NCYC: In Their Own Words

Catherine Werner, director of youth ministry, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River

It’s important to attend events like NCYC to show our teens that they are not alone in practicing their faith. It’s a reminder of the wider Church and how diverse we are, while still sharing the same core belief in Jesus Christ. I hope that our teens remain proud to be Catholic and gain strength and confidence in living it out every day.

It was powerful when Pope Leo XIV reminded the youth that they are the Church of today, not just the Church of the future. His genuine care and affection for the youth was evident in his tone and words. My teens are still talking about the digital encounter.

We took four teens, ages 15-17. Adoration and Confession were powerful for our group, and being able to have Mass with 16,000 teens is always a beautiful experience. We are eager for NCYC 2027!

Lucia Street, sophomore in Central Regional High School, Bayville; member of CYGNUS youth ministry in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River

This is the first time that I have attended NCYC and I could not be more grateful … I went to find ways I could become closer to God and meet new people my age who would help me grow in my faith.

Going to Confession during Adoration was the most meaningful part of this year’s convention. Witnessing the online exchange between Pope Leo XIV and the teens changed my perspective on how the Vatican views the young Church… Being a youth in the Catholic Church can feel powerless … because the main focus is often on adults who are doing great things … The Holy Father explained to us that it is not necessary for us to do grandiose actions … to be seen in the eyes of God.

I have created life-long friendships with people who I would never have talked to if it weren’t for this incredible trip. I have grown closer in my relationship with God and learned what it means to live out my faith every day.

Lisa Limongello, director of youth ministry, Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley

Attending an event like NCYC gives teenagers a sense of belonging. I accompanied eight teens ages 14-17; getting to witness other teens coming together as the Body of Christ to adore Jesus moved them to tears. … I pray that my teens take away that the Holy Spirit is a constant presence within themselves and they have the power to spread the Gospel and be Jesus to their community every day.

The Holy Father blessed us with his presence … he emphasized that … our young Church can make a difference today. He also spoke of the importance of authentic friendship … [who] will lead you closer to Christ, build up your faith and help you through hard times.

My teens are on fire for the Lord and are hungry for more. … The gratitude they have for getting to experience NCYC together is unmatched. IGNITE Youth Group will prosper at home with their witness.

Aidan Filippone, junior, Hopewell Valley Central High School, Pennington

This is my first time attending NCYC and it was amazing. I thought it would be a very special experience for me and help me grow in my faith and relationship with God.

The most meaningful part of this year’s conference was the hour-long Adoration, where I got to be vulnerable with thousands of other teens. To go on a Facetime call with the Pope … reassured me that the Catholic youth do matter in the Church.

One thing he said that resonated with me was that youth … are the present of the Church. This meant a lot because we are currently participating in things to help our community and world. This also helps us teens strive to be the best Catholics we can be right now.

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to that helped ignite the Catholic spark in me and … for everyone’s contributions and donations.

Nicole Robotti, junior, Hopewell Valley Central High School, Pennington

This is my first time going to NCYC. What motivated me to go was realizing it could bring me closer to my faith. … It was the best thing to happen to me.

The most meaningful part of the conference was the morning sessions as we all packed the stadium full [and] seeing how many other teens wanted to be involved in their faith. The speaker in the morning changed my view and how everyone was brought to their faith in a different way. Not everyone is called to God in the same way.

Witnessing the Pope come on to a live video call answering our questions made me realize that he wants young people to be curious about their faith and to help lead them through. One thing he said that stuck with me was that we aren’t the future in our Church, we’re the present.

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