- Contact Taylor Piotrzkowski with any questions
Summer 2025: Steubenville Youth Conferences, Steubenville, Ohio
• Bring your youth to experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus (Promo Video).
• Main Campus options: June 27-29, July 11-13, July 18-20, July 25-27.
• Cost: $240 (includes meals and food). A $50 deposit/spot isn’t due until January.
November 20th-23rd, 2025: National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), Indianapolis, Indiana
- Join 10,000+ high school students for THE event of the year (Promo Video). There will be Mass, Adoration, Confession, the best speakers and musicians, fun, and more!
- Learn how NCYC brought Lailah & Elizabeth from our Diocese into a life-changing encounter with God (scroll down to the second story).
- Cost: $640 (includes ticket, travel, and lodging)
- Parishes must place a $150 deposit and return a Parish commitment form by May 12th.
- Parish Commitment and Registration forms can be found here.
- Parents and youth must contact their parish to register.
Support for Youth Ministry Leaders:
Working Draft of Youth Ministry Resources
Youth Ministry Leader Coaching
- Taylor would love to meet with you, treat you to coffee or lunch, and learn how to support your ministry.
- Whether you are clergy, a staff member at your church or a volunteer, new or experienced, Taylor can help grow your ministry.
- Learn practical skills on how to reach Gen Alpha, get support for your program’s obstacles, and learn how to grow your own spiritual life.
- Contact Taylor or call 989-797-6639
Online Youth Ministry Huddle Date: Thursday, April 24th, 7pm-8:30pm
- This is aimed at youth ministry leaders who work another job, stay at home, volunteer, or are far away from Saginaw.
- Come pray, learn, support one another, and collaborate!
- Here is the Zoom link for the meeting.
Purpose Confirmation Training, Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, 10:30am-3:30pm, Saginaw.
- All interested and involved parish staff, volunteers, and clergy are invited to attend this comprehensive training.
- Learn how to recruit volunteers, lead a Purpose Session, use Purpose tools, and engage parents and sponsors.
- Life Teen experts Katie Gray and Kristin Ables will lead.
- If you attended last year's training, you are NOT required to come, though you should send your volunteers.
- Register Here (Free, with lunch included).
In-Person Youth Ministry Huddle Date: Tuesday, May 13th, 12pm-3pm
- Join us to eat (with a complimentary catered lunch), pray, support one another, and collaborate. Anyone who serves in youth ministry is welcome (staff, clergy, volunteers).
- Register here
Youth Ministry Leader Group Chat:
- I created a group chat/community on WhatsApp for youth ministry leaders from across the Diocese. Whether you work or volunteer at a parish or teach at a Catholic school, you are welcome (DREs, FFLs, and catechists are also invited!)
- This chat exists to connect and support you: you can ask questions and share wins, struggles, and ideas with others.
- Contact Taylor to receive access to the group chat.
Interested in starting youth ministry in your parish?
Whether you are a priest, DPL, employee, parent, or volunteer, connect with Taylor Piotrzkowski (989) 797-6639 to receive support and a solution for your parish.
Informational Links
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