Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Square Banner 

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: 

ABLAZE Diocesan Confirmation Retreat: February 7th, 2026, Holy Spirit Parish, Saginaw 

  • All current youth in the Purpose Confirmation Program (Year 1 & 2) are invited to our Diocesan Confirmation Retreat for powerful talks, fun, worship, Mass, and Adoration.
  • This retreat is not required to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, but a powerful opportunity to encounter Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
  • Group leaders at each parish will register participants using this online form (similar to Anchor and NCYC). Parishes must bring ​completed permission forms and chaperones the day of the event.
  • Cost: $25 includes Lunch and Dinner (Parishes will be billed after the event)
  • Questions? Contact Taylor or call 989-797-6639

Steubenville Youth Conferences: Summer 2026, Steubenville, Ohio

Registration Now Available: Catholic Youth Summer Camp, Summer 2026, Brighton, MI

  • Catholic Youth Summer Camp Great Lakes is the perfect mix of fun, adventure, and a powerful encounter with Jesus in His Church (Promo Video). Camp keeps changing the lives and hearts: read more in my column in the next Great Lakes Bay Magazine.
  • Middle School Camp is July 26 - 31, and we are reserving and subsidizing 20 spots for middle schoolers.
  • High School Camp is June 28 - July 3, and we are reserving and subsidizing 15 spots for high schoolers.
  • Cost: $445 (includes $150 subsidy from the Diocese)
  • Registration Details Here

World Youth Day, August 1-9, 2027, Seoul, South Korea

  • Join our Holy Father Pope Leo, and millions of other young people in Seoul South, Korea.
  • For Young Adults, Parish Leaders, High School Youth (must be 16+ and a junior in high school with parent accompaniment at the time of WYD)
  • The Diocese has partnered with JMJ Youth Pilgrimages to lead our pilgrimage in early August 2027
  • Registration and other details for pilgrims will be announced soon.
  • If you're interested in learning more, sign up on our interest form

Interested in starting youth ministry in your parish?

Whether you are a priest, DPL, employee, parent, or volunteer, connect with Taylor Piotrzkowski to receive support and a solution for your parish.

Notice: We're piloting a style of high school youth ministry at St. Michael-Maple Grove that is small group-based, in partnership with Andrew Ministries.

Experience this past year and national trends are showing that this style is ideal for:

  • Starting youth ministry from scratch
  • Small or rural parishes
  • Incredibly busy high schoolers, parents, and youth ministry leaders
  • Meeting young people's desperate desire for belonging
  • Creating lifelong Catholic disciples

Contact Taylor if you're interested in trying small group-based youth ministry at your parish.

YDisciple: Small Group Youth Ministry Resource

  • Parishes now have access to YDisciple, the go-to Small Group youth ministry resource for $199 (1/3 of the normal cost).
  • YDisciple specializes in training adults, launching small groups, and making young disciples.
  • If you're interested in launching YDisciple, find the details here.

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

Small Group Youth Ministry Seminar: the Secret Sauce to Reach Gen Z & Alpha, February 12th, 12pm-4pm, Center for Ministry, Saginaw

  • Everett Fritz, from Andrew Ministries and "The Art of Forming Young Disciples", will cast a new vision for Small Group-Based High School Youth Ministry.
  • Everett is a leading international expert in small group discipleship.
  • He helps ministries all over the world to stop spinning their wheels in order to build youth ministries that get results.
  • Clergy, DPLs, Youth Ministry Leaders, Parents, and Volunteers are welcome.
  • Register Here

Informational Links

YDisciple: Small Group Youth Ministry Resource

Life Teen: Large Group Youth Ministry Resource

Damascus Summer Camp Great Lakes (Michigan)

Axis' "The Culture Translator" - Weekly Email Explaining Teen Trends to Parents and Ministry Leaders

National Catholic Committee on Scouting