June 2017 Newsletter
Diocesan Youth Council Applications:
Open Now!
The Office of Youth Ministry is now accepting online applications for the 2017-2018 Diocesan Youth Council!
If you are a clergy member or youthworker who knows a rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grader who would be right for this program, now is a good time to talk about this application with them. This flyer provides a good overview of the application process and calendar of the year-long commitment: here.
Applications are due 8/16/2017
The DYC is a group of young people who represent the youth of the Diocese at Diocesan Convention. They plan and run Diocesan youth events and work ultimately to make the church a nurturing environment for the spiritual growth of young people in the Christian community. They seek to accomplish this through extending fellowship and hospitality with their fellow youth. Learn more.
Year at a Glance: 2017-2018 Events Announced
This year's calendar features: the Middle School Retreat (Nov. 17-19, 2017); High School Retreat (Feb. 2-4, 2018); and Preconfirmation Retreats (Mar. 16-17 & Apr. 6-7, 2018).

Also of note are the Good Friday Retreat, and a Las Posadas Advent event.

More information and registration forms are available on the Upcoming Events page of the Youth Ministry website. Check back soon for more information about a series of youthworker get-togethers planned for this fall.
Diocese of Western MA: Summer Alternative Break

Our colleagues in Western Mass are hosting a week-long program in collaboration with Heifer International in which middle school youth (or even early high school) will have an opportunity to work on a farm, learn about global poverty, and think about how these things connect to the gospel message at work in our local communities.

Attend this Alternative Break from July 30-August 3.

July 30-August 3, 2017

Heifer Overlook Farm,

Rutland, MA


$100/participant (scholarship funding is available)


Application Due Date:

July 15, 2017
Resources for Youth Ministry
LGBTQA+ Information Packet
Members of the 2016-2017 Youth Leadership Academy have concluded a year of developing leadership skills and putting their leadership into practice in local communities.

For her project, Jenna Lerminiaux of St. Paul's in Natick, created a guide for middle school guidance counselors (but useful to all those who work with young people), with information and stories about gender, sexuality, and coming out to friends and family. The guide includes:

  • Introduction
  • Hotlines
  • LGBT Dictionary
  • My Story
  • Massachusetts Resources
  • The Genderbread Person

Jenna shares this guide with the hope that it might be useful to those who are looking for, as she says, "an easier way for youth to access help and information about the LGBTQA+ community."