The Diocese of West Tennessee is proud to announce the young people selected to serve on the Diocesan Youth Council. To learn more about diocesan youth ministry, go to EDWTN.org/ministries/youth-programs/.
Mary Hitt
Calvary Episcopal Church (Memphis)
St. Mary’s Episcopal School ’26
As a diocesan youth council member, I will listen to youth and take their wants into consideration. I consider myself an approachable person, so I hope that youth feel comfortable coming to me with questions or concerns. At my church, there is a strong connection between the youth, and I want as many people as possible to be a part of our amazing community. As a diocesan youth council member, I also look forward to meeting youth from other churches and expanding my church circle beyond Calvary.
Erin Maury
Church of the Holy Communion (Memphis)
White Station High School ’26
Increasing awareness of what a diocese actually is could involve giving youth more opportunities to see what happens within the Diocese and showing youth how the Diocese is important in having functioning churches. Educating younger people about things beyond their home church and congregation can help youth see outside chances for involvement in diocesan youth activities. But before connection with the Diocese can be achieved, individual youth programs need to build a wider and more consistent population of youth. At Holy Communion, there has been a decrease in involvement with the youth ministry in recent years, leading to less involvement with the church and the diocese. To increase involvement with the diocese, we first need to emphasize the importance, value, and offerings within churches.
Neya Sam
Church of the Holy Apostles (Collierville)
Collierville Middle School ’25
Expressing faith varies from person to person. Church is a place to express your Christianity; however, it isn’t the only way. Praying on your own (before going to bed, after waking up, etc.) and talking to God in your head is conveying your belief. We can also express our religion through acts of service. Helping people, whether it is donating to charity or simply being kind, omits the idea of loving and respecting others. When I assist someone else, my hope is that the faith in which I believe in God will spread His protection to others. The desire that everyone should be protected, whether they believe in anything or not, is an effect of my faith.
