Welcome to the very first edition of Mission Monthly. We created this series to share the heart of our Diocese: the real, human stories of how your generosity transforms lives across North Louisiana. When you give to the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), you aren’t just meeting a budget. You are providing the “hands and feet of Christ” for our neighbors, our families, and our future.
Focus on Youth: Building Disciples for Tomorrow
This March, we are shining a light on our Youth Ministry.
In the short time since his election, Pope Leo XIV has already become such a source of inspiration for our young people. For the 40th World Youth Day, he shared a powerful message about the vital role youth play as “artisans of peace” in our world today.
He challenged them with these words:
“Do not follow those who use the words of faith to divide; instead, make plans to remove inequalities and reconcile divided and oppressed communities… Let us listen to the voice of God within us and overcome our selfishness, becoming active artisans of peace.” (citation)
The Office of Youth Ministry, led by Director Kerri Frantz, works tirelessly to empower young people to grow in faith, leadership, and service.
By partnering with local parishes and schools, the Diocese provides the training and events necessary for teens to truly encounter Christ. This mission is about more than just “keeping kids busy.” It is about forming joyful missionary disciples who live their Catholic faith with courage and conviction.
How Your Gifts Create Impact
The Catholic Service Appeal provides funding for resources, training, and events on a diocesan level so that parishes can unite, share ideas, connect with a larger catholic community and evangelize. Your support of the CSA directly fuels these vital programs:
- Leadership Development: Programs like the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) invite 11th and 12th graders to step into leadership roles, helping to plan the vision for youth ministry in our Diocese.
- Life-Changing Encounters: Donations help support regional and national events like our Diocesan Youth Summits and the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), where thousands of teens gather for a life-changing encounter with Christ.
- Summer Camps: From the outdoor beauty of Camp Little Flower to the Eucharistic focus of the all-new Camp Corpus Christi, your generosity provides “camperships” to ensure financial constraints never stand in the way of a child experiencing God’s love.
- Youth Minister and Volunteer Training: Our Youth Ministry office provides resources and training to youth ministers and volunteers so that youth ministers and DRE’s have the support they need to fulfill their missions.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We also want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our parish youth ministers and adult volunteers. Whether you are a chaperone traveling to a conference with a stack of permission slips or a volunteer leader at a weekly meeting, your dedication is the backbone of this ministry. You are the mentors who help our youth discover their unique gifts and their place in the Body of Christ.
Your prayerful and financial support plays a vital role in making these memories and transformations possible. Thank you for helping the next generation of disciples say “yes” to the Lord.
Join us in this mission by making a gift today: https://www.dioshpt.org/service-appeals/
