11/2017 - National Catholic Youth Conference

Just over 24,000 Catholic youth from throughout the country gathered in Indianapolis for a three day conference and celebration of faith. Participants in last weekend’s National Catholic Youth Conference came from as far as Alaska and Hawaii, and as close as our very own Diocese of Bridgeport, which sent a contingent of 30 youth and chaperones.

Starting their 14 hour bus journey late on Wednesday night, youth kept up a spirit of joyful anticipation, arriving at the Indianapolis Convention Center the following afternoon. Their patience and perseverance was immediately rewarded, as they stepped off the bus to an atmosphere of contagious excitement that permeated throughout the building. Youth from across the country were trading hats and trinkets, coming up to complete strangers to share in conversation, and commiserating with others about their common Catholic faith.

Amongst those who helped lead prayer throughout the conference was Bishop Frank, taking the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday morning. In his reflection, Bishop Frank discussed some of the challenges that young people face, and how they can find their way through anything they might face with the help of Jesus and His Blessed Mother.

“With Jesus, there is nothing you can’t face” he said to a standing ovation.

Bishop Frank also gave a breakout session to Youth Ministers on Friday afternoon, and joined the NCYC staff on the official livestream of the event that evening.