Session C: I want to feel God. I used to feel close to Him. I don’t feel anything. How is God love if I don’t feel loved by Him? If this describes your religious experience, you are not alone. Many saints struggled with this, too. We will share some practical advice for what to do when you don’t feel anything in prayer, conferences, or even Mass.

Session F: NCYC is almost over. Time to dance, time to pray, time to rejoice, time to process, and time to rest. Come join us for this final workshop to soak in all the goodness of NCYC and get ready to take it home!

Presented by: Doug Tooke

Music by: PJ Anderson

Emcee: Noelle Garcia

Sponsored by: EQ Saints

In a world that constantly tests our mental and emotional resilience, it’s crucial to Realize With Your Real Eyes that you were “Made for This Moment.” This breakout session aims to blend faith and emotional intelligence, offering a fresh perspective on how to manage mental health while deepening your relationship with Christ.

As teenagers navigating complex emotions and societal pressures, you can wield your faith as a tool for mental well-being. This session will offer concrete steps to integrate faith into your mental health routine, engage in open dialogues with peers to break down stigmas, and recognize signs of mental health issues in those around you. Come discover how to be your most authentic self, rooted in Christ, and empower others to do the same. Let’s create a support system and community that celebrates both our shared faith and individual mental health journeys.

Presented by: Rhyan Ramirez

Music by: Josh Blakesley

Climate change affects all of us. As we experience the consequences of climate change in the United States, we also see a pattern across the globe — vulnerable communities who have contributed the least to climate change, are the ones impacted the most. At Catholic Relief Services, our mission is to support those vulnerable communities. By helping them adapt to the effects of a changing climate, we strengthen their resilience. Our faith calls us to act! As Pope Francis urged young people at World Youth Day, “It is very good that you want to change the world! The Church and the world need you, the young, as much as the earth needs rain.” Come meet some of your global neighbors through CRS and learn how you can address climate change, protect our planet, and contribute to a human family fully alive.

Presented by: Desire Finday Beth Knobbe

Music By: Iván Díaz 

Sponsored by: CRS

During the session you’ll have the opportunity to share and understand not only the joys, hopes, anxieties, and dreams – and the fundamental problems and issues (that keep people up at night) — of your existence but that of others in the community that will form during this hour.

We will create a symbolic soccer ball (“Pelota De Trapo”) made of old, weathered, and unused pieces of textile fabrics to represent the shared humanity that binds everyone and everything together.

In the end you will have experienced an encounter with others. And for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, this word is very important. Why? Because faith is an encounter with Jesus, and we must do what Jesus does: encounter others……with our faith we must create a “culture of encounter,”

Presented by: Maria Jose Mariano Manuel Deza Giustino

Sponsored by: Scholas USA

Many people believe the adage that religion and politics should always be separate. They mistakenly believe that a separation of church and state means that those who feel strongly about their faith and the impact that faith has on their lives should not enter into the realm of politics. This session provides information to debunk those beliefs. The Church and its faithful have a right and an obligation to participate actively in local, state, and federal government. Faithful citizenship is needed to uplift and uphold the respect for human life, to embrace solidarity, and apply subsidiarity. It is also needed to promote the common good, advocate for dignified labor, and steward the created world. This session seeks to empower current and future voters to rely on their faith to inform their view of political matters.

Presented by: Angela Espada Alexander Mingus

Sponsored by: Indiana Catholic Conference

Pope Francis says that young people are the NOW OF GOD, and I agree! Do you? Whether you are an experienced young leader or are still considering ways to be an active disciple in your community, this workshop is for you! Join us in dialogue and witness about the different ways young people like you are transforming our communities across the country and how they have been able to put their gifts and talents to the service of others, transforming their communities as young leaders today and paving the way forward. 

Presented by: Brenda Noriega & Young Adult Panel

Why is it so difficult to talk about faith, politics, and morality? Join us for a structured civil dialogue on some of the most challenging topics in the Catholic Church today. You will have the opportunity to discuss your own experiences, values, and faith in a safe and supportive environment. All are welcome to participate – we only ask that you bring an open mind and heart and are prepared to listen respectfully to others!

Presented by: Christina Leblang Kathryn Yanik

Sponsored by: McGrath Institute at Notre Dame

Increasingly, youth ministers and parents are being invited into the lives of young people navigating sexual orientation and gender identity questions. Too often, many adults feel ill-equipped to engage with young people in the changing landscape around sexuality and gender. Informed by Dr. Sadusky’s extensive work with LGBT-identified Catholics, this session will offer foundational information for ministers and adults around language and cultural shifts in recent years. It will also provide practical guidance to help you more effectively accompany youth who are exploring sexuality, gender and the intersection of these aspects of experience with their Catholic faith. 

Presented by: Dr. Julia Sadusky

We ALL belong to the Body of Christ, including our youth with disabilities, who need to be visible, present, and growing in faith in the life of the Church. Youth with disabilities are in extreme isolation; ministry leaders, we can make a difference by building a community that recognizes the dignity of each person and embraces one another as people of God.

In this session, we will provide tools to support youth ministry leaders to feel equipped to include youth with disabilities in activities and events, welcoming ALL in the church.

Presented by: Esther Garcia