Office of Youth Ministry
Role of the Office
MISSION
The primary and distinct mission of the Office of Youth Ministry 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 Ministry seeks to facilitate the building of comprehensive youth ministry programs, built on the principles and objectives prioritized by the USCCB. These include, but are not limited to: cultivating a diocese-wide environment conducive to authentic encounters with Christ, inviting the youth into active participation within the life of the Church and in the sacraments, and empowering young people to live as missionary disciples in every season of life.
Staff
Upcoming Events
Midwest March for Life
Midwest March for Life
Save the Date: May 1, 2025 More information will be provided in the near future.
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 1
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 1
Save the Date: June 9-13, 2025
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 2
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 2
Save the Date: June 23-27, 2025
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 3
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 3
Save the Date: July 7-11, 2025
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 1
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 1
Save the Date: July 7-11, 2025
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 1
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 1
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 2
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 2
Save the Date: July 14-18, 2025
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 2
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 2
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 3
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 3
Save the Date: July 21-25, 2025
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
Save the Date: November 19-23, 2025 Held in Indianapolis, IN. Keep your eyes peeled for more information in the near future!
Youth Conferences
Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC)—March 29-30, 2025
The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau’s Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) is an annual opportunity for the youth ages 7th-12th grade from all over the diocese to come together in prayer, fellowship, and worship of Our Lord. While DYC has seen some variety in recent years, it has always drawn hundreds of youth from across the diocese to share in their faith together.
DYC features national Catholic speakers, peer testimonies, praise and worship music, and an atmosphere conducive to an encounter with Christ. DYC has something for everyone, with high-energy activities and reverent observation of the sacred liturgy. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the conference, with the celebration of the Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Steubenville Youth Conference
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
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)—November 20-22, 2025
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.
Summer Youth Programs
Camp Re-NEW-All
For over 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 will open December 11, 2024
REGISTER ONLINE:
https://dioscg.formstack.com/
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
Totus Tuus Summer Youth Program
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.
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
Scouting Programs
417diocesan committee, comprised of leaders from various Adventure programs such as American Heritage Girls and Scouts, coordinates collaborative Catholic events for members of the various groups.
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. Mary Ann 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 Joan Hampton-Porter, the Troop Coordinator at (417) 522-9325 or [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.
Resources
The Gathering (for adult Youth Leaders)—February 14-16, 2025
Every year, 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!
Grant Opportunities
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?
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.
Guidelines, Resources, & Forms
Helpful links to important Youth Ministry forms, resources, and safe environment information:
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.
Diocesan Resource Library
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].
Framework for Youth Ministry
Listen, Teach, Send
In June 2024, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved Listen, Teach, Send, a new framework for youth and young adult ministry in the U.S. Listen, Teach, Send serves as a response to Pope Francis’ initiative in Christus Vivit (2019) and renews efforts for youth and young adult ministry in the United States.
The document begins with a foreword from the Chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, Bishop Robert. E. Barron, followed by an address to the youth and young people nationwide thanking them for their presence in the Church, and inviting them into ever-deepening commitment to their faith. The language used by the writers of Listen, Teach, Send affirms Pope Francis’ efforts to remind the youth that they are “the Church of today.”
The rest of Listen, Teach, Send is spent giving those who minister to the youth and young adults of the nation a new practical framework for ministry based on Jesus’ example of individual accompaniment featured on The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). The three pillars of this new framework are featured in the document’s title: listening, teaching, and sending.
Since the document’s approval and release in June 2024, additional resources have been continuously added to supplement the document’s promulgation, including a one-page summary of the text, webinars with members of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, and even a reflection guide for parish families and youth leaders. The USCCB has also provided extensive resources to help connect this new framework for youth ministry to the wisdom and instruction found in past documents, such as Sons and Daughters of the Light (1996) and Renewing the Vision (1997). Listen, Teach, Send connects and builds upon these past publications to formulate a more comprehensive and composite model for youth ministry.
These and many more helpful resources can be found at https://www.usccb.org/listen-teach-send. Listen, Teach, Send can be accessed in PDF form here.