Why Youth Ministry

Christ-centered community and authentic experiences of faith are crucial in the life of a teen who is trying to figure out God's will in their life. The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry partners with parishes and families to foster these communities and experiences as our Diocesan youth traverse the difficult world of being a teen. 

Youth Ministry Events & Activities

There are a variety of ways for teens to get involved in youth ministry, both at the parish & diocese levels. Most youth ministry takes place within the parishes, but there are larger events (like NCYC, retreats, & camp) that are available to everyone regardless of parish or school affiliation.

For more information about youth ministry in the Diocese, contact Jessica Pancho, Director of Youth Ministry.

Confirmation Retreats

Below is the list of confirmation retreats planned across the Diocese. If you have a student who needs to attend a different parish retreat, please reach out to the contact for that retreat to make arrangements.  Parish(es) Location Date Contact Our Lady's Immaculate Heart, Ankeny Our Lady's Immaculate Heart, Ankeny, IA Sunday, September 24th, 2023 1 PM - 6 PM Randy Henderson  St. Boniface, Waukee St. Boniface, Waukee, IA Saturday, October 7th, 2023 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Julie Schell SS Peter & Paul, Atlantic  Creighton Retreat Center, Griswold, IA  Sunday, October 8th, 2023 10 AM - 4 PM Julie Williamson St. Mary's (Avoca) & St. Patrick's (Walnut)  Creighton Retreat Center, Griswold, IA Saturday, October 14th, 2023 Kathy Denning St. Francis of Assisi, WDM St. Francis of Assisi, West Des Moines, IA  Saturday, October 21st, 2023 Claire Sevenich Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Glenwood  Glenwood, IA Saturday, November 4th, 2023 10 AM - 3 PM Carie Finnegan St. Patrick's (Neola) & St. Columbanus (Underwood) Cost is $15 St. Patrick's, Neola, IA Sunday, November 5th, 2023 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Shannon Nye  All Saints, Stuart Retreat 1 of 3: The Catholic Mass  All Saints, Stuart, IA Sunday, November 12th, 2023 10 AM - 3 PM  Jill Gerling  St. Mary's, Hamburg St. Mary's, Hamburg, IA  Sunday, January 14th, 2023  Beth Phillips Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs, IA Saturday, January 21st, 2024 10AM - 5PM  Kendall McGrath Shelby County parishes Freshmen retreat TBD  Saturday, February 10th, 2024 Rhonda Buck St. John the Apostle (Norwalk) with St. Anne's (Logan) & St. Patrick's (Missouri Valley) Conception Abbey, Conception, MO Saturday/Sunday March 2-3, 2024 Jessica Pudenz All Saints, Stuart Retreat 2 of 3: Prayer, Saints, & Service All Saints, Stuart, IA  Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 10:30 AM - 2 PM  Jill Gerling  St. Elizabeth Seton, Carlisle Conception Abbey, Conception, MO TBD, Spring 2024 Sarah Clayton  Assumption, Granger  Assumption Church, Granger, IA Saturday, April 6th, 2024 9 AM - 6 PM Cathy Davidson Shelby county parishes Sophomore retreat St. Mary's, Portsmouth, IA  Saturday, April 6th, 2024 Rhonda Buck St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines, IA Sunday, April 21, 2024 Theresa Lewis Our Lady of the Americas, Des Moines St. Thomas More Center, Panora, IA Saturday/Sunday April 27-28, 2024 Erika Mendez  SS John & Paul, Altoona SS John & Paul, Altoona, IA Sunday, April 28th, 2024 12 PM - 5 PM Maria Haas Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs   Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs, IA Sunday, April 28th, 2024 2 PM - 5 PM Kendall McGrath All Saints, Stuart Retreat 3 of 3: Confirmation  All Saints, Stuart, IA  Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 6 PM - 9 PM  Jill Gerling

National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) NCYC Indianapolis is the largest gathering of Catholic youth in the country. It is a three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. Teens and their group leaders enjoy speakers, workshops, live music, opportunities for adoration & reconciliation, and a beautiful closing liturgy.

Radix Retreat for High School Seniors Radix is a three-day weekend retreat for high school seniors to step out of the hectic nature of their last semester for a relaxing and prayerful experience that prepares them to be more fully rooted in Christ as they go forth from their high school years.

Catholic Youth Camp (CYC) Catholic Youth Camp, located at the St. Thomas More center in Panora, IA, is an oasis for young people to leave behind the difficulties of life to discover adventure, community and experience God's profound love. We combine dynamic Catholic spirituality with the fun and activities of camp.