Some 900 teenagers in grades eight through 12 from around the Diocese gathered for the annual Diocesan Youth Conference Feb. 7 in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River.
Focusing on the theme “Power-ful,” based on the Scripture passage “That your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God,” the daylong conference kept the teens and their chaperones busy by participating in a service project in which they prepared 500 first aid kits to be sent to Haiti, attending a workshop on Adoration led by Live Vertical, hearing inspiring messages from Oscar Rivera, aka Two Ten” and attending Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2026 Diocesan Youth Conference
“Standing here with you today, as your Bishop, I see a Church that is alive,” Bishop O’Connell said in his homily.
“I see a generation filled with energy, creativity and courage. And I want to begin with a truth that the world does not always tell you: you are powerful,” he said, adding that “Not because of your social media following. Not because of your grades, your talents, or your achievements. Not because of how loudly you can speak or how confidently you can stand. You are powerful because God has placed His light within you.”
The Monitor will share expanded coverage n DYC in the February magazine and here on TrentonMonitor.com.
