The Diocesan Youth Council was formed to create an impactful way for the young Church of today to help adults keep current on the needs of the young Church population.
This year, 15 high schoolers in grades nine through 12 comprise the DYC in the Diocese of St. Cloud. This group of high schoolers represent the important and diverse youth community in the diocese who are vital to the strength and vibrancy of the Church. Two of the 15 members are also chosen to serve on the diocesan pastoral council, an advisory council to Bishop Patrick Neary.
Through a series of meetings, with the first taking place in August, the DYC prays together and, under the direction of Kent Schmitz, diocesan director for ministry with youth and young adults, helps to plan and assist in implementation of some diocesan-sponsored youth ministry events including high school youth day, a middle school lock-in and the high school Castaway retreat. Their work is completed in a synodal fashion to ensure each voice is heard, respected and appreciated.
“It’s a joy to work with the DYC. They have many gifts to share and an energy to bring the Gospel alive in a relevant and impactful way,” Schmitz said. “I look forward to witnessing all the relationships with Jesus that will be built and fostered before, during and after the events they coordinate.”
Flynn Cash
“I like the leadership skills that I have gained as a member of the DYC. Planning the middle school lock-in was my favorite. It was a lot of fun. The DYC has also helped me get out to connect and have fun with other young Catholics.”
Olivia Zollner
“I like being a leader for our diocese through the DYC. The high school youth day was really cool. It was my first time going and it was fun to help lead it. We had a silent disco at Castaway. We also helped at the middle school lock-in at the YMCA. Since it was there, we could swim and play all sorts of games and we had a silent disco there, too.”
Kylee Sagedahl
“Having the DYC shows me how much the parishes in our diocese care about youth. It has given me leadership skills, shows me how good God is and how our communities can work together. I encourage other youth to gather some friends to attend the events this year.”
Representatives for the 2024-25 Diocesan Youth Council are from the following parishes:
- St. Mary in Alexandria: Kylee Sagedahl, Flynn Cash, Olivia Zollner. Maria Mayer, Abbey Hegg
- Sts. Peter and Paul in Elrosa: Aiden Hellemann
- Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Rockville: Bethany Posch
- St. Columbkille in St. Wendel: Bradley Revermann
- St. Francis Xavier in Sartell: Hudson Dingmann, Pavel Giroux, Maggie Plumski, Keaton Sabrowsky
- Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids: Avery Nathe, Tanner Warner-Schultz, Eliza Kapinos