Office of Youth Ministry
Role of the Office
MISSION
The primary and distinct mission of the Office of Youth Formation is to serve the formation needs of adult youth ministers and youth leaders. These needs are identified and met through programs and services offered in six key areas of leadership: Advocacy, Training, Consultation, Resourcing, Coordination / Networking, and Direct Services. By enabling the adults and youth to be more effective in their roles as leaders, the Office of Youth Formation seeks to facilitate the building of comprehensive youth ministry programs, built on the principles outlined in Renewing the Vision.
The annual conferences for 7th-12th grade youth offer the opportunity for teens across the diocese to gather together for a time of faith formation, fellowship, & fun!
Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC)
Friday and Saturday, February 23-24, 2024 at the CRM Retreat Center in Carthage, MO.
Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, 2024 at Pinecrest Camp and Conference Center in Fredericktown, MO.
Check out the information flier!
Registration is open! A link is available here.
Join 4,000 other Catholic teens and chaperones in a high-energy weekend at Missouri State University in Springfield to renew and rejuvenate your faith! For more information, contact your parish youth leader or visit steubystl.com
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is an exciting, bi-annual four-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. The schedule includes general and concurrent sessions addressing a wide variety of topics including forgiveness, Catholic spirituality and prayer, global issues, sexuality, and leadership.
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
NCYC 2025: Indianapolis, November 20-22
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is an exciting, annual four-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. The schedule includes general and concurrent sessions addressing a wide variety of topics including forgiveness, Catholic spirituality and prayer, global issues, sexuality, and leadership. There are also opportunities for liturgy and special activities such as concerts, exhibits, and a thematic activity village. The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) sponsors NCYC.
In a distinctly Catholic setting the National Catholic Youth Conference invites participants to:
- Encounter Christ.
- Experience church.
- Be empowered for discipleship.
The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry will sponsor a diocesan pilgrimage to NCYC 2025 to be held in Indianapolis on November 20-22, 2025.
Please check back in January of 2025 for more details.
Camp Re-NEW-All is a week-long summer camp held on both sides of our diocese. Campers in 4th-9th grade and Staffers in 10th grade-adult are excited to renew friendships and experience God in nature.
Camp Re-NEW-ALL
For almost 50 years, Catholic children and young people have attended Camp Re-NEW-All, learning about God, themselves, and what it means to be Catholic. Our belief is that campers deepen their relationship with God while interacting with other campers and staff members, surrounded by the beauty and nature of southern Missouri. Campers can grow in their Catholic faith, aided by the Sacraments and age-appropriate religious formation. Other fun activities include sports, swimming, crafts and music. Camp is for children going into the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade following the camp season. There are 3 sessions held at Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown and 3 sessions at Osage Branch Retreat Center in Conway. Adult staff (age 18 and above as of the first day of the camp session), and high school staff (entering grades 10-12 in fall) serve along with priests and seminarians as counselors, activities directors and support staff.
Camp Registration is open from December 13, 2023 – April 19, 2024
REGISTER ONLINE:
https://dioscg.formstack.com/
Download the Camp Brochure 2024!
All camp registrations are made through an online registration platform. If you need assistance with the online registration process, please call Linda Glendenning at (417) 866-0841.
CAMPER RESOURCES
Each summer, a team of college-aged missionaries travel to parishes across the diocese to present a week-long fun-filled and educational Catholic program for all youth in 1st – 12th grade.
Totus Tuus Summer Youth Program
Summer 2024 Dates and Locations:
June 9-14 St. Lawrence, New Hamburg and St. Eustachius, Portageville
June 16-21 St. Mary, West Plains and St. Ann, Carthage
June 23-28 Ste. Marie du Lac, Ironton and St. Joseph the Worker, Ozark
July 7-12 St. Teresa, Glennonville and Holy Trinity, Aurora
July 14-19 Sacred Heart, Salem and St. Canera, Neosho
July 21-26 St. John, Leopold and Sacred Heart, Mountain Grove
What is Totus Tuus (Totally Yours)?
Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic Faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and Eucharistic worship. Our week-long Parish Summer Catechetical Program assists parents and parishes in the evangelizing and catechizing of their youth by supplementing the work they are currently doing.
The methodology, structure, content, and enthusiasm of Totus Tuus is concerned not only with teaching the Faith, but also igniting the hearts of the team members and the young people they encounter. The result has been the formation of young adults who continue to dedicate themselves to the Church’s mission of evangelization along with many vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
How does the program work?
Totus Tuus calls upon college-age young adults and seminarians from across the United States to carry this mission to every young person they encounter. These young men and women are hired for their energy, enthusiasm, love of the Faith, commitment to spiritual growth, ability to work with a team and a desire to work with youth.
Teams of four young adults (two men and two women) travel to a different parish each week, hosting a five-day catechetical program for grades 1-12, similar to ‘vacation Bible school.” The week is filled with faith, fun, and friendship. There are messy games and crazy skits as well as catechetical learning joined with prayer and sacrament. Our college-age missionaries provide an authentic witness to the students.
Interested in becoming a Missionary?
Would you like to be a young adult Missionary this summer and travel throughout the diocese presenting the Totus Tuus program?
Watch this video to find out more or check out our missionary brochure.
Youth Adventure Programs
Lenten Lock-In
The 2023 Lenten Lock-In Retreat for all Catholics (ages 5-11) involved in a scouting-type program will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish on Saturday/Sunday, March 25-26, 2023. CLICK HERE to download and view a flier with more details.
Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Trail Life USA boys, Little Flower Girls, or those involved in similar programs are invited to participate in this annual event!
For more information, or to help with the next retreat, contact Nick Meinhardt at (417)224-2421, or the Diocesan Office of Youth Formation at (417)866-0841.
YAP Religious Emblem Awards
Several religious recognition medals are available to young men and women wishing to complete the necessary information and study. Catholic Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Trail Life USA Trailmen are awarded their religious emblem awards at diocesan celebrations held in Springfield and Cape Girardeau in early May. Completed paperwork should be turned in to Mrs. Maryanne Hennecke (for the Cape Girardeau celebration) or Nick Meinhardt (for the Springfield celebration) by the middle of March.
Mrs. Maryanne Hennecke
Catholic Campus Ministry
512 N Pacific
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573)335-3899
Nick Meinhardt
4525 S. Glenn Ave.
Springfield, MO 65810
(417)224-2421
American Heritage Girls Awards: https://americanheritagegirls.org/alliances/national-catholic-committee/
Catholic Scouting Awards for Boys: www.nccs-bsa.org
Catholic Trail Life USA Awards: www.catholictrail.com
Catholic Scouting Awards for Girls: www.nccgscf.org/programs
YAP Spring Service Project
The Diocesan Youth Adventure Program Committee hosts a Spring Service Project each year. We have worked at the Kitchen garden, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Offices, the grounds at the Mary Queen of Peace Solitude, and Bishop Rice’s garden.
Check back here for details on future service projects.
American Heritage Girls
American Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for girls ages 5-18 that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement.
A regional Catholic American Heritage Girls troop is active in Springfield. All activities with this troop are in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. New members are welcome to join now!
For more information, contact April Mika, the Troop Coordinator at (210)278-8729, [email protected].
There is also a Catholic AHG Troop which meets at St. Vincent de Paul school in Cape Girardeau. Contact the Office of Youth Ministry at 417-866-0841 for more information.
Every March, all ministry leaders and catechists who work with teens in 7th-12th grade are treated to a weekend away to learn, pray, and collaborate with other ministers in this diocese. You don’t want to miss this event!
The Gathering
The Office of Youth Ministry and the Office of Faith Formation will hold the annual conference for Youth Ministry & Faith Formation Leaders, “The Gathering,” April 12-13, 2024 at The Landing in Van Buren, MO.
An information Flier with all the details is available here.
Registration is open! A link to register is available here.
Need help funding your parish or school events? Want to attend an event, but need financial help? Interested in taking some classes or attending a conference to improve your knowledge of Catholic teachings or skills in ministry?
Grant Opportunities
The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has special funds available:
Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund Grant
* For parishes and schools, to support ministries or for individuals to attend camps or conferences
Diocesan Lay Endowment Fund Grant
* For adults to use for lay ministry training
Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund
The main objective of the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund is to support those activities which: create opportunities for youth and families to encounter Christ, provide more effective ways of accompanying youth and families in their faith formation and prepare them as intentional missionary disciples. The Diocesan Youth Endowment Committee will continue to pray, seek input from parish leaders, and discern carefully the priorities for ministering to youth and their families. May our good and gracious God continue to bless all the generous donors and guide the endeavors of parishes, schools, and the diocese in ministering to youth and their families.
Parishes and Schools
Parishes and schools may use this form for:
* New Faith Formation/Evangelization initiatives in Catholic High Schools
* Guest speaker presentations or retreats in Catholic grade schools
* Guest speaker presentations or retreats in parishes
* Youth Adventure Program Retreats/Lock-ins
* Funding for Youth Ministry program subscriptions (ie. Lifeteen, YDisciple)
* Resources/Supplies for faith formation and youth ministry programs – books, online resources, computer/smart tv, etc.
~ Application for GROUP/PARISH/SCHOOL Grant Assistance
Individual Youth
Individuals may use this form for assistance with:
* National Conferences, Institutes (ie. NCYC, Notre Dame Institute, etc.)
* Camps (ie. Life Teen Camp)
* Steubenville Conference
* DYC
* Camp Re-NEW-All
* Camp Barnabas
* March for Life Pilgrimage
Check the application for deadlines.
~Application for INDIVIDUAL Grant Assistance
Lay Endowment Grant Fund for Adults
The Endowment Fund for Lay Leadership is a fund to promote continuing Catholic education and formation among the laity of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Read more.
Helpful links to important Youth Ministry forms, resources, and safe environment information.
Forms & Resources
As you plan meetings and activities for Youth Ministry, the following resources may be helpful.
- Guidelines and Resources for Catechetical Leaders and Youth Ministers
- Renewing the Vision: The USCCB’s blueprint for the continued development of effective ministry with young and older adolescents
- Resources for Youth Ministry, including post-Confirmation classes
- Retreat Facilities
- Volunteer Driver Form
- Parental/Guardian Consent and Media Release Form English Spanish
- Policy and Guidelines for the Use of Technology, Email,
and Social Media English Spanish - Event Registration and Waiver Adult English Spanish
- Event Registration and Waiver Youth English Spanish
Child and Youth Protection Forms:
All adults, age 18 and older, must be compliant with Diocesan Safe Environment Policies and should have completed the following three items before participating in any activities with you:
1. Submit a background check before beginning ministry with minors
2. Read and sign the Diocesan Code of Conduct annually
3. Complete a Virtus training workshop either online or in person.
Please read ALL diocesan policies and complete all training and procedures through the Diocesan Child and Youth Protection Office.
Adults involved in youth ministry within our diocese are invited to join our Youth Ministry Facebook page. It is a private permission based page. If you would like to join, email Lynn Melendez at [email protected].
Staff
Lynn Melendez
Director | [email protected]
Simon Elfrink
Associate Director of Youth Ministry | [email protected]
Linda Glendenning
Diocesan Ministry Program Coordinator I [email protected]