For over 20 years, the parishes of the New Albany Deanery have gathered for Summer Daze—a weekly service program each Tuesday in June for incoming 6th–8th grade youth. This long-standing tradition invites middle schoolers to serve their community while building friendships with other Catholic youth from Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties. Last summer, a record 225 youth participated across four weeks.
This year’s theme, rooted in Mark 12:30–31, invites youth to love the Lord with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love their neighbor as themselves. Through acts of service, they will put this command into action, encountering Christ in those they serve and learning that love of neighbor is the concrete expression of love of God.
Prayer & Discussion
Each day includes time for Scripture, Church teaching, and the witness of the saints, all centered on the dignity of the human person. Parents will receive a weekly discussion guide by email to continue these conversations at home.
Service Sites
Service takes place from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m. at partner organizations across Southern Indiana and Metro Louisville, including Blue River Services, Ronald McDonald House of Kentuckiana, Lighthouse Maternity Center, Louisville Composting, The Brave Way Home, Franciscan Kitchen, Genesis House, and more.
Parish-specific service locations will be sent to parents each Monday prior to the scheduled event.
Please Note:
Youth are expected to wear their Summer Daze t-shirt each week (distributed on the first day), along with closed-toe shoes. Flip flops and slides are not permitted due to safety requirements at service sites.
Some locations may also require long pants rather than shorts. If your parish is assigned to a site with additional dress guidelines, you will be notified by email and text the day prior.
Youth should come prepared for the weather, as many service sites are outdoors. Please bring a water bottle and consider wearing sunscreen and a hat as needed.
Lunch
Youth should bring a sack lunch and drink each day. Groups will typically pause for prayer and a picnic-style lunch at their service site or a nearby park. We are unable to stop for fast food or connivence store food during Summer Daze.
Social Activities
At 1:00 p.m., all parishes gather for recreation and community. Our activities are as follows:
June 2: Louisville Zoo (Louisville, KY)
June 9: Corydon Cinemas (Corydon, IN)
June 16: Strike & Spare Fun Center (Clarksville, IN)
June 23: Malibu Jack’s (Louisville, KY)
Volunteer
With such a large, deanery-wide program, it truly takes a village to ensure a safe and fruitful experience! Each parish is asked to provide one adult leader for every five youth participants.
Adult leaders assist with transportation, serve alongside the youth, and help guide conversation and engagement throughout the day. A brief orientation—offered in person or by video—will be held on Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Volunteers must be at least 25 years old and complete Safe Parish training and a background check. You may register as a volunteer through the form below when signing up your child, or by contacting your parish youth minister. Thank you for your generous support of this important role.
Registration
Registration is open March 29–May 15, 2026. Please register under your parish, as each location has specific drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Cost: $20 per person, per day.
Participating parishes include:
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St. Anthony Catholic Church looks forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23
Drop Off: 8:30am in the St. Anthony Youth Room.
Pick Up : 4:00pm in the St. Anthony Youth Room.
Parish Contact Person:
Patrick Holifield
502-724-9717
youth@stanthony-clarksville.org -
The Catholic Community of Jeffersonville is looking forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 13, and 23
Drop Off: 8:30am at the Sacred Heart parking lot.
Pick Up : 4:00pm at the Sacred Heart parking lot.
Parish Contact Person:
Kyle Naugle
812-282-2677
youthministry@jeffersonvillecatholic.org -
St. John Paul II Catholic Church looks forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: Dates: June 2, 9, 13, and 23
Drop Off Time: 8:30am at the parking lot behind the SJH Chapel (next to parish offices)
Pick Up Time: 4:00pm at the parking lot behind the SJH Chapel (next to parish offices)
Parish Contact Person:
Kaela Anderson
kanderson@stjohnpaulparish.org
(812)246-2512 -
St. Michael and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Churches look forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: Dates: June 2, 9, 13, and 23
Drop Off Time: 8:00am at the St. Michael Parish Office.
Pick Up Time: 4:00pm at the St. Michael Parish Office.
Parish Contact Person:
Nick Smith
Nick Smith
nick@northclarkcountycatholic.org
(502) 381-4941 -
Holy Family Catholic Church is looking forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 13, and 23
Drop Off: 8:00am at the DAC.Pick Up: 4:30pm at the DAC.
Parish Contact Person:
Valerie Huber
812-944-8283
vhuber@holyfamilynewalbany.org -
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church looks forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23
Drop Off: 8:30am at shelter house (near the parish offices)
Pick Up : 4:00pm at shelter house (near the parish offices)
Parish Contact Person:
Evonne Corrales
812-944-1184
ecorrales@olphna.org -
St. Mary Catholic Church is looking forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23
Drop Off: 8:00am at St. Mary Church
Pick Up: 4:00pm at the St. Mary parking lot.
Parish Contact Person:
Oscar Martinez
812-944-0417 -
St. Mary and St. John churches are looking forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16
Drop Off: 8:30am at the St. Mary Navilleton parish hall.
Pick Up 4:00pm at the St. Mary Navilleton parish hall.
Parish Contact Person:
Stephanie Willis
812-267-6654
youth.navstar@gmail.com -
St. Mary of the Knobs is looking forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23
Drop Off: 8:30am at the Middle School parking lot.
Pick Up : 4:00pm at the Middle School parking lot.
Parish Contact Person:
-
St. Joseph and St. Mary churches are looking forward to hosting you at Summer Daze! Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23
Drop Off: 8:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church (will attend morning Mass).
Pick Up Time: 4:00pm at St. Mary's parking lot.
Parish Contact Person:
Katie Warren
502-403-5293
katherine.warren@catholic-community.org -
St. Bernard, St. Michael, and St. Joseph parishes looks forward to hosting you at Summer Daze. Register here before May 15, 2026.
Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23
Drop Off Time: 8:30am at the Faith Formation center parking at St. Michael Church.
Pick Up Time: 4:00pm at the Faith Formation center parking at St. Michael Church.
Parish Contact Person:
Evan Wise
evan.michael94@gmail.com
(812) 207-3482
For questions regarding Summer Daze,
please contact your parish youth minister (listed above)
or Michelle Fessel in the Catalyst office:
michelle@catalystcatholic.org | 812-923-8355 ext. 201