The 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference was held Nov. 19 to 21 in Indianapolis, and more than 140 young people from across the diocese were there to participate. Over three days, some 25,000 teenagers came together to pray, be inspired by speakers and enjoy fellowship with one another.
Two members of St. Vincent Blessed Sacrament Parish in Vestal — Emily Burgher, a senior at Johnson City High School, and Sarah Majercik-Scott, a junior at Seton Catholic Central — shared dispatches with the Sun. Read their final reflection below, and visit thecatholicsun.com for more.
NCYC Day 3: Saturday, Nov. 21
Our final day at NCYC began with the music and dancing with Tony Melendez, who was born with no arms but taught himself to play guitar with his feet! In 1987, he was privileged to play for Pope John Paul II.
We listened to Dr. Carolyn Woo, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, who shared her story that led her into her service to the poor and needy.
We had fun in the youth-oriented “thematic park,” which had games, service opportunities, vendors and so many more ways to stay connected in faith!
Our afternoon worship included the Catholic rock band “The Thirsty,” who led us in a fun rendition of “We are the Champions” but changed the words to “We are the Catholics!
And our general session ended with an amazing closing Celebration of the Liturgy with hundreds of priests and seminarians, welcoming all the concelebrating bishops with Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga. The music and atmosphere was joyful and uplifting!
We departed Indianapolis with full hearts and strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are eager to share our experiences with our own parishes….NCYC rocks! We can’t wait for 2017!
