David Stagliano coordinates our diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry program as part of the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis and Family Life. David organizes opportunities for teens and young adults of the Albany Diocese to connect with one another through a variety of faith experiences which include the Christian Leadership Institute (CLI), The Service Action Learning Team, and the Diocesan Youth Ministry Team, who plan various activities and represent youth on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. A major event is the National Catholic Youth Conference to which the Diocese of Albany has been sending a delegation for over twenty years. Angela Paolucci, Shane Burke and Madeline Ringwald, seen in the photo with David, are three bright and enthusiastic young people who participate in and benefit from diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

“My faith has always been an important part of my life. I grew up in a religious family, where my values were developed. Through my involvement in my parish’s youth ministry program I attended the 2007 National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio where my faith values were reaffirmed in seeing twenty-five thousand teens who believe the same things I do and who were making a difference. When I returned home from the four day pilgrimage, I put my faith into action by becoming a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, a youth member of the Parish Council and a Catechist. These ministries are important to me because they allow me to use my God given talents to serve the community.”
Angela Paolucci, Corpus Christi Parish • Senior, Shenendehowa High School

“By being part of youth ministry in my church and my Community, I have been able to grow as a person and to develop a personal spirituality and prayer life, allowing me to incorporate my faith into my daily life and to gain a better relationship with God, my church, and even my family. Youth ministry has helped me get involved in my church, my faith community. Being part of youth ministry has been a blessing on my life and has helped me grow as a person and become a better me.”
Shane Burke, Christ Our Light Parish • Senior, South Colonie High School

“Taking an active role in the Albany Diocese has made me realize that the Catholic Church is not dying out; this is clear to anyone who is exposed to the enthusiastic youth of our diocese, and even of the nation. My faith not only means a great deal to me personally, but has enabled me to connect with others who share this faith and reach out to those who have not yet had the chance to take part in the opportunities the Albany Diocese offers to young people."
Madeleine Ringwald, St. Vincent DePaul Parish • Junior, Albany High School