Diocese of Gary OYYA

Mission Statement

The Diocese of Gary OYYA serves those who serve the young Catholic Church.

Vision Statement

Through collaboration with parish leaders and youth-serving organizations, the Diocese of Gary OYYA seeks to nurture the total personal and spiritual enrichment of our youth and young adults, and to call them to full participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community as portrayed by Jesus in the Gospels.

OYYA programs are funded in part by generous donations to the diocesan Catholic Services Appeal
THANK YOU for your gifts!

You don't have to be a sports buff to appreciate Christian Leadership: Through the Lens of "Hoosiers," Oct. 3-4. You are invited to this unique seminar, as viewed through the lens of what ESPN called the greatest sports movie of all time, Hoosiers! The movie is chock full of powerful lessons in leadership that parallel the teachings of Christ, and we’re going to the famous Hoosiers Gym in Knightstown, just outside Indianapolis, to learn more about how to become a more effective leader! (click here for more)

"Our young people are different. They are a new and distinct generation and see and understand life in a very divergent manner. Are our methods and approaches in youth ministry changing?"

The Changing Face of Catholic Youth Ministry: Included in this fall's series of resources from Youth Ministry Access is a compelling journal article written by Frank Mercadante entitled "The Millennial Generation, Postmodernism & the Changing Face of Catholic Youth Ministry." It is a must-read for anyone working with youth today. Download a copy (PDF) for yourself and others on your YM team.

Used with permission. © Youth Ministry Access, Center for Ministry Development.

Back to School! The beginning of the academic year is upon us, and with it comes the re-launch of many formal, gathered YM programs. Visit the YM page for resources to assist you.

The Rise of the Fall of Formation! Get ready to stretch those brains and better your souls and make yourself a better minister! Throughout the remainder of 2008, adult youth ministry leaders will have a slew of opportunities for formation, education, etc. In addition to the opportunities offered directly through my office, I am working collaboratively with other offices here at 9292 to present you even more opportunities. (click here for more info)

Internet Issues: The emergence of social networking simply cannot be ignored. Teens aren't getting your emails? They will...right after they check their telegrams! I've posted some new material at the "Internet Issues" section of the YM Library, including "Online student-teacher friendships can be tricky," and "Facebook and your youth ministry: Where does it fit?" (click here)

We want to remind those in the class of '08 that their faith is an important part of their life journey wherever they go. A number of campus ministers individually have contacted us requesting information on incoming freshmen. Download the PDF below for a list of college campus ministries throughout the state...and make your faith a central part of your college experience!

> PDF of IN campus ministries

We now have a place to connect online: introducing the Diocese of Gary YM Forum, from Wetpaint. It's a new "Sharing" site for YM leaders in the diocese. The purpose is to share events, resources, suggestions and ideas. You don't just read content, you PROVIDE it: you can start e-mail threads, create new web pages, etc., with users encouraged to contribute material at the site, post threads, upload photos and videos, create new pages, and edit pages that are already there. Best part: it's free and spam-free. If you haven't received an invite from Joe Kern yet, visit catholicymforum.wetpaint.com.

Statement on Evangelization... The Diocese of Gary Diocesan Youth Council's weekend forum on how teens can better evangelize their Catholic faith culminated in the Statement on Youth Evangelization, which is now available online. Use it to explore ways to make yours a more vibrant, youth-friendly parish:

> CLICK HERE TO READ THE STATEMENT