Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Square Banner 

Here, as a teen, you can belong, discover Jesus, find healing, and make an impact as a leader. 

Our mission is to “make disciples”: for you to encounter Jesus and be transformed through following Him and His Church. 

Looking for a youth group near you? Contact Taylor Piotrzkowski, to be personally connected to a nearby youth ministry. 

Looking for Events? Click Here

Upcoming Youth Events: 

Good Friday Cross Walk, April 3rd, 11:45am-2:15pm, Auburn City Park

  • Join St. Gabriel Parish Youth Ministry, led by Fr. Marc Hopps, as they commemorate the Stations of the Cross by visibly walking in Jesus’ journey to His crucifixion. 
  • All ages and denominations are invited.
  • Participants begin to gather at Auburn City Park at the small pavilion nearest the playground at 11:45am. Following the Cross Walk, all participants are welcome to join St. Gabriel Parish as they celebrate the Liturgy beginning at 3:00pm.

World Youth Day, August 1-9, 2027, Seoul, South Korea

  • Join our Holy Father Pope Leo, and millions of other young people in Seoul South, Korea.
  • Young adults, parish leaders, and 16+ high school juniors and seniors with a parent/guardian are invited.
  • Cost: $4699 ($500 deposit due on April 15th)
    • Includes: Airfare, 4-star Hotel Lodging, daily breakfast, WYD event meals, transportation, WYD fee
  • Learn More and Register Here

World Youth Day Info Q&A Session, Wednesday, March 25th, 7pm, Zoom

Save-the-Date: ACTS (989) Service Retreat, June 16th-19th, Nouvel Catholic High School, Saginaw

  • ACTS (989) is the new service retreat for the Diocese of Saginaw that is open to all high school youth.
  • During the day, students will serve throughout Saginaw, and in the evening will experience a high-powered retreat with fun, speakers, Adoration, Worship, and more!

Steubenville Youth Conferences: Summer 2026, Steubenville, Ohio

Registration Now Available: Damascus Summer Camp, Summer 2026, Brighton, MI

Save the Date: ANCHOR Michigan Middle School Youth Conference, Saturday, March 13th, Detroit Catholic Central High School

  • Every Diocese in the lower peninsula is partnering to bring 1000 youth to encounter Jesus.
  • The current event cost estimate is $45/person. 6th - 8th grade youth are welcome.
  • Join our email list to stay updated!

Interested in starting youth ministry in your parish?

Whether you are a priest, DPL, employee, parent, or volunteer, connect with Taylor Piotrzkowski to receive support and a solution for your parish.

Notice: We're piloting a style of high school youth ministry at St. Michael-Maple Grove that is small group-based, in partnership with Andrew Ministries.

Experience this past year and national trends are showing that this style is ideal for:

  • Starting youth ministry from scratch
  • Small or rural parishes
  • Incredibly busy high schoolers, parents, and youth ministry leaders
  • Meeting young people's desperate desire for belonging
  • Creating lifelong Catholic disciples

Contact Taylor if you're interested in trying small group-based youth ministry at your parish.

YDisciple: Small Group Youth Ministry Resource

  • Parishes now have access to YDisciple, the go-to Small Group youth ministry resource for $199 (1/3 of the normal cost).
  • YDisciple specializes in training adults, launching small groups, and making young disciples.
  • If you're interested in launching YDisciple, find the details here.

Support for Youth Ministry Leaders:

Working Draft of Youth Ministry Resources

Youth Ministry Leader Coaching

  • Taylor would love to meet with you, treat you to coffee or lunch, and learn how to support your ministry.
  • Whether you are clergy, a staff member at your church or a volunteer, new or experienced, Taylor can help grow your ministry.
  • Learn practical skills on how to reach Gen Alpha, get support for your program’s obstacles, and learn how to grow your own spiritual life.
  • Contact Taylor or call 989-797-6639

Informational Links

YDisciple: Small Group Youth Ministry Resource

Life Teen: Large Group Youth Ministry Resource

Damascus Summer Camp Great Lakes (Michigan)

Axis' "The Culture Translator" - Weekly Email Explaining Teen Trends to Parents and Ministry Leaders

National Catholic Committee on Scouting