Youth Ministry

The teenage years are when faith becomes personal—or gets left behind. Our youth programs create space for your son or daughter to encounter Christ, ask real questions, and build friendships with other young Catholics who are serious about their faith.

St. Carlo’s Crew

Holiness and Evangelization

Named for Saint Carlo Acutis, Carlo’s Crew challenges young people to take up the call to sainthood and become “fishers of men.” Each gathering combines high-energy games, solid teaching, Eucharistic Adoration, and the opportunity for Confession—all in a community of peers who are pursuing holiness together.

Ages: 12–18 Location: St. James the Less, Eganville

Upcoming Dates: March 20, 2026; May 15, 2026

Cost: Free for participants

Priests: Fr. Michael Lund, Fr. Scott Murray, Fr. Lukas Časta

Requirements: Signed waiver form

What to Expect:

A big group game or activity tied to the evening’s theme
Teaching that makes the theme explicit and practical
Adoration and Confession
Social time with snacks

Parents are welcome to stay! We have side rooms available for you to work, hang out with other parents, or jump into the action with the kids.

Youth On The Hill

Getting to Know Jesus

Youth On The Hill is a parish initiated program that helps teenagers become comfortable talking about Jesus, the Church, and their own faith journey. Using resources like Alpha (Catholic version) and The Chosen, youth gather for praise and worship, watch compelling content together, and discuss what it means for their lives—led by trained youth leaders close to their own age.

Ages: 13–19

Locations: St. Mary’s, Wilno (active) | Our Lady of Sorrows,

Petawawa (coming soon)

St. Mary’s, Wilno

When: Last Friday of every month

Cost: Free for participants

Priest: Fr. Mirek Olszewski

Requirements: Signed waiver form

What to Expect:

Adoration, Confession, and Mass with the St. Mary’s community (for those who arrive early)
Welcome and blessing
Praise and worship before the tabernacle
Video viewing and roundtable discussion
Social time with snacks

We have a small area for parents who wish to stay. We ask

that you allow the youth to minister to one another and give our

youth leaders space to facilitate their own group discussions.

How to Get a YOTH Started at Your Parish

Step 1 – Take a look at our steps and requirements here.

Northern Ontario Catholic Youth Conference

A full day of talks from a professional Catholic speaker, games, Mass, Adoration, and Confession. We organize rides across the diocese so parents can get their teens there safely and back.

Ages: 13–19 | Location: North Bay | When: Usually February or March (2026 date TBA) | Cost: Varies

The Bible Experience

Learn about the themes of the Bible in an unforgettable way!

The Bible Experience is hosted by different parishes who are interested in having the experience for their youth.Think scavenger hunts and a lot more. This six-week program runs on a weeknight and is designed to make Scripture come alive.

Ages: 12–17 | Location: St. Mary’s, Wilno | Start Date: TBA | Cost: $30 per child

Proceeds support youth activities across the diocese. Waiver form required.

YOU – Theology of the Body for Youth

St. Pope John Paul II’s teaching on sexuality, presented in an age-appropriate way. Over two full Saturdays, youth explore what the Church actually teaches about the human body, relationships, and God’s plan for love.

Ages: 13–19 | Location: TBA | When: Two Saturdays (dates TBA) | Cost: Varies (covers materials and snacks)

Youth Pilgrimage to Cormac

A week-long camping and walking experience filled with prayer, talks on vocation, unforgettable friendships, and growth in faith. This summer pilgrimage is trans.

Ages: 13–19 | When: Last week of July

Questions?

We’d love to help you find the right fit for your teen. Reach out to the Marriage & Family Office to learn more about any of these programs or to request a waiver form.

What We Do

“YOU.”

The YOU program, is a 10-session program, with dynamic, updated videos included, that teaches the real meaning of love and sexuality as taught by the Catholic Church. It also covers hot topics that may not be covered anywhere else. It is a must for Catholic teens age 14 and up.

New Evangelization Team (NET)

NET is a team of young adults who travel across Canada or are assigned to a parish/diocese for one year to provide Catholic retreats to young people through parishes and schools. We support and organize the NET team’s visit in the diocese once a year. For more information about NET, visit www.netcanada.ca . Anyone interested in serving a year on NET should check out the site as well. To book a retreat in the Diocese of Pembroke, contact our office for dates and availability.

Northern Ontario Catholic Youth Conference

This is a one-day conference in North Bay, hosted by the Diocese of Sault Ste-Marie. The dates vary from year to year. It is a full day packed, with fun, faith and opportunities to meet other Catholic youth. The Diocese of Pembroke helps youth attend this conference from year to year.

CANADA’S LARGEST CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE

Steubenville Toronto– this is a large annual Catholic summer youth conference that is over a weekend (Friday to Sunday). Internationally known speakers, liturgies, popular music ministries and lots of Catholic youth make this conference a must-attend at least once in your high school years. For more information visit: https://www.steubenvilletoronto.com/. Steubenville Toronto Youth Conference is postponed until summer of 2024