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January 13, 2026The Diocese of Tucson joyfully invites teens and their families from across our parishes and Catholic schools to participate in the upcoming diocesan opportunities for our young people in their journey of faith.
Our Signature Events
The Diocesan Youth Awards are one of the largest gatherings in our diocese, bringing together families, parishes, and schools to honor the leadership of our youth. Everyone is invited to attend our two events in Yuma and Tucson. The Youth Awards will be celebrated on Saturday, January 31, at Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma, with Mass at 5:30 PM presided by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. The Tucson celebration will take place on Friday, February 13, at Saint Augustine Cathedral, beginning with Mass at 5:00 PM with Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and followed by a Youth Fiesta at 6:00 PM in Cathedral Square. Meal tickets will be available on site for the Cathedral celebration.
During Lent, the diocese will also offer the Lenten Youth Retreat, The Disciple’s Journey, inviting teens to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus today and to grow as disciples through prayer and community. This retreat will be offered on three dates and locations: March 14 at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson; March 21 at St. Anthony Parish in Casa Grande; and March 28 at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish in Tucson. Registration is now open, and families and parishes are encouraged to invite teens to take part. More information and registration can be found at: diocesetucson.org/youth-retreat.
Traveling Opportunities
Looking ahead to the summer, the Diocese of Tucson is inviting teens to consider applying for One Bread, One Cup, a national liturgical leadership experience held at Saint Meinrad in Indiana. This opportunity is open to teens who serve in liturgical ministries. Our group will attend June 8–12, 2026. Interested teens and families are invited to explore this opportunity and fill out an interest form found here.
The diocese is also preparing for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), which will take place November 19–21 in Long Beach, California. NCYC is one of the largest gatherings of Catholic teens in the United States. Registration will open later in the year, and families and parishes are encouraged to begin planning and learning more about this national event by visiting NCYC.US
We invite teens and their families to explore these opportunities and to consider participating. Through celebration, retreat, and formation, these events express our diocesan commitment to recognize the gifts of our young people, walk with them in faith, and support them as living signs of hope in our Church. For these and more events, visitdiocesetucson.org/youth
In Carmel,
Fr. Manu Franco Gomez, O.Carm.
Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry