Diocese of Biloxi Office of Youth Ministry
The 48th Annual Diocese of Biloxi Youth Conference (DBYC) was held from March 14–16, 2025, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. This year’s theme, “Made New,” invited youth from across the Diocese to encounter Christ through powerful sessions centered on identity and transformation. Key themes explored included: Made for More, Made for Greatness, Made for Love, Made for Grace, Made for Community, and ultimately, Made New.
We welcomed over 450 high school students on Friday, March 14, for a dynamic kickoff evening that included themed group presentations, roll call with Bishop Louis F. Kihneman, a keynote from Jackie Francois Angel, and small group discussions. Jackie, a seasoned Catholic speaker and musician with over 20 years in ministry, brought energy, authenticity, and deep faith to the event.
Saturday, March 15, featured a full day of formation and fellowship. Activities included praise and worship, skits, breakout sessions, testimonies, small groups, and service planning. Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation were central to the day, supported by over 20 priests, seminarians, and Bishop Kihneman. Our second keynote speaker, Ennie Hickman, shared powerful stories of missionary discipleship and the importance of loving one’s neighbor in everyday life. Both Jackie and Ennie also led breakout sessions for teens and adults, focusing on living out the Gospel in modern culture.
The conference concluded on Sunday, March 16, with testimonies, summer event highlights, and the celebration of the Faith Through Service Awards, including the St. Timothy, Ananias, Bragg Moore, Brenda Sargent, and Ann Rivera Awards. The day closed with Mass celebrated by Bishop Kihneman and performances from the St. Peter the Apostle Saints Praise Team. Spirit awards were also given for banners, displays, and t-shirts.
On Sunday afternoon, we hosted our Middle School Rally for grades 6–8, welcoming 250 students. Jackie Francois Angel returned to speak and guide the younger students through skits, prayer, Adoration, and testimonies. Her joy-filled presence deeply resonated with this age group.
This year’s DBYC was a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit. Youth left energized, affirmed in their identity as beloved children of God, and inspired to live as missionary disciples. The event’s impact was evident in the joy and openness of every participant.
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, clergy, seminarians, speakers, band, media and logistics teams, and most especially our youth ministers for supporting and encouraging their teens. And above all, we thank our young people for saying "yes" to this weekend of transformation.
