The 2021 National Catholic Youth Conference: Celebrating Our Universal Faith As Young Catholics

The second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the coming of the Holy Spirit — “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were” (Acts 2:1-2).

When this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) gets underway from Nov. 18 to 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the conference theme of “Ablaze-Enciendo al Fuego” will serve as a reflection on these verses from Acts of the Apostles.

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry hosts the NCYC every two years for teens in ninth through 12th grades, as well as adult chaperones. For the 2019 event in Indianapolis, 25,000 teens and adults were in attendance, and we sent five youth delegates from our parish, thanks to a generous donation from the family of a deceased parishioner. The family honored the late parishioner in this way, as he had supported youth activities during his life. For this year’s event, group organizer Rita Hemmer hopes to have four to five youth attend.

“The National Catholic Youth Conference is an opportunity for our high school youth to join thousands of other young people for an experience of what the young Body of Christ is,” she says.

Rita thinks of a trip to NCYC as a pilgrimage — “a journey to a holy, sacred place to usher the pilgrim into the presence of God.”

Having been to past NCYC events, Rita knows the conference is very exciting and empowering. It’s a chance to pray, make new friends and grow in faith. There are large-group speakers, breakout sessions, and confession. Highlights of the event are always adoration and Mass. There are also concerts, exhibits, and an interactive thematic park. The emcees for this year’s conference are Sister Miriam James Heidland and Brian Greenfield.

Rita says this is truly a way to help our youth develop into Catholic leaders.

“Being surrounded by thousands of young people, all celebrating our Catholic faith, helps young people see that our Catholic faith is indeed universal,” Rita says.

Being just over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we all know plans can change. The NCYC planning groups intend to push ahead while using recommended policies for safety.

Those interested in attending the 2021 NCYC may contact Rita Hemmer at rita@saintleos.org.

NCYC, an exciting and empowering event

NCYC, hosted every two years for teens in ninth through 12th grades

St. Leo’s NCYC parish delegates in 2019