Diocese of Gary Diocesan Youth Council Frequently-Asked Questions
Diocese of Gary
Diocesan Youth Council Frequently-Asked Questions
What is the Diocesan Youth Council? The 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 will advise the Office in two ways. First, they act as a spokesperson for the needs of youth in their parishes and schools. Second, they will be an integral part of the planning and implementation of youth activities that encourage and support total youth ministry in the diocese. They will be seen assuming key roles at diocesan youth events, including Catholic Youth Xperience, rallies, etc.
How often does the DYC meet? Roughly once a month. Most often the 2nd-to-last Sunday of the month, but not always. For a list of dates, click here.
Where will you meet? Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Merrillville is "home base" for DYC. Additionally, we will likely hold meetings at various locations throughout the year. (For example as the summer Catholic Youth Xperience approaches, we will likely hold a meeting or two at Valparaiso University and/or the adjacent St Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso.) Transportation is an integral part of the requirements for serving on DYC!
What happens at the DYC meetings? Each month is a little different, but generally each meeting includes: prayer, introductions and ministry updates, updates on diocesan & other programs open to anyone, leadership skills development/exercises, etc. Guest speakers present various approaches to leadership development. Closer to CYX, teens use DYC meetings to use their leadership & ministry skills on committee work for various conference elements, chaired by teens themselves.
How should parish leaders select DYC reps? I leave that up to the parishes! I encourage adult youth leaders to read the DYC bylaws to get a feel for the expectations of DYC reps. OYYA does not select your two reps- parish/local youth leaders do! I encourage prospective reps to submit the Information Sheet to OYYA when reps have been selected. These Information Sheets are not "applications," per se, but may be used as a tool for parish youth leaders if you have more than two youth interested in "applying" to serve on DYC.
How many reps can we send? Each parish/ministry can select up to two reps.
How long is the DYC term? Unlike other church ministries, Youth Ministry does not take a break over the summer! Therefore, DYC will continue to meet/work throughout the year, especially since our biggest event is during the summer! We will accept newcomers at anytime, and we will honor our outgoing seniors in May of any given year. However, it is up to parish leaders to determine how long their reps serve. My recommendation is that parishes select reps to serve one year terms, starting in September. You may also wish to "stagger" your terms somehow, to make new reps feel more comfortable in the future.
To whom is the rep accountable? During DYC gatherings, reps are accountable to the Coordinator of the OYYA (Kevin Driscoll), who will facilitate the meetings. Another youth ministry coordinator is also present during meetings (including usually Mrs. Carole Sluce, DYC liaison). Reps will receive monthly mailings that include permission forms for the next gathering that they are required to submit to OYYA. Reps’ YMC is also cc’d a copy of this mailing. Each rep is required to meet with their parish's key youth ministry adult leader at least once a month to process the monthly meetings, events, etc. Parish youth leaders are always welcome to attend DYC meetings, although never required.
What do I do now? Youth leaders, start by discerning parish reps, or develop a system for them to apply if you think you'll have more than two interested leaders. Print out the bylaws to give to anyone interested, and print out Information Sheets to submit to OYYA. You can fax those sheets to 219-738-9034. Remember there is no "start" to DYC, so if you do not have reps yet, we will welcome them in at any time! Teens, if your parish/ministry is not represented on the DYC, ask your youth leader if you can serve!
>> DYC Bylaws
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