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?
- They act as a spokesperson for the needs and hopes of youth in their parishes and schools.
- They are an integral part of the planning and implementation of youth activities that encourage and support total youth ministry in the diocese. For example, the Office of Missionary Discipleship is planning a youth component to the Emmaus Conference in August and we need their input to help create a welcoming setting for their peers.
NEW for 2025–2026: During their time on the DYC, teens will discern, decide, and do a project for their local community. Through monthly meetings, they will gain the skills to:
- Discern the needs in their parish, school, or community.
- Design and plan a project to address those needs.
- Do the project by putting their ideas and faith into action.
What are the benefits?
For the teen, they will:
- Grow in leadership, confidence, and discipleship.
- Gain real experience in planning, collaboration, and service.
- Join a supportive community of peers across the diocese.
- Build skills that help them discern what their next steps are after high school.
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 2025–26 school year will be held on Sunday, October 19, 1:00–3:00 PM at Queen of All Saints in Michigan City. 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.