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: 

November 20th-23rd, 2025: National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), Indianapolis, Indiana

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

  • This day retreat will be a powerful opportunity for Year Two Confirmation students to encounter Jesus and the Holy Spirit
  • More details TBA.

Summer 2026: Catholic Youth Summer Camp, Brighton

  • Catholic Youth Summer Camp Great Lakes is the perfect mix of fun, adventure, and a powerful encounter with Jesus in His Church (Promo Video)
  • The Diocese has sponsored 15 spots for high school students (June 28 - July 3) and 20 spots for 6th-8th graders (July 26 - 31).
  • Registration will go live in October.

 

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.

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

Register Now: New & Nearly New Orientation: September 3rd, 9:30am-12:30pm, Center for Ministry in Saginaw

  • Have you or someone on your team been hired for a ministry (youth, religious ed, sacramental prep, etc) position the last 12 months? Join us September 3rd to learn what you need to thrive (best practices, need to know, etc.)
  • Catered Lunch Included
  • Register Here by August 27th

Register Now: "Ambitious" Youth Ministry & Faith Formation Kickoff: September 3rd, 12:00pm-3:00pm - Center for Ministry in Saginaw

  • Kick off your ministry year with other leaders from all over the Diocese.
  • I will announce our star speaker soon!
  • Register Here by August 29th

In-Person Youth Ministry Huddle: September 9th, 12pm-3:00pm, Center for Ministry in Saginaw

  • What is Huddle? It's an opportunity to come together to eat (with a free catered lunch), pray, be formed, support one another, and collaborate.
  • Anyone who serves in ministry (youth or otherwise) is welcome to these meetings (staff, clergy, volunteers).
  • Register Here

Online Youth Ministry Huddle: September 10th, 7pm-8:15pm, Zoom

  • This is aimed at 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 (no need to pre-register)

Online Ministry Cohort for New(er) Youth Ministers: NFCYM "First Things" Group - Beginning on October 1st

  • The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (the hosts of NCYC) leads a six-week online training program for new(er) youth ministers. It covers: working in a parish, understanding young people, planning programming, finding and managing volunteers, budgeting and fundraising, and more!
  • Cost: $150 (includes a one-year Associate Membership to NFCYM - a $75 value)
  • Deadline to Register: September 12th

Informational Links

Address to the USCCB by the Executive Director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry

National Catholic Committee on Scouting