July 29, 2026

By Deacon Garry Stevens
Diocesan Vocations Coordinator

The Youth Ministers Picnic held on July 18 at Camp Guggenheim brought together young people from across the diocese for an afternoon of fellowship, gratitude, and summer fun. Youth who serve as altar servers, musicians, lectors, greeters and ministry helpers arrived with their parents and siblings, creating a warm, family centered atmosphere that highlighted the strength of parish life throughout the North Country.

A total of 46 youth ministers registered for the event, with additional walk-ins bringing the number even higher. When combined with parents, siblings, volunteers and visitors, attendance surpassed 125 people, an encouraging sign of how deeply families value the ministries their children serve.

The picnic lunch quickly became one of the day’s highlights. More than 125 attendees enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit and treats prepared by the Diocese of Ogdensburg Vocation Society (DOVS). Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus, diocesan helpers and several of our diaconate formation candidates and their wives took on the cooking and serving. Their steady, cheerful presence offered a quiet witness of service that helped set a welcoming tone for the entire afternoon.

Activities began with a lively Name Bingo icebreaker and the ever popular Youth Ministry Olympics.

Midway through the day, a Vocations Panel provided a thoughtful pause, giving youth the chance to hear brief reflections and ask questions of panelists Pat Looby, diocesan Youth Ministry director; Father Matt Conger, diocesan Vocations director; Mary Beth Bracy, consecrated virgin; Sister Jackie Sellappan, of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod; and William and Marjorie Todd, a married couple.

Additional games and open activities rounded out the schedule before the community gathered for Mass celebrated by Bishop Terry R. LaValley.

The day closed with a genuine sense of gratitude, for the young ministers who strengthen parish life across the diocese, for the families who support them, and for the volunteers whose generosity made the event possible. With more than 125 people participating, the picnic offered a simple but meaningful reminder of how vibrant our communities become when youth, parents, clergy, religious and lay volunteers share their time and gifts. It was a good day for the diocese: warm, welcoming, and rooted in the quiet joy of serving together.