Welcome to the Diocesan Youth Council! If you are here, you have been appointed by the pastor, youth ministry leader, campus minister or director of religious education to serve as a representative for your parish or school. Congratulations!

Diocesan Youth Council (DYC) Teen FAQ

About the DYC

Q: What even is the DYC?
A: DYC stands for Diocesan Youth Council. It is a group of high school teens from across the diocese who represent either their parish or their Catholic high school. Members meet regularly to grow in faith, share their ideas, and help plan things that affect youth ministry. It is a place where your voice really matters in the Church.

Q: What’s the point of being on the DYC?
A: You will make new friends, share your voice to advocate for the needs of young people across Northwest Indiana, and bring fresh ideas back to your parish. Along the way, you will discover how your gifts and talents can make a real difference in your community as you live out God’s call. Plus, it is fun and looks great on college and job applications too.

Joining the DYC

Q: Do I need to apply or be nominated to join? How does that work?
A: If you would like to be part of the DYC, start by talking to your youth minister, director of religious education, campus minister, or pastor. Each parish or Catholic high school may have its own way of choosing representatives. Once your adult leader fills out the nomination form, you will get a formal application to complete and submit.

Q: Do I have to be super involved in church already to join?
A: Not at all. Serving on the DYC means you represent the young people in your parish or Catholic high school, so you should be connected enough to know what is happening in your community and able to share that with others. You do not need to know everything (no one expects you to give a finance council report), but you should be active enough that you can speak to the experiences of your peers. It is also expected that you attend Mass weekly and, if your parish has a youth ministry program, that you participate in it.

Q: Do I have to be super outgoing to join? What if I am more quiet?
A: Nope. One of the best things about the DYC is that we want to hear from all kinds of young people: outgoing, quiet, new to their faith, or steady in it for years. Everyone’s perspective matters. At meetings, you will share a short parish report (a two to three minute update on what is happening in your parish) and offer your insights on different topics. Sometimes we talk as a whole group, and other times in pairs or small groups. Whether you are talkative or reserved, there is space for you.

Q: What if I do not feel like I know enough about my faith?
A: That is okay. One of the best parts of being on the DYC is that you will grow in confidence in your faith if you are open to learning. If you have questions about the Church or how things work, bring them up. Chances are other teens are wondering the same thing. We will talk through them together at meetings, and if we cannot answer right away, you have great supporters in your youth minister, director of religious education, campus minister, or pastor who can help too.

Q: What if my parish does not have a youth ministry program? Can I still be in it?
A: Yes. You represent your parish or Catholic high school, whether or not your parish has a formal youth ministry program. Your voice still matters, and you can share what life and faith look like in your community. In fact, having someone from a parish without a youth program is really valuable, because it helps us understand what young people need across the diocese.

Meetings and Time Commitment

Q: What would I actually be doing?
A: At each monthly meeting, we pray together, share what is happening in your parish or school, and give input on topics where a youth perspective is needed. This year we will also walk through the process of discerning, planning, and carrying out local projects in your own community, with formation and support to help you do that well. Along the way, you will grow in leadership, meet new people, and have some fun too. We also celebrate together with an epic White Elephant Christmas Party each year.

Q: How often do we meet?
A: We meet once a month for about two hours. We prefer everyone to attend in person, but if you are traveling or cannot make it, there is sometimes the option to join on Zoom. Outside of meetings, you may spend extra time working on your project with your team. All DYC members also help out at the Emmaus Conference in August. We are planning to include a youth component for the 2026 conference, and we need your leadership there.

Q: Where will we meet?
A: This year we will alternate locations: one month at Queen of All Saints in Michigan City, and the next at the Diocese of Gary Pastoral Center in Merrillville. If you cannot make it in person, we will also have a Zoom option available. Here’s this year’s schedule.

Q: Is this a big time commitment?
A: Not really. We meet once a month for about two hours. Outside of that, you may spend some extra time working on your local project, depending on what you choose to do. Each month you will also check in with your parish or school leader (youth minister, DRE, campus minister, or pastor) to share updates. If possible, DYC reps should also be present for the youth component of the Emmaus Conference on Friday evening, August 21.

Practical Details

Q: Will food be provided at meetings?
A: Yes. We always have snacks at meetings, and reps are welcome to bring treats to share. If you have not eaten beforehand, you can bring your lunch with you. At the beginning of the year, we will let everyone know about any food allergies to keep in mind if you bring something for the group.

Q: Do I need a ride, or is transportation provided?
A: Each DYC rep will need to arrange transportation to and from meetings. If your parish or school has two reps, you can always carpool.

Q: Do I need a permission form?
A: Yes. Each DYC rep’s parents or guardians must complete a permission form each month. You will receive a link to it at the end of each meeting, and it will also be sent by email. Even if you are 18, you are still required to submit a permission form.

Q: Can I still be on the DYC if I am in sports, band, or other clubs?
A: Definitely. Past DYC reps have been athletes, musicians, actors, altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, youth ministry leaders, NHS members, and more. Some were involved in everything, while others were mainly active in their parish. Whatever your schedule looks like, you are welcome. As a leader, part of your growth is learning how to balance your time and commitments. If you cannot make a meeting, let us know as soon as possible. And remember, your faith comes first. If you ever have to choose between a DYC meeting and a youth event at your parish, choose your parish event.

Q: What kinds of leadership skills will I actually learn?
A: You will learn how to listen to others, share your ideas with confidence, and pray as a leader. You will also practice working on a team, planning projects, and evaluating what worked and what could be better. These skills are not just for church. They will help you in school, sports, jobs, and just about anything else you do.

How to be the best DYC rep you can be!

  • DYC COMMUNICATION: Because DYC reps are often very involved in many other activities, reminders are important! Each month, DYC reps, their parents, and youth ministry leaders will receive an email and paper mailing. Text messages will be utilized as reminders of meetings. We use the Diocesan Flocknote website to text and email quick reminders of meetings. Click here to sign up for our Flocknote emails and texts. Flocknote is a great tool and 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 vhathaway@dcgary.org or 219-769-9292 ext. 88229.

    If you ever need to contact me, email vhathaway@dcgary.org. Parents and guardians: We also want to share with you the emails and texts that your child receives. Please feel free to email me your email and phone number if you would like to receive them as well.

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

  • PARISH REPORTS: During each meeting, reps are expected to give a clear and concise parish report. This can include what is happening in your parish youth ministry or other important events at the parish. While you don’t have to list out the entire parish calendar, you should know two to three things that are happening in your parish. “I don’t know what’s going on” is not a good report. Remember, you represent your whole parish or Catholic High School. There’s probably something going on in your parish!

  • Permission forms are not optional. Each month, you will be sent via email a link to the online permission forms that are required to participate in DYC meetings. If you did not receive a permission from, please email Vicky for the link. Permission forms are important because they inform your parents and guardians where you are. Even if you are 18, all current high school students need to have a completed permission form. If you arrive at the DYC meeting without having a permission form completed, your parents or guardians will be called to confirm that you are able to participate in the DYC meeting.

  • “Excused absences” are absences reported 72 hours in advance. Each member is expected to notify the Coordinator of Youth Ministry for the Office of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization at least one week before the meeting if he/she cannot be present and why. If a member has more than 3 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.

  • MANAGING YOUR SCHEDULE: 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, and there’s always good old-fashioned paper! 

    All Meetings are from 1-3:00 PM. They are going to be very packed 2 hours, so please arrive on time.

    Please click here for the current schedule! 

  • LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: 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.

  • MEETING WITH ADULT PARISH LEADERS: Your parish’s key youth ministry adult leader is also informed of DYC meeting dates and emails. This could be your youth minister, campus minister, director of religious education, pastor, or another designated adult youth ministry leader. You should be meeting with them at least once a month, to ensure that there is a flow of information back and forth. These don’t have to be long meetings, but you should meet with them to share what we talked about during the DYC meeting, discuss any issues or questions you might have, and to stay informed on what is going on in the parish. 

  • If you know you cannot make a significant portion of the meetings, please contact your youth leader ASAP about finding another rep. We understand that teens are busy, so no need to apologize. Being on the Diocesan Youth Council does mean a commitment to attending meetings.