Youth Ministry

Youth Ministries

Enhancing faith formation


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Our Mission:
To grow as disciples and serve as apostles by exploring and sharing our faith through worship, fellowship, and love.

Welcome! Our diocesan youth ministry program is designed to enhance the faith formation of our youth by broadening their spiritual development through a variety of youth events, including weekend retreats throughout the program year and opportunities for camp and service-learning during the summer. Through peer ministry, our youth serve as the face of Jesus for each other, live into servant ministry, strengthen their faith, build Christ-centered relationships, and become empowered in the leadership of our Church.

The diocese also provides enrichment for youth workers and volunteers by offering opportunities for networking, professional development, spiritual formation, and resources for our Diocesan Youth Ministers (DYM) through regular DYM meetings, as well as coaching and consulting for individual parishes.

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Youth Ministry

 

Youth ministry in our diocese
is vibrant and strong.

 

The programs at local parishes contribute to the strength of youth ministry, and our diocesan opportunities also enhance the Christian formation of our youth. We depend on the dedicated involvement of youth ministers, as well as clergy, musicians, and numerous other volunteers, in order to be able to provide such a thriving diocesan youth ministry.

To receive information about youth ministry in the diocese, please email Jen Manning, Missioner for Formation at jmanning@dioala.org.
Youth Ministry

Safeguarding God’s Children

All youth workers and volunteers must complete training for Safeguarding God’s Children. These forms need to be printed and completed by each individual. Please read these forms carefully as you complete them.

The background check form and the safeguarding online training registration form need to be sent to the diocese. Mailing instructions are included in these forms. All other forms need to be submitted to the parish administrator to be retained permanently in the parish files.

Safeguarding God’s Children
Youth Ministry

Happening

HAPPENING is one of those things that must be experienced to be fully understood. During the three-day weekend, the 10-12th grade participants spend time seriously considering the person and teaching of Jesus Christ in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. They are provided with opportunities to share, discuss, learn and live with fellow Christians in an environment of acceptance and understanding. More information and registration can be found on the Happening Website!

Upcoming Happening Events:

Happening #88: March 6-8, 2026
Grace Church, Anniston

The Youth Department

The Episcopal Youth Department, better known as “YD”, is a small group of high school students (grades 10–12) who gather for quarterly retreats focused on leadership development and spiritual formation. Supported by adult advisors and clergy, members grow in skills for leading in the Church and the world while building meaningful relationships with one another. Throughout the year, the Youth Department helps plan and lead diocesan events such as Christmas Conference and District Days, represents the voices of young people at Diocesan Convention, and participates in monthly Diocesan Council meetings. Grounded in joy, community, and shared faith, this ministry seeks to form leaders for the Church of today—and for the Church still to come.

  • Interested in serving in the Youth Department?

    Eligible candidates for Youth Department are:

    • 10th – 12th graders (during their term on the Youth Department)
    • Confirmed Episcopalians (or going to be confirmed within the year)
    • Residents in the Diocese of Alabama
    • Able to fulfill the duties of attending each YD retreat and special events hosted by YD
    • Active in their local parish

     

    To apply to serve on the 2026/2027 Youth Department, click HERE. For more information about Youth Ministry in the Diocese, please contact Jen Manning, Missioner for Formation, 256-655-5460, jmanning@dioala.org.