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It is often said in church circles that “young people are the future of the church.” In the dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, we believe that young people are the church now. We seek to provide quality programming that is accessible and valuable to youth from each of our congregations.

GC81 Official Youth Presence

Applications are now closed for the Official Youth Presence at the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church, scheduled for June 23 to 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Members of the Official Youth Presence have seat and voice on the floor of the House of Deputies and can testify at hearings both before and during General Convention. Up to two youth from each Episcopal Church province will be selected.

Applicants had to be 16-19 years old and enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 for the 2023-2024 school year.

Young Adult Service Corps Applications Open

Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort of the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) are now closed. YASC asks Episcopalians ages 21-35 to consider a year of mission service as their “next faithful step.”

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)

EYE is the triennial gathering of young people and their sponsors from every diocese of the Episcopal Church. It is a celebration to inspire deeper faith in Jesus Christ and a renewed commitment to mission and ministry. It is the single largest youth event in the Episcopal Church, attended by some 1500 young people, adult sponsors, bishops, staff, and resource people. EYE is an opportunity to meet other young people from around the world and experience the church on a global level. The next EYE is slated for 2026.

Summer camp 2024

The Partnership Dioceses will hold summer camp sessions in June and August. All students finishing grades 2 through 12, from both dioceses, are welcome at both camps. Learn more.

Godly Play Lending Library

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo maintains a lending library of Godly Play materials, which churches may check out for extended use. The materials available for lending include the new series People of Color Who Inspire. Churches may also bring groups to learn more about Godly Play. For more information, email the Rev. Twila Smith.