April 16, 2026 - Group Leader & Parish Contact Update

Happy Thursday! We have some reminders and updates for you this week! Beginning soon we will be sending more frequent communications for Steubenville Atlantic planning for group leaders! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Drop Spots Deadline Approaching – May 1, 2026

The deadline to drop unused spots without additional charges (aside from the $50 deposit) is May 1, 2026 at midnight Atlantic time. 

If you have spots that you do not anticipate filling before the final registration deadline on May 31, 2026, please reach out to me to have them removed from your group. 

Please note that there will be no exceptions to the May 1 deadline this year, as we need to confirm rooming numbers with Dalhousie University. 

Make sure to check your Ratios!

Just a reminder about our required ratio of youth to chaperones for the weekend. Each group must have at least one chaperone for every five youth of the same gender (one adult male for every five boys, and one adult female for every five girls). 

Please note that peer leaders (under 21 years old) and priests do not count toward this ratio, as they serve in different roles during the conference . 

If your group currently does not meet this requirement, please make plans now to ensure you are in compliance before arriving at the conference. 

New This Year: Steubenville Atlantic Wristbands!

This year, all youth participants will receive coloured wristbands instead of name tag lanyards. Wristbands will be distributed at check-in and must be worn at all times. 

Wristbands are required for entry into all conference venues, meals, and events, and will also indicate your group’s seating section throughout the weekend. 

Adults will still receive lanyards and name tags for identification. 

For full details, including replacements and how wristbands will be used, please see the FAQ attached.  

Register your Priests!

Do you have a priest planning to attend the weekend with your group? Make sure he is registered!  

We are always incredibly grateful for the many priests who spend the weekend with us at Steubenville Atlantic, offering the Sacraments and walking with our young people. Their presence makes a real difference. 

Clergy (and everyone else!) can register at https://www.steubenville.ca/register-now

Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth Youth Ministry Leader’s Gathering

For all youth ministry leaders within the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth: Join us on Saturday, May 9, 2026 *NOTE THE DATE CHANGE* at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Halifax for a morning of encouragement, practical conversation, and collaboration with others serving young people across our diocese. 

At this final YMLG of the school year, we will focus on Program & Strategy, including how to build a strong vision for your youth ministry, set meaningful goals, and explore best practices for ministry with young people. This is a session you and your team will not want to miss.

We encourage you to share this event widely with anyone involved in Youth Ministry, Confirmation Preparation, or Catechetics for Grades 6–12. 

For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://www.steubenville.ca/events/ymlg-may2026

Thanks,

Alex