What is the mission and purpose of the Diocesan Youth Council?
The DYC brings together high school youth leaders from across the Diocese to grow in faith, leadership, and service. Representatives provide input on diocesan youth ministry, collaborate on projects, and serve as a voice for young people in the life of the Church.
Who can be a member?
Each parish and Catholic high school can send up to two high school students to serve as representatives on the youth council. Representatives should be active in parish/school life. Youth are nominated by their pastor, youth minister, DRE, or campus minister. If a young person wishes to serve but does not have a youth minister or DRE, they should first have a conversation with their pastor to receive permission. Representatives can serve more than one term.
When and where does it meet?
The DYC meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon (1-3:00 PM) for two hours. Meetings alternate between the Diocese of Gary Pastoral Center and Queen of All Saints in Michigan City. You can find the full schedule here.
What will the teens do?
The DYC gathers monthly for prayer, fellowship, and formation. The representatives, high school students from across the diocese, act as spokespeople for the needs and hopes of their peers in their parishes and schools and are an integral part of the planning and implementation of activities that encourage and support total youth ministry in the diocese.
NEW for 2026–2027: This year, we are going to do something different. Inspired by the conversations started by Pope Leo at the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference, the Diocesan Youth Council will engage in a deep dive into young people’s perspectives of AI. Knowing that AI is now a big part of their lives, the DYC will spend the year reflecting on their and their peer’s use of AI, break open Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, and discuss what their common call is.
What are the benefits?
For the teen, they will:
- Grow in leadership, confidence, and discipleship.
- Join a supportive community of peers across the diocese.
- Discuss and discern how faith intertwines with their everyday lives.
For the parish/school, it will:
- Receive youth who return with fresh ideas, energy, and leadership skills for local ministry.
- Ensure your community, especially its young people, is represented at the diocesan level.
- Develop invested leaders for the future, as young people who serve on the DYC are more likely to stay engaged in the parish as lectors, catechists, youth ministry helpers, and eventually adult leaders.
For the diocese, we will:
- Gain authentic youth input into ministry and event planning.
- Build stronger connections between parishes and schools.
- Showcase the vitality of the young Church to the bishop and diocesan community.
What do interested adult leaders need to do?
Teens already on the council do not need to reapply; we will confirm with each parish or school their continued involvement. For new representatives, please complete the nomination form (available in English and Spanish). Nominated young people will then receive a formal application to complete if they wish to accept their nomination.
If you would like a paper copy of the nomination form, please let me know.
Is there a deadline to nominate a young person?
Representatives may be added at any time throughout the year, but we highly recommend nominating your youth at the beginning of the school year so they can fully participate in the community project process. Our first meeting of the 2026–27 school year will be held on Sunday, October 4, 1:00–3:00 PM at the Diocese of Gary Pastoral Center (9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN). We recommend nominating representatives before this meeting so they can begin the journey with the rest of the Council.
Why should pastors and youth ministers send youth to the DYC?
By nominating a young person, you are investing not only in their personal growth but also in the future of your parish or school. DYC members return as energized disciples and stronger leaders, ready to serve in liturgical, catechetical, and service ministries. With only one Sunday a month required, the time commitment is manageable, and the formation they receive will have lasting benefits for your parish, your school, and the entire Church.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! Email Vicky at vhathaway@dcgary.org or call 219-769-9292 ext 88229.