Category Archives: Youth

Youth

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Back-to-School

JACKSON – Student Wilder Webb kicked off the first day of school by bringing Principal Russ Nelson a special breakfast treat! Principal Nelson was all smiles as he welcomed Wilder with a big high five to start the new school year. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
MERIDIAN – Father Carlisle Beggerly blesses St. Patrick Catholic School students and their backpacks Friday, Aug. 7. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School staff members Mr. Maclin, Ms. Jones, Mrs. Grillo and Mrs. Jimenez practice CPR during first aid and Stop the Bleed training before the start of the school year. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

JACKSON – Deacon Denzil Lobo blesses students and their backpacks at Christ the King Parish as they begin a new school year. Father Joseph Dyer, left, joins in the blessing. (Photo courtesy of Deacon Denzil Lobo)

PEARL – Father Vijaya Madanu blesses students and their backpacks at St. Jude Parish as parishioners extend their hands in prayer for a safe and successful school year. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

CLARKSDALE – Teens play cornhole during an evening of faith and fellowship at St. Elizabeth Parish. Youth in grades 7-12 from St. Elizabeth, St. Mary in Helena, Arkansas, St. Joseph in Greenville and Our Lady of Victories in Cleveland gathered for prayer, Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation, dinner and fellowship. (Photo by Catelin Britt)
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth Parish celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. Pictured from left are Father Raju Macherla, Thomas Curcio, Grayson Burleson, Graysen Harlow, Harris Stonestreet, Isabel Walker, Kalyn Matthews, Colton Dixon and Bishop Joseph Kopacz.
St. Elizabeth Parish welcomed new members into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Pictured from left are Parker Mazelin, Layne Hayes, Rylan Ferracci, Colby Gibbons, Gavin Jennings, Karleigh Jennings and Richard Sherman, OCIA catechist, with Father Raju Macherla, front. (Photos courtesy of parish)
JACKSON – St. Richard Parish celebrated First Communion with children pictured in three rows. From back, from left, are Will Norris, Pierce Malouf, Shep Hildago, Robert Salem, Manse Hosemann, Federico Diaz Motato, Thea Saucier and Cecilia Brown. Middle row, from left, are Winn Nicholas, Lucy Hidalgo, Elizabeth Johnson, Beau White, Thomas Morisani, Corinne Thomas, Marilee Nelson and R.B. Carlson. Front row, from left, are Rosemary Benefield, Evelyn Arnold, Jones Carr, Seitz Henry, Jude Marks, Locke Baker, Damon Cochran, Maddie Vandiver, Vivian Smith and Zara White. (Photo by Ron Blaylock)

Youth

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OXFORD – Youth from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Oxford spent June 22-26 serving widows, fellow parishioners and the Oxford community during Mission 38655. Along with daily Mass and prayer, participants completed service projects including cemetery cleanup and building beds for children in need. At left, Sofia Vazquez and Flannery Hamilton help build beds for children in the community (right). (Left) Andi Baker, Elizabeth Cauthen, Sofia Vazquez and Lynlee Cummins work in a local cemetery. (Photos by Jennifer Newsom)
SOUTHAVEN – Scarlet enjoys a slice of watermelon grown in Sacred Heart School’s own garden. In the spring, kindergarten students planted a watermelon patch, and summer camp participants are now enjoying the sweet rewards of their efforts. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

Summer activities at St. Jude parish

PEARL – Betsy Walter leads Kamila Avila and Lydia Maynard in an activity during Vacation Bible School at St. Jude Parish. This year’s theme, “Summer Cathletics: Training to Be Champions for Christ,” invited children to grow in faith through games, lessons and activities. (Photo by Beth Paczak)
ALEXANDRIA, La. – (Left) Amy Chavez of St. Jude Parish takes part in the excitement of an evening session at the 2026 Steubenville South Conference in Alexandria, Louisiana, as participants celebrate their faith through worship and fellowship. (right) Youth from St. Jude Parish attended the 2026 Steubenville South Conference in Alexandria, Louisiana, June 26-28. This year’s theme, “WORTHY,” encouraged participants to Walk by Faith, Overcome Through Christ, Be Redeemed by Grace, Trust in Him, Hope in Jesus, and Yield to God. The conference brought together nearly 3,000 young people from across the South for a weekend of worship, fellowship and encounters with Christ. Pictured are Kimberly Castillo and Becky Torres during one of the conference sessions. (Photos by Ashley Arenas)
PEARL – Lily and Maddie Hall play cornhole during St. Jude Parish’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on July 5. Parishioners gathered for an afternoon of food, games and fellowship as they celebrated the milestone anniversary. (Photo by Beth Paczak)

Graduates around the diocese

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CLINTON – Graduating seniors from Holy Savior Parish and Immaculate Conception Mission were recognized during the Senior Recognition Mass on May 17 at Holy Savior Church. Front row, from left, are Typhanie Teague of Immaculate Conception in Raymond, Hayden Rogers, Kylin Mraz, Kathryn Callegan and Clara McCombs. Back row, from left, are Father Tom McGing, Dominic Weisenberger, Drew Harris and Justus Offiah. Not pictured is Madelyn Rives. (Photo by Hunter Yentzen)
MERIDIAN – Kaitlyn Latimer leads the walk through the halls of St. Patrick Catholic School. Following behind are Radiance Smith, Freeda Ramirez, Fredy Ramirez, Deontae Hopper and Christian Hornsby. All the seniors are graduates of Meridian High School. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
MERIDIAN – Graduating seniors Thomas Saylor, Mary Lee Gregory, Arely Gomez-Moreno, Vanessa Espino and Evelyn Gutierrez were recognized during a Class of 2026 celebration at St. Patrick Parish. (Photo by John Harwell)
MERIDIAN – Graduating seniors pause for a photo during the annual “Senior Walk” at St. Patrick Catholic School. Pictured, from left, are Kaitlyn Latimer, Freeda Ramirez, Radiance Smith, Fredy Ramirez, Deontae Hopper, Christian Hornsby and Elizabeth Crudup (Anchor Christian Academy). (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
GRENADA – Graduating seniors Harlee Johnson, Katie O’Rear, Noah Oswalt, Gabriel “Gabe” Reyna and Phillip Messina pose for a photo during a Class of 2026 recognition at St. Peter Parish. (Photo by Mike Liberto)
GRENADA – Auston Strong, a member of St. Peter Parish, graduated from Mississippi State University. (Photo by Christy Strong)
CARTHAGE – Graduates from St. Anne Parish gather with Father Marco A. Sanchez, S.T., for a graduation recognition at St. Anne Church. Front row, from left, are Amy Vasquez, Briseyda López, Marly Temaj, Mary Matias, Andy López, Medwin Meza, Alexander Meljivar, Cristian Salvador and Edwar López. Second row, from left, are Alan Modesto, Kimberley Gómez, Estefany Matias, Shailee López, Father Sanchez, Beckham López, Michael Agustin and Henry Salvador. Third row, from left, are Felipe Ramírez, Ostin Salvador, Luis Pérez, Adner Salvador, Bryan Salvador, Alex Barahona and Dawin Carmona. (Photo courtesy of the parish)
CARTHAGE – Father Marco A. Sanchez, S.T., and college graduates Mary Matias, Alex Barahona and Henry Salvador pose for a photo during a Class of 2026 graduation celebration at St. Anne Parish. (Photo courtesy of the parish)
OXFORD – Graduates pose with Father Mark Shoffner following the Baccalaureate Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church on May 17. Front row, from left, are Mary Jubera, Addie Langley, Siobhan Ray, Wesley Claire LaFont, Eden Bodie, Lily Levy, Patton Helveston and Emily Newsom. Back row, from left, are Harrison Cole, Aydan Vasquez, Emeka Balthrop, Father Mark Shoffner, Charles Edmondson, Andrew Koestler and Elliott Chaney. (Photo by Jennifer Newsom)
PEARL – Father Cesar Sánchez blesses graduating seniors Nora Thomas (homeschool), Josh Lowe (Pearl High School), Jacob Varela (McLaurin High School), Abbygale Roberts (homeschool) and Bree Sajoun (Brandon High School). (Photo by Lauren Roberts)
Father Cesar Sánchez blesses graduating seniors Angie Montez of Pearl High School, Liliana Serrano Benítez of Jackson State University, Gianna Altamirano of the University of Mississippi and Alondra Hernández during a graduation recognition at St. Jude Church. (Photo by Nadya Villafranca)

Youth

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PEARL – St. Jude Parish celebrated an outdoor Mass for the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity on May 31. Gustavo Jimenez and Ivanna Lozano led the procession, followed by Gab Sullivan, Dori Paczak, Deacon Mark Bowden, and Deacon John McGregor. Rita Ignatius, dressed in red, offered the Prayer of the Faithful in Hindi, while other prayers were spoken in a variety of languages, including German, Spanish, Czech and Tagalog. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
JACKSON – Holy Family Parish celebrated Flores de Mayo, a monthlong devotion honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayer, reflection and the offering of flowers. The celebration concluded with the Santacruzan, a traditional procession commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, known as Reyna Elena. Participants portrayed biblical and historical figures whose lives exemplify faith, hope and charity. Pictured in the princess court are Marilyn Marie Prewitt (Princesa de las Vírgenes), Precious Femmy De La Peña (Princesa Justicia) and Emily Mateo (Princesa Caridad). (Photos by Ronalyn Prewitt)

Parish scholars shine

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KIRK ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN:
Phillip Messina
GPA: 4.00 – ACT: 25

From his speech: God did not bring us this far just to leave us here. Each of us have been blessed with unique gifts, talents, and opportunities. With these blessings, comes responsibility, not just to succeed for ourselves, but to serve others. The greatest impact we can make is not found in what we gain, but in what we give. Our gifts are meant to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through kindness, leadership, encouragement, or just showing up for someone who needs it, we each have the ability to change the world in ways that may seem small, but are incredibly powerful.

Church: St. Peter Catholic Church, Grenada

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Pre-Med

Scholarships: Valedictorian Scholarship; Rotary Club Student of the Year; Academic Merit; 1848 Scholarship; Ole Miss Alumni Scholarship
Awards/honors: Highest average in Anatomy and Physiology; Highest average in Economics; Rotary Club Student of the year

Activities: Football and Tennis

Favorite subject: Science

Yearbook quote:

“Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” – unknown

HERITAGE ACADEMY

SALUTATORIAN:
Brandon Doumit
GPA: 4.76 – ACT: 29

From his speech: As the end of our time together approaches, I vividly remember all the tests, essays, big wins, and tough losses we shared together. Each of us has put in hours to achieve things we did not even know we could and have already accomplished remarkable things.

Church: Annunciation Catholic Church, Columbus

Favorite service project: Operation Christmas Child – because I like putting together important, needed things for children who are less fortunate.

Plans to attend: Mississippi University for Women

Plans to study: Nursing/Biology

Scholarships: MUW Centennial Scholarship; MS Eminent Scholar; Salutatorian

Awards/honors: Heritage Academy Hall of Fame; Citizenship Award Junior and Senior Year; Highest Average Junior Year; American History Award; Centennial Award; Voted Most Likely to Succeed; President of Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society; National Honor Society; National Beta Club; MAIS Honor Society; National Spanish Honor Society

Activities: Tennis Team; Tennis Team Captain Junior and Senior Year; Won the MAIS Class AAAA Boys Doubles State Championship; CYO

Favorite subject: Chemistry and Biology

Yearbook quote: “The worst kind of defeat is … the decision not to try.” – Novak Djokovic

Youth

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VICKSBURG – Father Rusty Vincent, Ryan Ellis, Reid Ellis, seminarian Josh Statham and Jacob Lott gather outside St. Paul Catholic Church on Palm Sunday. Lott is preparing for ordination as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Biloxi on June 6. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)
PEARL – Father Cesar Sanchez blesses handmade Mass books created by St. Jude Catholic Church Sunday school students Gavin Khong and Bryanna Duarte. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
JACKSON – Students at St. Richard Catholic School reach toward the cast of New Stage Theater during a performance of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” presented for the school community. Kindergarten students closed the event by offering a prayer for the cast.
Kindergarten students at St. Richard Catholic School create bird feeders during Earth Day activities on campus. Students used ice cream cups, peanut butter and bird seed at one of several interactive stations offered throughout the day. (Photos by Celeste Saucier)
STARKVILLE – Annunciation Catholic School students Elon Balaa and Chris Hince prepare to present their project to judges during a science fair competition. (Photo by April Moore)
MADISON – St. Joseph Catholic School students Thierry Freeman, left, and Audrey Young anchor the Feb. 6, 2026, episode of “Bruin News Now” from the Mississippi Capitol as Reid Hager, right, operates the teleprompter. “Bruin News Now,” a weekly student-produced newscast now in its 11th season, recently earned first place in the News Show category of the 2026 Writing, Visual, Multimedia Contest sponsored by the Quill & Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists. The Mississippi Scholastic Press Association also named the episode Mississippi’s High School Newscast of the Year, marking the second consecutive year the program received both honors. (Photo by Terry R. Cassreino)
PEARL – Christina Overton leads a lesson on “The Lord Is My Shepherd” for Atrium III students on April 26 at St. Jude Catholic Church. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
COLUMBUS – PreK students at Annunciation Catholic School release butterflies after watching caterpillars transform through their life cycle. Pictured are Crew Boulet, Jack Everett Milstead, Nathan Monroe-Conway, Rittman Mitchell, teacher Taylor Cabiness, Crew Morgan and Noelle Underwood. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
MADISON – Students from St. Joseph Catholic School performed Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 2. The production featured a live orchestra composed of student musicians. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Youth “Rise Up” at DCYC

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VICKSBURG – More than 300 youth from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered March 20-22 for the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) at the Vicksburg Convention Center, embracing the theme “Rise Up.” The weekend featured keynote presentations, small group sessions, games, Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration and a high-energy concert with Catholic hip-hop artist Joe Melendrez and DJ Code.

“This weekend is about helping our young people encounter Christ in a real and personal way and giving them the confidence to rise up and live their faith,” said Abbey Schuhmann, diocesan coordinator for the Office of Youth Ministry.

The conference concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the presentation of the Bishop Chanche Youth Service Awards to 12 youth from around the diocese.

Can you solve it?

Youth react during a group game at DCYC, using emoji clues to identify moments from Scripture. Can you solve the emoji clue above?
Bishop Joseph Kopacz is pictured with Bishop Chanche Youth Award recipients, from left, Cheyenne Vrbicky of Holy Cross, Phildelphia; Jessie Torres of Sacred Heart, Greenville; Gabriel Theunissen of St. Joseph, Greenville; Edwin Sebastian of St. Michael, Forest; Amenia Rozzelle of St. Alphonsus, McComb; James Ross of St. Joseph, Meridian; Dori Paczak of St. Jude, Pearl; Arely Gomez of St. Patrick, Meridian; Alexander Glass of St. Francis, Madison; Kameron Fox of Holy Ghost, Jackson; Hayden Bell of St. Paul, Vicksburg; and Anna Christine Antici of St. Joseph, Gluckstadt.

Click here for more photos from DCYC 2026

Youth

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COLUMBUS – Annunciation student Weston Thomas tries to catch a snowflake during a surprise snowfall in Columbus on March 16. (Photo by April Moore)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral first-grade students Caroline Hall and Connor Ryan paint rainbows with a pot of gold during an art lesson with local artist Kate Lee Laird. (Photo by Brandi Boles)
JACKSON – Students in Ms. Riley’s PreK3 class participate in an airport-themed lesson, claiming tickets, passing through “TSA” and boarding a classroom “flight” as part of a transportation unit. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart PK4 student Evo smiles while planting a flower in the school garden. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
MADISON – Noah Harris, a seventh-grader at St. Joseph School, prepares the ground for new plants. Harris and other Bruin tennis players spent part of April 4 sprucing up flower beds on campus.
St. Joseph student journalists pose with awards earned at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association spring 2026 convention at the University of Mississippi. The group won 26 awards, including high school Newscast of the Year for “Bruin News Now” and middle school Newscast of the Year for “JV Bruin News Now.” Back row (l-r): John Harris, Davis Hammond, Mary Alice Foster, Ellery Skipper and Addison Olier; fourth row: Liv Hager, Ashleigh Mason, Alex Hood, Branson Payne and Robert Ostrenga; third row: Calese White, McKenzie Cummings and Noah Sanders; second row: Jason Buckley, Reid Hager and Sawyer Helms; front row: Audrey Young and Thierry Freeman. (Photos by Terry Cassreino)
CLINTON – Liam Gonzalez-Miranda and Adam Martino Jr. collect eggs with Father Lincoln Dall during the Holy Savior Easter egg hunt on March 29. (Photo by Jessica Martino)
PEARL – Father César Sánchez washes the feet of parishioners during the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Jude on April 2. Altar server Olinsser Villafranca collects towels. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
JACKSON – St. Richard School second-graders Marilee Nelson, Winn Nicholas and Leland Parkinson participate in the school’s “Living Stations,” a long-standing Holy Week tradition. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
YAZOO CITY – Children at St. Mary’s Catholic Church learn to make crosses from palms distributed at Palm Sunday Mass. (Photo by Babs McMaster)
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz speaks with E’Mori King, Morghan Pryor and Keelan King – students from Holy Family School in Holly Springs attending Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Chancellor and archivist Mary Woodward speaks to sixth-grade students from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Jackson about the history of the diocese and the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle following the Chrism Mass on March 31.
Students from Annunciation Catholic School gather before attending the Chrism Mass on March 31 and greet former principal Joni House. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

Click here to see more school photos from the 2026 Chrism Mass

Youth

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JACKSON – Two students from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Jackson have been named finalists in the 71st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Jack Williams, of St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, and Elizabeth Bednar of St. Aloysius/Vicksburg Catholic School received the prestigious academic honor, which recognizes high-achieving students nationwide.
The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. About half of the finalists will earn National Merit Scholarships and the title of Merit Scholar.

JACKSON – St. Richard School students Thomas Morisani, Max Nasif, Anthony Morisani, Jay Leblanc and Ethan Orsborn receive ashes from Father Andrew Bowden during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Father Brian Kaskie Chapel as students and families mark the beginning of Lent. Father Andrew served alongside his father, Deacon Mark Bowden. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
MERIDIAN – First-grader Myles Oswalt watches as St. Patrick School principal Rob Calcote tastes “green eggs and ham” during a classroom activity inspired by the Dr. Seuss classic. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
JACKSON – (Right) Students at Sister Thea Bowman School perform a mime dance during the school’s annual Black History program on Feb. 27. (Photo by Deacon Denzil Lobo)
MADISON – Members of the St. Joseph School dance team pose at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, during the National UDA Dance Competition in January. Front row, from left, are coach Leslie Ann Harkins, Addyson Russell, a sophomore; Talia Ramos, a senior; Katie Venable, a junior; Cate Anderson, a junior; and Lilli Venable, a freshman. Back row, from left, are Gypsy Macias, a senior; Ollie Cook, a junior; Zaniah Purvis, a senior and captain; M&M Williams, a senior and captain; and Emma Williams, a freshman. The competition marked the squad’s first appearance at the national event. (Photo courtesy of school)
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph students Fletcher McGaugh, left, and Julius McCullum work through a geometry problem on congruent triangles. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School third-graders Annie Lofton, Oli Trotter, Savanna Mitchell, James Cooper and Caroline Roberts dress as historical figures while presenting the school’s Presidents Day program Feb. 13. (Photo by Brandi Boles)
MADISON – Charles Dukes, a student at St. Anthony School, completes a portrait of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA following a fourth-grade field trip to the Mass of Thanksgiving and the closing of the diocesan phase of her cause for canonization. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation Catholic School students in the Kindergarten Krewe toss beads during a Mardi Gras-style parade. Pictured are Sydney Graham, Avynn Clapper, Kensi Beth Paine and Juliana Dimino. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
SOUTHAVEN – Fourth-graders at Sacred Heart School participate in the “Sacred Heart School Medical Center,” a hands-on activity for their human body systems unit. Students rotate through stations exploring topics such as cells, bones and other body systems. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

FLOWOOD – Students at St. Paul Early Learning Center listen to award-winning author Cindy Allison Bell, a Madison resident with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Bell, a mother of three grown sons and grandmother to twin boys, draws on her Christian background to write about celebrating unconditional love and the people God places in our lives. (Photo by Wendi Murray)

Diocesan teens gather for annual SEARCH Retreat

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By Joanna Puddister King
GALLMAN – High school juniors and seniors from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at Camp Wesley Pines near Hazlehurst Jan. 16–18 for the annual diocesan SEARCH Retreat. SEARCH is a Catholic youth retreat modeled after the Cursillo retreat for adults, designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors who desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ.

A retreat “for teens, led by teens,” SEARCH is an experience like none other, with a strong focus on vocations. It engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way.

“Much of what happens in the retreat is kept a mystery, but a few things are certain – you will have fun, you will be challenged to grow in your faith, and chances are you will make a few new friends,” said Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Jackson.

The retreat team is primarily made up of a youth staff of teens who have previously attended a SEARCH retreat. Once a teen attends a SEARCH weekend, he or she has the opportunity to apply to staff future retreats, Schuhmann explained.

While the teens lead the retreat, adult leaders and clergy serve largely behind the scenes. Deacon Will Foggo assisted throughout the weekend and led adoration and benediction, helping guide the teens in prayer and worship. Seminarians Joe Pearson and Henry Haley were also present, offering witness talks and spending time with participants to share about vocational discernment and life in seminary.

The SEARCH model gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate and carry out servant leadership. The retreat would not be possible without the support of adult volunteers who have served in this ministry for many years.

“We are especially grateful to Ann and Jeff Cook for continuing to serve as volunteer adult SEARCH coordinators,” Schuhmann said. “Without their dedicated service, this ministry would not be where it is today.”

The SEARCH ministry continues to grow in the diocese, with each retreat welcoming new participants into what has become a strong and enduring SEARCH family.