Young people from across the diocese will converge at the Adam's Mark Hotel for the Annual Diocesan Youth Convention this weekend.

Approximately 700 Catholic youth and adult chaperones will be in attendance at the 63rd annual Diocesan Youth Conference this weekend.  This year's theme is "Restore." 

On Sunday (Feb. 15) morning (10:30-11:45 a.m.), one dozen youth will be honored at an awards presentation during the final day of the convention. The convention will conclude with a Mass with Bishop Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo (12:45 p.m.).   

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Buffalo will give the Manus Christi (Hands of Christ) Award to 12 teenagers who possess outstanding moral character, are a senior in high school, are currently active in youth and parish ministry, exhibit leadership, achieve academic success, have at least two years of parish involvement and are committed to living their faith in the larger community.

Candidates are nominated by youth ministry coordinators or parish leaders with support and affirmation of their pastors, as well as their current high schools.   

The convention's full schedule is available at the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry website; highlights are listed below.
 
Friday, Feb. 13
7:30-9:30 p.m. - Prayer, welcome and introduction of keynote speaker, Mike Patin
Expo! and social time
 
Saturday, Feb. 14
9-10 a.m. - Keynote speaker Mike Patin
Patin, who calls himself a "faith horticulturalist," has worked in ministry settings since 1984 and has been a full-time speaker in more than 130 dioceses throughout the United States and Canada since 2003.
 
10-11 a.m. - Teaching Mass
 
11:15 a.m.-noon, 1:15--3 p.m. - various sessions
 
7-8:15 p.m. - Sacrament of reconciliation where several priests are expected to hear confessions
 
9-11:30 p.m. - Saturday Night Social:  Dance and Expo!
 
Sunday, Feb. 20
10:30-11:45 a.m. - Keynote speaker, teen speakers, and presentation of the Manus Christi Awards
 
12:45-2:15 p.m. - Liturgy with Bishop Richard J. Malone

To follow the convention on social media, visit the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms. Join the conversation using #Restore2015.