We help young people fall in love with Jesus Christ. That is our mission. Every day in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OYYAM) we work diligently to share the love of God with young people, because He has so generously loved us. We are teachers, coaches, mentors, catechists, and more. Most importantly, youth ministers are willing agents of God's work who serve as witnesses to the Gospel as we accompany families and their children through their adolescence and young adulthood.
How we accomplish this mission is done through close partnership and collaboration with all levels of ministry and administration in the diocese, starting with families - the Domestic Church. We rely on local parishes, especially pastors, youth ministers, (D)RE's, and young people themselves, to help facilitate various programs, events, and initiatives. We also work with national and global entities to provide pilgrimages, mission trips, and other experiences that help young people see themselves as a part of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church."
People generally know us by the events and programs that we offer, many of which have been in our diocese for decades. Each program is unique, but all have the same mission to help young people fall in love with Jesus. Examples of these opportunities include:
Catholic Youth Coalition Board - A discipleship and leadership development program for high school youth.
Catholic Youth Coalition Convention - A 3-day celebration of the young church for high school youth with national keynotes, youth testimonies, Mass with Bishop Vetter, and lots of fun.
Junior High Rally - A Christ-centered, inspiring event for those in grades 6-8.
National Catholic Youth Convention - The largest gathering of Catholic young people in the country.
Justice Outreach Project - A week-long, cultural immersion experience on the Blackfeet Reservation centered on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
St. Kateri Institute - A summer camp experience at Carroll College that focuses on Catholic teaching around Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in the wilderness of Montana.
In addition to these direct-service events, OYYAM is also the steward of our bishop's vision for youth and young adult ministry in our diocese, which includes administrative and consultative responsibilities. The OYYAM Manager serves on several national boards and committees. We work closely with parish-based youth ministers, providing opportunities for professional development, resource references, and general support. We also collaborate with other diocesan ministries, especially Legendary Lodge, our college campus ministries, and young adult communities.
To learn more about OYYAM, visit https://www.dohyouth.org/