What is NCYC?

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE

NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) is a powerfully unique three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age) and their adult chaperones.

NCYC is the premier Catholic youth event on a national scale that gathers people from all across America for a life-changing encounter with Christ.

2025 EVENT THEME

NCYC: I Am | Yo Soy will be held November 20-22, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

The 2025 theme, I Am | Yo Soy, will reflect on the time God appeared to Moses through the burning bush and explore how the Sacraments are the living story of God’s love, uniting us with Him through Jesus and the Church. Through the Sacraments, we encounter the fullness of salvation and the tangible presence of Immanuel—God with us.

What to Expect at NCYC

Inspiring Speakers

Some of the best speakers in the Catholic space.

Mass & Adoration

Celebrate liturgy and the Eucharist with tens of thousands, led by our American bishops.

Music & Worship

Praise and entertainment led by award-winning artists.

Interactive Exhibits

Countless games, crafts, obstacle courses, meetups, live radio shows, challenges, and so much more.

PRODUCED BY

NCYC was created by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), an organization committed to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people in the United States. Founded in 1982 at the encouragement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, NFCYM’s mission is to support and strengthen those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ. NFCYM provides pastoral formation through small to massive-scale events (like NCYC!), educational webinars for ongoing development, a virtual membership for support and resources, and countless other opportunities to develop youth and pastoral leaders across America.

Thanks to NFCYM, Catholics from across the country come together to cultivate, evangelize and celebrate the Young Church. To learn more, visit NFCYM.org.

HISTORY

NCYC began in 1983 as a regional conference, with one session for the east coast and one session for the west coast. The regional conferences had a few thousand youth in attendance. NCYC then merged into a national conference in 1991 and interest in the conference began to grow. Today, NCYC serves the Young Church as the biggest Catholic Youth Conference in America.

You can see a full list and learn more on our Past Events page.

NCYC Mission Statement

In a distinctly Catholic setting, the National Catholic Youth Conference invites participants to encounter Christ, experience church, and be empowered for discipleship.

Upcoming NCYCs

Save the date for:

  • 2026 NCYC in Long Beach – November 19-21, 2026
  • 2027 NCYC in Indianapolis – November 18-20, 2027

Visit the Future NCYCs page.

View the NCYC Planning Timeline as you plan for the next NCYC.

TESTIMONIALS & STORIES

On this Page

Sign Up for Event Updates.

2023 Host

Mari Pablo

Mari Pablo is a proud Hispanic and cradle Catholic whose life was wrecked in the best possible way when she finally decided to stop fighting and surrender it all to Him. Mari has joyfully worked in youth ministry for over fifteen years, both as a youth minister and theology teacher, and as a presenter for Ascension Press. Mari has a deep love for food but an even greater love for Christ and is dedicated to helping others encounter Him.

2023 Host

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sister Josephine is a native Texan, raised baptist in Houston Texas. Jesus called her to religious life in 2011 and in 2020 Sister made her final vows as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She ministers as a licensed mental health counselor, and also serves on the community vocations team and as a national speaker. 

ABOUT NFCYM

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people.

Members enjoy:

  • Professional training, resourcing, and support
  • Full access to our resources and webinars,
  • Special rates to NFCYM events, and more.

You will now be directed to NFCYM.ORG to complete registration.

Sign Up for Event Updates.

ABOUT NFCYM

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people.

Members enjoy:

  • Professional training, resourcing, and support
  • Full access to our resources and webinars,
  • Special rates to NFCYM events, and more.

You will now be directed to NFCYM.ORG to complete registration.

2023 Host

Mari Pablo

Mari Pablo is a proud Hispanic and cradle Catholic whose life was wrecked in the best possible way when she finally decided to stop fighting and surrender it all to Him. Mari has joyfully worked in youth ministry for over fifteen years, both as a youth minister and theology teacher, and as a presenter for Ascension Press. Mari has a deep love for food but an even greater love for Christ and is dedicated to helping others encounter Him.

2023 Host

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sister Josephine is a native Texan, raised baptist in Houston Texas. Jesus called her to religious life in 2011 and in 2020 Sister made her final vows as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She ministers as a licensed mental health counselor, and also serves on the community vocations team and as a national speaker.