The Diocesan Youth Council (DYC) is an advisory body to the Diocesan Office for Youth & Young Adults (OYYA). It is a group of High School teens who represent the parishes and Catholic high schools in the Catholic Diocese of Gary. 

The members of this body advise the Office in two ways:

  • First, they act as a spokesperson for the needs of youth in their parishes and schools.
  • Second, are an integral part of the planning and implementation of youth activities that encourage and support total youth ministry in the diocese.

Are You a Pastor, Parish/School Youth Ministry Leader, or DRE? Start Here!

Are You a DYC Parish/School Representative? Start Here!

Check out the “Saints Spotlight” podcast, written, recorded, and produced by the Diocesan Youth Council!

For DYC Members and their families:

If bad weather is threatening on the day of a meeting, I will send a text message and email via Flocknote. Please make sure that we have your correct phone and email address! 

What’s Flocknote? We’ve started using the Diocesan Flocknote website to text and email quick reminders of meetings. Flocknote is a great tool it complies with our diocesan safe environment policy. If you DO NOT want to receive text messages or have not received anything from Flocknote, please let me know. Email me at [email protected] or 219-769-9292 ext. 229.

Sign up for the DYC Flocknote group here!

Misc. info for reps:

  • DYC TEXT LIST SERVICE:We’ve started using the Diocesan Flocknote website to text and email quick reminders of meetings. Flocknote is a great tool it complies with our diocesan safe environment policy. If you DO NOT want to receive text messages or have not received anything from Flocknote, please let me know. Email me at [email protected] or 219-769-9292 ext. 229.

  • FOOD: Please make sure you eat lunch before your arrival. For all meetings you are invited and encouraged to bring snacks to share.

  • REPORTS: Come prepared with clear, concise reports. “I don’t know what’s going on” is not a good report. You represent not only a youth ministry, but a parish. There’s probably something going on in your parish!

  • Permission forms are not optional. I will be cracking down on missed forms. I don’t like to issue them any more than you and your parents like having to complete them, but they are a part of your participation. Not only are you mailed a copy, but they’re available online too (see above). No excuses.

  • “Excused absences” are absences reported to me one week in advance. “Each member is expected to notify the Office of Youth Ministry at least one week before the meeting if he/she cannot be present and why. If a member has more than one unexcused absence she/he may be removed from the council.” We suggest that once you get the DYC calendar, add it to your family calendar, personal calendar, and phone.

  • You don’t have to be an adult to use a calendar! It’s one of the most important skills you can learn as a leader: high-achievers (and many of you are!) tend to take on many projects and commitments. Being a responsible leader means avoiding scheduling conflicts whenever possible, and when it’s not possible to avoid them, to give plenty of advance notice. Having a calendar helps you do that. If you have a smart phone, you have a calendar program- use it! Most email programs have them integrated with smart phones (Google’s is excellent), and there’s always good old-fashioned paper!

  • If you are applying for scholarships, college admission, etc., be sure to list your DYC involvement. Religious involvement- especially religious leadership- is very appealing to many acceptance boards. I am always happy to complete any letters of recommendation, etc. for you. Just give me what you need with plenty of advance notice. If you ask the night before it is due, I cannot guarantee that it will be completed in time.

  • You should be meeting with your youth minister(s) or pastor at least once a month, to ensure that there is a flow of information back and forth.

  • If you know you cannot make a significant portion of the meetings, please contact your youth leader ASAP about finding another rep. No need to apologize, we’d just rather have another teen who can attend more regularly.

Click for DYC Bylaws

Click for DYC FAQ