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:
"Year of the Holy Spirit" Youth Hike & Scavenger Hunt, October 3rd, 10am-1pm, Imerman Park, Saginaw
- Join us for lunch, games, and a short talk on how to grow closer to the Holy Spirit
- For Middle School and High School Students, and chaperones (must be Safe Environment Trained)
- Cost: Free ($2 entry into the park for non-Saginaw County Residents)
- Free Lunch of Hotdogs and Chips
- Register Here (Deadline: Monday, September 28th)
Damascus Summer Camp, Summer 2027, Brighton, MI
- Damascus Summer Camp is the perfect mix of fun, adventure, and a powerful encounter with Jesus in His Church.
- Learn how students from our Diocese were spiritually transformed at Damascus.
- Middle School Camp is July 25 - 30, and we are reserving and subsidizing 12 spots for middle schoolers
- High School Camp is July 4 - 9, and we are reserving and subsidizing 12 spots for high schoolers
- Cost: $480 (includes $150 subsidy from the Diocese)
- Hard deadline to register is October 31st
- Learn More Here
Save the Date: NET Ministries Retreat, January 14th, 3:30pm-9pm, Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Saginaw
- 6th - 12th Grade Youth are invited for a powerful retreat to Encounter Jesus
- This retreat is led by NET Missionaries, Catholic young adults who travel the country to evangelize youth
- More Details TBA
Save the Date: ABLAZE Diocesan Confirmation Retreat, January 30th, 10am-7pm, 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.
- More details TBA
Save the Date: ANCHOR Michigan Middle School Youth Conference, Saturday, March 13th, Detroit Catholic Central High School
- Every Diocese in the lower peninsula is partnering to bring 1000 youth to encounter Jesus.
- The current event cost estimate is $45/person. 6th - 8th grade youth are welcome.
- Join our email list to stay updated!
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 Sacred Heart in Mt. Pleasant and 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
Online Ministry Cohort for New(er) Youth Ministers: NFCYM "First Things" Group - Beginning in the Fall
- The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (the hosts of NCYC) leads a six-week online training program for new(er) youth ministers.
- Acting as basic training for 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) - Register Here (Deadline: October 1st)
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