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Youth/Young Adult Minister Coffee Meetings

Every month or two, youth and young adult ministers from Fort Wayne and South Bend gather together to discuss ministry trends, upcoming events, and ways to support our youth and their families. For full time, part time, and volunteer ministers!

Here are the dates of our upcoming coffee gatherings.

South Bend:
South Bend gatherings are postponed until further notice! If you would like to be added to an email list for updates please reach out to: Jessica Tillinghast at [email protected]

Fort Wayne:
Monday, February 16, 2026 – 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Coffee Gathering at Crescendo Downtown (in Pearl Center) in Fort Wayne

Future Coffee Gatherings 2026
March 16- FW

Pastoral Ministers Retreat

October, Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th, 2025

The Vision of Hope retreat seeks to equip and empower the pastoral ministers of our diocese for vibrant ministry to their communities. Lay ministers overseeing a formation program (DREs, OCIA Coordinators, Youth Ministers, Pastoral Associates, Catechists, etc.) are invited to connect with fellow ministers, receive on-going formation in theology and practice, and find time to rest in the love of our Lord. Pastoral ministers are encouraged to consult their pastor about treating the retreat as a professional development opportunity supported by the parish.

$50 includes lodging, registration and materials!

Register

First Things in Youth Ministry

Year-long training and accompaniment for new youth and young adult ministry leaders

Cost: Free

Each fall, our office launches a new cohort of youth and young adult ministry leaders that includes accompaniment, networking, and support as they learn the essentials of comprehensive youth ministry.

Our new ministry leaders meet in-person once a month to discuss the training modules that they completed since the last session. The cost is covered by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation and includes a 1-year “Associate Membership” to NFCYM.

Here are the topics of the 6 sessions.

Session 1: First Things in Personal, Parish, and Diocesan Contexts of Youth Minstry
Session 2: First Things to Know About Comprehensive Youth Ministry
Session 3: First Things to Know About Young People, their Needs, and their Families
Session 4: First Things in Volunteers and Safe Environments
Session 5: First Things in Youth Ministry Programming
Session 6: First Things in Budgeting and Fundraising

A Winter 2026 Cohort will begin in January. Register below!

Register

Youth Ministers’ Retreat

St. Felix Catholic Center, Huntington
10:30 a.m. Sept. 13 – 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14

Join us for a Youth Ministers’ Retreat and Formation Day at St. Felix Catholic Center in Huntington on Friday, September 13 – Saturday, September 14. This two-day and one night event is offered to give youth ministry leaders a chance to step back and encounter the Lord as their ministry year begins. On Saturday YM volunteers from your parish youth ministry are encouraged to attend. Saturday will be filled with opportunities for YM leaders to gather with the volunteers of their parish to connect, discuss formation topics, and build up a culture of support and collaboration as the year begins.

Learn More and Register

Youth and Young Adult Formation

Staff and Contact Information

Jocelyn Rouch

Director of Youth and Young Adult Formation
[email protected]
260-969-9155

Jessica Tillinghast

Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Formation
[email protected]
260-399-1412

Estefania Guzman

Bilingual Administrative Assistant and Hispanic Ministry Liaison
[email protected]
260-399-1417