The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry promotes discipleship and evangelization among youth and young adults in the Diocese of Buffalo. Our mission is to provide resources, training, formation and programs for ministry with younger and older adolescents and young adults. We help parishes and other faith communities develop comprehensive approaches to these ministries. We support church leadership in engaging faith communities as they respond to the needs and include the gifts of youth and young adults.

We accomplish this mission through:  

• Ministry Services
• Programs for Youth
• Programs for Young Adults
• Programs for Youth & Young Adult Ministry Leaders
• Supporting Youth & Young Adult Ministry in Parishes
• Camp Turner
• Catholic Scouting

We serve and support:

• Pastors
• Parish Staffs
• Parish Councils
• Youth Ministry Leaders
• Young Adult Ministry Leaders
• Catechists
• Scout Leaders
• School Principals
• High School and College Campus Ministers
• Junior & Senior High Youth
• Young Adults

We regularly collaborate with the following partners in ministry:

• Office of Lifelong Faith Formation
• Office of Parish Life
• Office of Cultural Diversity
• Vocations Office
• Office of Pro-Life Activities
• Catholic Charities
• Catholic Committee on Scouting
• Christ the King Seminary
• Parishes, clusters and vicariates within the Diocese of Buffalo

Core values:   We value . . .

• The gifts of youth and young adults
• The diversity of our church & communities
• Collaboration and shared leadership
• Servant leadership
• Health and safety of all
• Integrity
• Lifelong learning
• Justice for all
• Stewardship