You are here: home > about yam > contact us > dorothy polchinski

Dorothy Polchinski

Director of Young Adult Ministry
dorothy@yam.org
(404) 885-7248

Recently I completed my studies in the M.A. Theology and Christian Ministry program at Franciscan University of Steubenville.  My time studying with Franciscan University was fruitful and rewarding. I served as the GNT (Graduate/Non-Traditional Students) Coordinator and enjoyed planning and hosting numerous events for the GNT community. In addition I volunteered as a missionary with our Franciscan Missions of Peace program, assisted on the RCIA team, and spent Saturdays as a Sidewalk Counselor with Students for Life.  While at FUS I had the pleasure of coordinating the first SonLife California team in which a group of students chose to forgo their spring break to share their faith and evangelize the people of Los Angeles and Hollywood.  I even got to shake Bob Barker’s hand as our team went on The Price-Is-Right! (Ask me sometime about the prizes I won on the Showcase Showdown).  These last six months were perhaps my most memorable as I studied abroad at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome and traveled throughout Europe.  My Bob Barker encounter was overshadowed by my greatest highlight - shaking hands with Pope Benedict!

Prior to my graduate studies I served as LIFETEEN Confirmation Coordinator for a dynamic parish in Southern California, facilitated trainings for Youth Ministers, and emceed a catechetical site for World Youth Day 2002 Toronto.  This past World Youth Day I served as a tour guide and led pilgrimage groups to Rome, Assisi and Cologne.  (Get ready for WYD Sydney 2008!) My love for serving the Church over the last ten years stems from my work with National Evangelization Teams, also known as NET Ministries.  NET’s mission is to challenge young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church.  During my time with this international retreat program, I served as Team Leader, Field Supervisor, and, finally, Director of Recruiting.  It was such a privilege to work with and train hundreds of Catholic young adults in the area of evangelization during my six years with NET.

Though I hail originally from Texas and have lived in many different places I am proud to call Atlanta my new home!  It is an honor to work with such a fine group of young adults.  I am humbly at your service and look forward to meeting each of you.