Abby Struppa, Event Marketing Coordinator, sat down with Lisa Gomes, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii. Lisa has been bringing a group of young people to NCYC since 2011 (except for 2021). We sat down to discuss what happens when thousands of young people say ‘yes‘ to their faith, why NCYC matters, and how to prepare for NCYC.
Why Do You Continue to Bring Young People to NCYC?
“NCYC really gives young people an opportunity to encounter Christ in a very powerful way. I think many of our young people feel like they’re the only ones trying to live in their faith, you know, or them and their little, small group at their parish. But when they see thousands of young people their own age together, praying, learning, celebrating, they realize they’re part of something much bigger. I think it helps them see that the church is alive on its own. And so, when they come home, they bring this energy and this confidence back to their parish. Back at their schools, we had some schools participate as well. And so I think there are moments at NCYC where our young people realize that they’re not alone in their faith. And so that’s why I like to, you know, we keep coordinating groups to go to.”
What do you think motivates so many young people to say 'yes' to their faith despite cultural preferences?
“I think that once they’re there and they see people like them praying, worshiping, celebrating, they themselves understand that they don’t need to be ashamed to be Catholic. I think at that point, their faith, which may have been forced upon them, like parents driving them to go to mass every Sunday and things like that, I think when they get to NCYC, and they experience other young people praying like them and being there because they chose to be there, not because they were forced to be there. Their faith becomes more personal, and they realize it’s not forced on them by their parents, but something that they can choose for themselves. So, especially through the opportunities to encounter Christ through the sacraments at NCYC. You know, it always amazes me how long the line for confession is. And they’re all teenagers that are standing in line, and that’s always so beautiful.”
What happens when thousands of young people commit themselves to their faith?
“I’ve been thinking about that as we prepare for the 2026 Long Beach. And I think what comes to mind is that when thousands of young people say yes to their faith, they encounter Christ together. And we see this not only in the general sessions but also in the sacraments and workshops. But I think in that moment of encounter, they discover that they are known and loved by God and that the church is a place where they truly belong. And so when they go home, yes, NCYC experience begins to influence how they lead, how they serve, and how they share their faith.”
Lisa's NCYC Tips
Embrace a Pilgrim Mindset: Traveling with a pilgrimage mindset sets the tone for the entire experience. This approach encourages participants to focus on the spiritual aspects of the journey rather than treating it like a vacation. Start the trip with a group prayer at the airport. This communal act helps to center everyone’s thoughts and intentions as they embark on the journey.
Plan for Travel Delays: Build in extra time for flight delays, baggage claim, and transportation to your hotel. This helps prevent stress and keeps the group together. Lisa highlights that groups should account for delays and plan their schedules accordingly to avoid last-minute chaos.
Pack Smart: Packing wisely can significantly enhance your group’s comfort and readiness for the event. Lisa advises against overpacking, as this can lead to cumbersome luggage during the event. Encourage participants to bring comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle, and lightweight bags. This not only makes the journey easier but also prepares them for the active nature of NCYC.
Coordinate Group Travel Logistics: As a diocesan director, coordinate group tickets and hotel arrangements while allowing parishes to handle their transportation logistics. Lisa explains that the diocese coordinates tickets and hotel stays, making it easier for parishes to focus on the experience itself.
Foster Community Among Participants: Encourage group bonding activities, such as sharing personal faith stories or participating in team-building exercises during the journey. Lisa notes that young people often feel isolated in their faith until they gather with thousands of peers at NCYC. This sense of community is vital for their spiritual growth.
