Youth Ministry - Diocese of Covington

Youth Ministry
Serving middle school and high school students as well as youth ministers

The Office of Youth Ministry strives to build and support widespread youth ministry across the diocese to, with, by, and for teens, providing an intentional place for teens to thrive in the life, mission, and ministry of the Church. The pillars of diocesan youth ministry are unity, sustainability, and joy.

Upcoming Events

Summit 2026 High School Retreat

For students in 9th-12th grade. February 27 – March1 at Thomas More University. Providing joyful encounters with the Lord in music, prayer, Adoration, and reflection. Not an overnight retreat. Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning. Cost is $60 before February 14th – $75 after. Summit Registration Form

Summer Internship

College students – are you looking for a meaningful way to grow in your faith while serving others this summer? The Diocese of Covington is inviting motivated students to apply for its Summer Youth Ministry Internship — a transformational experience rooted in prayer, leadership, and real ministry impact. Application deadline: February 27. Program description & Applicant Information – Application Form

Ministry Leader Retreat

Evening retreat for ministry leaders and volunteers. Theme: Empowered. Keynote speakers Lynn Mayer, Senior director of Mission from NET; Rick Grinstead, National Associate Director at Alpha Catholic. March 5, 6:00-9:00 p.m., optional dinner at 5:00 p.m. Free! Registration required.

Save the Date

YCET (Youth Commission Evangelization Team) Nominations Due – end of January – Nomination Form – What is YCET?
3^rd Annual Kentucky March for Life in Frankfort – March 11 – A bus will be available to transport adults/families to 9:30 Mass in Frankfort and the March afterwards. Contact the Pro Life Office for more info froch@covdio.org.
Middle School REVIVE! evening – March 21 – Games, Music, and Adoration for 6th – 8th grade students
Holy Week Missions – April 2-4 – Missionary experience for high school students and their families.
Middle School Connect Retreat – June 27 – Day retreat for incoming 6th – 8th grade students
High School Summer Retreat – July 11-12 – For incoming 9th-12th grade students. Not an overnight retreat
Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) Retreat – November 21-23 – Be a part of this national retreat movement coming to the Diocese of Covington!

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Volunteer Opportunities

If you are passionate about youth ministry, we would love for you to join us in our mission. There is something for everyone!

College Students – Youth ministry summer internship. Program Description & Applicant Information – Application Form
Parents and Young Adults – Please fill out the Youth Ministry Volunteer Interest Form.

Give

Donate today through our Give Central site to support the efforts of diocesan youth ministry! Your assistance can help provide a scholarship so someone can attend a retreat that wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

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Middle School Ministry

CONNECT retreats – Offer 6th – 8th grade students a dynamic day away to encounter God through games, music, small groups, and powerful talks—all designed to help them connect with God, connect with each other, and connect with their purpose.
REVIVE! – Shorter events of 2-3 hours with Adoration, confession, praise & worship, and fellowship. Hosted by various parishes or schools.
Middle school ministry leader: Bradley Barnes (youthministry@covdio.net)

High School Ministry

SUMMIT – A Eucharistic retreat, providing joyful encounters with the Lord in music, prayer, adoration, and reflection.
Holy Week Mission of Mercy – Living Holy Week with a missionary heart, accompanying Christ and serving others
Summer Retreat – A fun mix of community, faith, and fellowship rooted in the source of our faith, scripture and tradition
Youth Commission Evangelization Team (YCET), offering students opportunities to grow as disciples and serve as faith-filled leaders in parishes and beyond. Learn more – What is YCET? High School/YCET Leaders: Hannah Ubelhor & Mark Johnson – ycet@covdio.net
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) – Occurs every other year in November in Indianapolis
Revive! – 2-3 hour events hosted by various parishes or schools. Include Adoration, confession, Mass, praise & worship, fellowship, and often a talk.

Ministry Partners

The Diocese of Covington partners with the following organizations in supporting youth ministry:

Franciscan Daughters of Mary – sponsors Mary’s Bootcamp retreats for students and direct service opportunities.
Jesuit Spiritual Center – Retreat ministry team, retreat center rental, spiritual directors
National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) – Supports and strengthens those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ
Newman Connection – Connecting high school seniors with Catholic Newman clubs and campus ministies nationally.
NET /YDisciple – Retreat ministry, YDisciple Small Group Support (Diocesan discount available – contact Angie Poat apoat@covdio.org)
Totus TUUS – Week-long summer ministry for grade school and high school