Everyone has something in their life they wish was different. Maybe it’s something about family life, maybe something about physical appearance or your personality. Regardless of what it is, this is a common struggle for youth. Life isn’t perfect and we’re all constantly searching for answers we think will change everything.
And maybe you know it, maybe you’ve heard it before, maybe you haven’t: until we find Christ, we will never be satisfied –– or in the words of St. Augustine, “our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O Lord.”
Our youth at NCYC are wonderful testaments to this truth. Many come from broken homes, from parishes with very few young people, from difficult situations at home. No one comes without a story, without a struggle.
But no one leaves without an encounter. Between the sacraments and awe-inspiring adoration experience at NCYC, to the interactive exhibits and youthful community, NCYC is life-changing.
Why?
Because our hearts aren’t satisfied until they’ve met Christ. At NCYC, we provide teens and their chaperones with an environment to express their faith and encounter Christ in an authentic way.
Read about the life-changing experiences of a handful of our youth!
THE SACRAMENTS
“The closing Mass was one of the most touching ceremonies I’ve ever seen. It’s so nice to just be back here with all my friends and peers, and all the friends I made before at the last NCYC.” – Aaron Baker of Barnesville, Minn.
“The Eucharistic procession was really touching to see everyone drop what they were doing and kneel. I really enjoyed seeing the Knights of Columbus out along the street with their swords raised to reverence the Eucharist.” – Evan Sahlstrom, 17, of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, Alaska
“Mass, adoration and the procession was honestly amazing, especially with getting to be with all the other teenagers that were there, and hearing the archbishop speak. It was such an amazing and warming experience.” – Hanna Helt, 18, St. Joseph University Parish in Terre Haute, Indiana
INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS
“The Village was one of my favorite aspects of NCYC because it’s so amazing to see all the places around the world that I can connect with.” – Abigail Woodley, 15, of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, Alaska
FAITH & FORMATION
“I really enjoy the talks. I’m really into seeing different people’s points of views and being able to dive in deeper and realizing maybe, ‘Oh, that’s an interesting point,’ or maybe, ‘Oh, now I understand why we do that.’ ” – Ellie Fulbright, 17, of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana
“I grew quite a lot in my spiritual journey. I didn’t know that that many people feel the same way that I do.” – Sloane Janopoulos of Naples, Florida
PRAISE & WORSHIP
“The music at my home parish is kind of old-timey. It’s really great to hear music that I can vibe to and that also praises Jesus. It’s a lot of fun to hear that here.” – Adeline Fellona, 14, of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, Texas
“My favorite thing is adoration as a huge group. Seeing how everyone comes together to worship the Lord—it’s super meaningful.” – Elaina Deardorff, 17, of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
