The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry installed the 2014-2015 Diocesan Youth Board in June in the Catholic Center in downtown Buffalo. These 13 teens will help plan youth ministry activities for the diocese.

The new board members will begin their work this August during an overnight retreat where they will get acquainted and start planning events such as the ever-popular annual diocesan youth convention. The members will also continue to be links between their parishes and department programs and services. To prepare for their work, all board members will attend the Christian Leadership Institute, where the board members acquire leadership and communication skills including small group facilitation, learning leadership styles, the process of decision-making and consensus. New Youth Board members include Kristina Corra, Sean Donovan, Adriana Horton. Melanie Izard, Christopher Kovach, Natalie Moulton, Mary Margaret St. Pierre, Molly Sheehan, Gabriella Simoneit, Rebecca Thrush, Veronika Tibold and Deborah Urban. Rosalie Constable, who served on the 2013-14 Youth Board, returns for a second year.

"I see so much potential in each of you from our interviews and reading your applications. Remember to follow these scriptures chosen for you by this year's board, to trust authority with the bigger picture, trust God with all your hearts, and to serve humbly and I know God will do amazing things," said Sarah Leahy, ministry development coordinator for the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.