Diocesan Youth Conference

The Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) is an annual high energy weekend Diocesan gathering at Richmond Convention Center in which Catholic youth come together to celebrate the richness of our faith. This weekend event includes: Food, Friends, Games, Live Music, Keynote Talks, Sacraments, Eucharistic Adoration, Indoor Rock Climbing, Breakout Sessions, Conversations with Catholic College Students, Men’s/Women’s Spirituality Sessions, and Rise Against Hunger,  a faith-in-action meal-packing service project to assist our brothers and sisters in need overseas. It is open to youth who are in 8^th through 12^th grade.

This Year's Theme

The theme this year is ENDURING, based primarily on two central Scripture passages: 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a "[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." and Romans 8:37-39 "In all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Jesus’s love for us isn’t a passive or idealistic idea. It is not cheesy or overly pious. The love between God and His people is not merely affection or attraction: it is about a deeper love, one that is willing to sacrifice for the good of the beloved. His love is strong, faithful, ENDURING. It is a love that fights for us and waits for us. This love is symbolized in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which inspired this year’s logo. The cross, thorns, and wound remind us of His passion and death; the rays symbolize His zeal for us as well as the fire He ignites in our hearts to share the Good News with the world. Open your heart to the ENDURING love of God and let Him set your heart of fire so that you too learn how to have a love that endure

General Information

DATES:

The Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) will be held on Friday, February 19th through Sunday, February 21st, 2027 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

DYC is open to youth who are in 8th grade through 12th grade for the 2026-2027 academic year. Those who have graduated high school and are older than 19 are not allowed to attend DYC.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

• Parish Registration Period closes on Fri., Nov. 20, 2027 at 12:00 noon
• Return all forms/fees to Parish Office at 9505 Gayton Road Richmond VA 23229
• Please pay by check. Make it out to "St. Mary Catholic Church" with "DYC 2027" in memo and attach to form
• If teens wish to select their own roommates, they should communicate together in advance and then submit their forms together as a stack to Chris. 
• All youth and adults must register through their parish Youth Minister.
• As much as possible, teens should be able to commit when registering to attending the entire weekend without leaving the conference for other commitments and youth activities.
• Please know that once a registration is processed with the Diocese, a spot is locked in and reserved, and cancellations cannot always be guaranteed a full refund.
• If a teen for some reason must cancel, they must email Chris at cjenkins@stmarysrichmond.org by Sun. Jan. 3, 2027, so the parish can notify the Diocese ASAP, and try to assist in a partial refund or substitution.
• Youth Participants: $200 (based on 4 youth per room only)

VIRTUS Trained-Screened Adult Participants: Paid by Parish based on 2 adults per room only ($225 value)

• We are still in need of chaperones. 

For questions, contact Chris Jenkins