By EmmaLee Italia | Correspondent
It’s not too late to register for the 2018 Diocesan Youth Conference that is taking place Feb. 10 at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft.
The 2018 DYC theme, “Fearless 365,” will address how to be free from fear in the face of living and sharing one’s faith on a daily basis. The daylong conference runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to eighth- through 12th-graders.
To generate more awareness of the DYC and what the day has in store, the Diocese has produced promotional videos, compiling portions of previous conferences and feedback from teens in attendance. The full videos can be viewed at DioceseofTrenton.org/youthministry.
“I look forward to DYC every year because it gives me as Bishop a chance to meet you, to be with you, to talk to you and to share our life together here in the Diocese,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., says in one of the videos.
As in year’s past, Bishop will conclude this year’s DYC with celebration of Mass.
“It’s good to see teens from all around the Diocese getting together and sharing their faith, really connecting,” remarks a teen in another video. Another participant calls the DYC “one big youth group meeting in one day, and it’s cool to have all the different topics out there for us to discuss.”
The audio commentary is set against scenes from the various activities DYC provides – small group sessions, fellowship, games, music and prayer.
Other comments include, “It’s so rare to see Catholics sharing the same values and beliefs, and seeing everybody so excited and energized to be participating in this,” and, “I just love the atmosphere that DYC brings and being able to connect with other people who I don’t normally get to connect with because we’re all from different parts of the Diocese.”
“Fearless 365″ is based on the fact that in the Bible, the phrase “be not afraid” appears 365 times. Speakers Oscar Rivera and Brother Pierre Toussaint, CFR, will address the topics of fear and faith throughout the conference, which will also include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Procession and Benediction, as well as praise and worship and breakout sessions.
Participants can register until Feb. 7 for $25 at www.DOTYouth.org. “Walk-in” registration Feb. 8-10 is $35.
Christian Brothers Academy is located at 850 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. For questions about registration, call 609-403-7182.