By: Joe Bedard | Novemeber 18, 2024
Every year, thousands of young Catholics from across the nation gather at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). This extraordinary event offers more than just an opportunity to connect—it creates an atmosphere alive with the fervent culture of faith that burns within the hearts of our youth.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
In a world that often feels fragmented, NCYC reminds us of the universal bond we share as Catholics. The sight of young people worshiping together, united in their love for Christ, is a powerful visual of the living, breathing Church. It’s not just about celebrating faith but recognizing the vastness of the Catholic community.
Youth attendees are often amazed at the sheer number of Catholic ministries, brands, and organizations represented at NCYC. From dynamic speakers to vibrant booths filled with everything from Catholic apparel to life-changing missionary opportunities, NCYC immerses participants in a rich tapestry of Catholic life.
I spoke with a few teens attending all the way from Albany, New York. They shared with me their thoughts on NCYC.
“I’ve enjoyed being around so many different people who, like me, want to learn more about their faith. It’s inspired me to continue to learn more”, Ella (middle) mentioned.
Emma (left) attended NCYC last year in Indianapolis and told of how NCYC has been a place where she can take her faith more personally.
She shared, “NCYC last year was the first time I made a spiritual decision on my own, and not be rushed into my faith. This place (NCYC) makes it so easy for teens who struggle in finding where they are when it comes down to religion andstart to lead themselves through the experience and build that personal relationship with God”.
First time NCYC attendee, Catherine (right), expressed, “This was my first time really leaving home, so to fly across the country to an event I didn’t know a lot about definitely made me nervous. Now being here, I would tell everyone that it’s okay to be nervous, but you really need to come to NCYC. It has been a great experience to be around like minded teens who want to dive deeper in faith”.
An Invitation to Engage
NCYC is more than an event—it’s a call to action. The conference challenges attendees to be active in their faith, whether that means getting involved with local ministries, starting a prayer group, or simply sharing their faith with friends.
It’s easy to feel isolated in the journey of faith, especially for young people navigating a world of distractions. But NCYC reveals that the Catholic Church is alive and thriving, filled with opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Every speaker, breakout session, and activity points toward a single message: our faith is meant to be lived out boldly and joyfully.
Father Peter Saucedo (Vocations Director for The Archdiocese of Los Angeles), indicated, “Our young people are always going to school and hangin out with their friends, they have the opportunity to do something that priests can’t always do. Sometimes you can do more outside of the church than inside and I tell the youth to take ownership of their faith and be witnesses of the Gospel because people can relate to them”.
Discovering the Beauty of Catholicism
One of the most powerful aspects of NCYC is how it encourages participants to keep discovering. Catholicism is a faith that spans the globe, rich with traditions, saints, and movements that continue to inspire. At NCYC, young Catholics are exposed to new ideas, places, and people who broaden their understanding of what it means to be part of the Church.
This sense of discovery doesn’t end with the conference. NCYC plants seeds of curiosity and excitement, inspiring attendees to explore their faith in new ways. Whether it’s diving deeper into the lives of the saints, visiting a pilgrimage site, or embracing a ministry they encountered at the event, NCYC participants are reminded that their journey with Christ is ever-unfolding.
Sister Elfie of The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco touched on how we can further our journey in Faith through discernment.
“Discernment cultivates your heart to do God’s will everyday. It is very important to invite young Catholics to be able to listen to God’s voice and that is why prayer time is so important. Discerning God’s will for us is the only, and true way we can find happiness and our purpose”.
A Lasting Impact
NCYC is a transformative experience, not just for the days it lasts but for the lifelong impact it creates. It shows young people that they are not alone in their faith and that the Church is far greater, deeper, and more vibrant than they could have imagined.
For those who attend, NCYC is more than a conference; it’s a spiritual spark—a reminder that their faith matters and that they are an essential part of the Church’s mission to share Christ’s love with the world.
Father Hau had the opportunity to talk to Eliana, an attendee from St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Menifee, and she shared on how she wants to be bold and active.
"I want to be someone who shares my faith and is relatable to people my age, because many don't have friends who express the importance of allowing God into their hearts. I want to lead by example and help others see the positives in everything. If Jesus can do it, so can I. I feel called to do more. Although I am open about my faith at church, I could invite people from my school to Mass and youth nights more often."
Father Hau asked Eliana to share one word to give to her peers today, what would it be?
“Courage”, she said strongly.
Conclusion
NCYC is a powerful celebration of the passionate, vibrant, and discerning spirit of the Catholic youth. Through prayer, reflection, and encounters with faith leaders, NCYC creates an environment where young people can begin to discern God's call in their lives. Whether exploring vocations to priesthood, religious life, or marriage, NCYC encourages attendees to listen attentively to God's voice and to embrace their unique roles in the Church.
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