WHAT is the Diocesan Youth Convention?

Fun, faith and fellowship all in one amazing weekend!  The Convention is an exciting, three-day experience of prayer, learning, and community for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. The schedule includes liturgies, prayer, general sessions, breakouts, socializing, and small group time.  The general sessions and smaller breakouts use diverse learning methods (i.e. interactive learning experiences, witness talks, small group sharing, and group process) to address a variety of topics.

What are the GOALS of the Convention?

1. To provide teenagers with a healthy, positive experience of Christian community
2. To help teens connect with God
3. To help young people know and live their Catholic faith more fully
4. To help teenagers grow in personal wholeness and holiness
5. To provide opportunities for teens to evangelize (share faith with others) and be evangelized (hear the Good News of Jesus Christ)
6. To help young people put their faith in action as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

What is the THEME?
In 2013 we are celebrating the theme “Through Temptation to Salvation.” This theme reminds us that with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to strengthen us, it is possible for us to resist temptation, profess our faith, and experience the salvation offered us by God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ.

WHO attends the Convention?
The conference is open to all Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. We are expecting over 800 young people and adults to attend.

Youth Attendees:

• The Convention is designed for and open to youth who are in high school (grades 9-12).
• Some have attended previously while many are first-time attendees.

Adult Chaperones:

• Adult chaperones must be 21 years old or older.
• Youth to chaperone ratio: At least two adult chaperones with every group, up to 12 youth. One additional adult chaperone for each additional six youth.
• Those who are out of high school and under 21 years of age are welcome as Junior Advisors.
• More information for chaperones . . .

WHY attend the Convention?
Youth and adult participants attend the Convention because they can:

• Gather as the young people of our diocese and meet hundreds of Catholic youth who share their values.
• Learn more about themselves and their place in the Catholic Church.
• Celebrate and deepen their Christian faith as they share beliefs and experiences
• Remember (or realize for the first time) the importance of God and the Church in their lives.
• Recognize their role in the larger Catholic Church.
• Share their renewed energy and enthusiasm for youth ministry with their entire parish.
• Apply their new ideas and insights to many ministries at their parishes and in their schools.
• See and understand the power of God’s love, the strength of the Catholic community and the gifts that young people bring to the world.

WHEN is the Convention?
The Convention begins at 4:30 PM on Friday, February 15, 2013 and ends by 3 PM on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

WHERE is the Convention held?
The Convention is held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo, NY.

Are there any special opportunities for youth?

• Youth are invited to share their gifts with the Convention in many different roles. Examples include:
  • sharing their witness/testimony about faith and religion in their lives
  • serving as small group facilitators
  • acting in skits
  • dancing
  • reading/speaking publicly or serving as a lector
  • leading prayer and worship
  • serving as MCs
  • leading a dance or activity at the Expo
  If you would like to share their gifts, talents or skills (or know someone who would like to) please contact Kathy Goller.
• Young people (under age 21) are invited to submit original songs that reflect the Convention theme. Songs will be considered for use during the Convention weekend.  More details . . .

How are parents involved?

• Many parents experience the Diocesan Youth Convention weekend with their teenager by volunteering as a chaperone with their parish group. 
• Parents are also invited to review these Helpful Hints for Families.

Are there any special opportunities for parish groups?
Many opportunities exist for individuals and groups to be involved in planning and presenting parts of the Convention. Contact the Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministry to learn more.

HOW MUCH does it cost to attend?

• The cost for a complete package for the conference is $170 for each young person. This cost includes the conference registration fee, two nights at the hotel, two meals and two socials.
• The cost for adults or junior advisors ranges from $147 to $252 depending on the number of persons sharing a room. See Adult/Junior Advisor Registration Form for details.
• Many partial packages (that do not include hotel stay) are available. Costs vary. See Youth Registration Form or Adult/Junior Advisor Registration Form for details.

Is any financial help available?

YES!  Many parishes sponsor fundraisers to assist youth and families with registration fees.  The registration fee for the Convention can also be reduced by taking advantage of the following four diocesan offers:

• New Group Incentive:  If your group is new to the Convention, or hasn't attended in 3 years or more, your group leader comes for free.  Learn more... 
• Recruitment Incentive:  Recruit another parish to come to the Convention for the first time (or first time in a long time) and take $100 off your parish's total fees.  Learn more... 
• Raise Funds by Selling Ads:  Advertising space is available in the souvenir program book.  20% of the price for every ad you sell will be credited toward your Convention registration fee.  Learn more... 
• Convention Scholarship Fund:  Partial scholarships are available for those that demonstrate financial need.  Download a scholarship application...  

How can a group from my parish participate?
To participate in the Convention:

• All youth and adults must register in advance.
• A “group” can consist of any number of youth. Each group up to 12 youth participants must be accompanied by at least two adult chaperones. One additional adult chaperone is required for every additional six youth beyond the initial 12.
• All forms and monies must be received by Thursday, January 17, 2013.
• See the Parish Preparation Resources for ideas and helpful hints to organize your group.

Who sponsors the Convention?
This is the 61st annual Convention sponsored by the Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Buffalo, the office commissioned by the Bishop of Buffalo as the primary advocate for young people and youth ministry in the Diocese. Bishop Richard Malone will be present at the Convention on Friday and Sunday.

Return to the Diocesan Youth Convention main page