Catholic youth from the country gathered at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). The three-day event took place in Indianapolis from Nov. 18-20. 

Setting Fire Ablaze

In a report with The Florida Catholic, the conference gathers Catholic youths from the United States. They listen to musical artists and motivational speakers who share their experiences. 

The event aims to transform the lives of the youth. The theme of this year's youth conference was Ablaze/Enciende el Fuego. 

According to the NCYC website, Acts 2 talks about the coming of the Holy Spirit. The conference aims to ask the Holy Spirit to keep the fire burning in the hearts of the young church.

Come, Holy Spirit

Jessica Smith said it spoke of the Holy Spirit. Smith is the youth leader of Epiphany Parish in Port Orange. 

She reported that her youth group "were set ablaze with the Holy Spirit." Her group was also excited to bring the Holy Spirit back home. 

Wearing Different Hats

Youth from six different parishes in the Diocese of Orlando attended the event. 

One of the icebreaker activities during the conference was the exchanging of hats. Each participant wore a different hat to represent their respective parish. 

The designs of the hats ranged from crowns to traffic cones. The participant exchanged hats as a sign of fellowship among each other. It also gave the teens a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow participants. 

Empowering Youth

The National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry organized the event. They implemented COVID-19 safety measures to ensure the protection of the attendees. 

Speakers shared their experiences of their encounters with God. They also empowered the youth to become better people. 

Grammy-award-winning singer Lecre performed for the 11,000 attendees. 

He addressed them and encouraged them to use their passion to change the world for God. He also said that God was using them as His instruments to carry about his mission. 

Witnessing God in Tangible Ways

Smith told the news outlet that they made it a priority for the youth to attend NCYC. She explained that it was a chance for the teens to witness God in tangible ways. 

It was also a means for them to grow in their faith and experience something real. She hopes the teens will share what they have learned and become missionary disciples. 

Faith Experiences

Sebastian S., one of the participants, said it was a memorable experience. He saw 11,000 youth praying, worshiping, and sharing their faith. 

He shared that he always felt that he belonged at Epiphany. When he attended NCYC, he realized he was part of something bigger. 

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio shared a presentation. Another participant named Soifa S. said it meant a lot to her. 

According to the teen, the Archbishop reminded the youth that they are the "now" of the Church. The faith leader told the teens that they should not wait to do great things in their faith. 

Planting Seeds of Faith

Father Karl Bergin was also one of the attendees. He is the parochial administrator of Epiphany Parish. 

He said seeing the youth gather together in faith was an incredible experience. The Catholic priest added that he saw seeds of faith being planted during the conference. He was confident the seeds would blossom when they got home to their parish. 

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