March 2020, Vol. 38, No. 3
The official publication of the Diocese of Austin
En Español: Páginas 23-26
Teens experience presence of God throughout DCYC 2020 By Shelley Metcalf | Editor
“Never, never doubt that God has great plans for you,” Bishop Joe Vásquez said during the closing Mass of the 2020 Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC). “I am so grateful to God because sharing this weekend with you reminds me of the great power of God as he is working in his people, and especially in our young people,” the bishop said. Nearly 2,400 teens and their adult chaperones attended the annual conference, which was held Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Waco Convention Center. Bishop Vásquez said God was obviously present throughout the weekend conference. “God met you throughout this weekend in the wonderful presentations you heard. You also experienced Bishop Joe Vásquez distributes the Eucharist during the closing Mass of the 2020 Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference. More than 2,300 teens and adults gathered in Waco for the annual conference. (Photo by Joshua Guenther)
the presence of the Lord as you heard his word proclaimed and as you celebrated the sacraments,” he said. Priests from across the diocese were on hand to offer the sacrament of reconciliation, and the teens lined up to receive the sacrament. “As you unburdened your heart of the things sin brings into our lives, you experienced the healing and mercy and compassion of Our Lord,” the bishop said. The greatest encounter with God comes in the celebration of Mass, the bishop continued. “The sacrifice of the Mass, the Eucharist, brings us hope and joy and then sends us forth into the world. The Eucharist is the presence of Jesus Christ in our midst. In the Gospel and here at the table of the Lord, Christ will be truly present, not just a symbol, he will be truly present,” Bishop Vásquez said. This year’s DCYC theme was “Mater Dei,” and the conference featured several keynote speakers, including Father Josh Johnson, a young priest from Louisiana who offers a weekly podcast called “Ask Father Josh”; Joelle Maryn,
a mother who encourages all Catholics to develop a personal relationship with Jesus; Armando Cervantes, a coach and advocate who works with dioceses across the country; and Chika Anyanwu, who shared her deep love for Jesus and the church. The weekend also featured live music by Dave and Lauren Moore and a variety of workshop presentations. John Van, a high school senior and a parishioner of Holy Vietnamese Martyr Parish in Austin, served as a member of the Discipleship CREW. This group of teens seeks to draw others to Christ through their service, faith and witness during the conference. Van said the Holy Spirit provided him with the confidence and reassurance necessary to get up on stage in front of so many of his peers. “Serving on D-CREW has definitely been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my entire life,” he said. The time spent in adoration at DCYC was a sacred time for him, he said.
Teens from 78 parishes across the diocese attended the annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference in Waco. (Photo by Joshua Guenther)
“Like every year, I kneel as close as I can to the stage, and upon staring at the host, listening to worship songs, and pouring out my heart of all of its burdens, the world around me falls quiet until all I could feel is the love of the Lord pouring down on me,” Van said. Giselle Vences Barrueta, a senior and parishioner of Santa Barbara Parish in Austin, also served on D-CREW for this year’s conference. Having attended DCYC in the past, she said DCYC 2020 was unique. “Being a part of the Discipleship CREW changed my experience,” Burrueta said. “I was able to help behind the scenes but also take time to unite with my church group.” She encouraged teens to be patient and to trust in the Lord’s timing. “Prayer changes everything,” she said. “If there is one thing that I could tell those who are struggling, it would be to pray.”
Bishop’s Interview
Border trip
Lenten Message
Español
The bishop tells about his recent ad limina visit to Rome.
Austin group brings supplies and offers help at migrant camp.
Pope Francis focuses on reconciliation and healing in letter.
Jesús pide a hombres que lo sigan, lo imiten.
PAGE 17
PAGES 8-9
PAGE 13
PAGE 26