The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia values the youth of our diocese. Overseen by Canon Jenni Faires, diocesan youth engage in formation, weekend retreats, and summer mission trips.
Youth are also encouraged to apply to be a part of the YMT (Youth Ministry Team), a leadership ministry opportunity that seeks to build character, emphasize leadership skills, and foster a community of Christian principles that model the Way of Love movement within the Episcopal Church.
A variety of programming choices designed to support the work happening at the parish level and offer opportunities for our youth to engage with other teenagers across southwestern Virginia is offered throughout the year.
Youth Resources
Videos
Summer Mission Trip 2023
SYE: Black in Appalachia
Youth Mission Team
The Youth Mission Team (YMT) is a leadership development ministry team, and members work together to design and lead youth events in the diocese.
Applications open in April of each year. A live link will appear during that time period.
To join the Youth Ministry Team, you must meet the following requirements:
- Rising 9-12th graders
- Participate in all planning meetings for events (whether you can attend the event or not)
- Two excused missed planning meetings per year
- Attendance at Y@C is required
- FYE or SYE required (although highly recommended to be at both, if possible)
- Continued, active participation at home church
Team members represent the following churches:
- Christ Church – Martinsville
- St. Elizabeth’s – Roanoke
- St. James – Roanoke
- St. John’s – Roanoke
- St. Paul’s – Salem
Contact us to learn more about youth ministry in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia!