An awesome gathering! Nearly 700 youth of diocese join thousands at convention

by Bill Casey

The National Catholic Youth Conference, often referred to as NCYC, was a huge success. Nearly 700 9-12th grade youth and adult leaders traveled from the New Ulm diocese to Indianapolis. The conference, held December 6-9, 2001, brought nearly 24,000 people together for four days of action-packed fun and inspiration. The New Ulm diocese was the sixth largest group in the nation to attend this event and as Bishop Nienstedt pointed out, the group had the largest youth per capita from their home diocese in attendance.

In the most recent months there was a large concern for security due to the events of September 11. Some parishes it seemed to affect more than others. The heightened security at the conference was very evident. The theme of the conference was "Hope at the Crossroads." The event brought together many speakers and musicians from throughout the nation. The conference is sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Federation is the umbrella organization for all Catholic Youth Ministry in the nation.

Bishop John C, Nienstedt from the New Ulm diocese joined the group for the various events at the conference. There were forty-nine U.S. bishops in attendance. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein of Indianapolis told the teens that their enthusiastic and open spirit inspired him. He asked the youth to spend some time at the chapel across the street before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament while they were there. He said, "Ask Christ to help you find guidance in deciding how you can make a difference serving our church now." He asked the crowd to look out over the group and think about how they will one day be in charge of the nation’s schools, universities, and health care facilities and to consider who will be the religious leaders. He said, "I see you as teachers and youth ministers and religious in charge of Catholic health care and universities and schools."

Keynote speakers such as Miss America, Angela Perez Baraquio, spoke to the group. She talked about her duties of being Miss America and struggle to keep her faith a top priority. Another moving speaker, Renee Bondi, a Christian singer and teacher, touched the lives of many with her faith stories. Because of a rare accident and her survival since that time she now lives to tell stories about her faith that demonstrate many miracles in her life.

There were many workshops for young people to pick from during the day with topics such as: Putting U in Justice; Cultural Diversity; Music and Young People; Coping with Stress; Being Catholic in the Real World-presented by Matt Smith of MTV’S hit show Real World New Orleans. There were evening activities that included a large dance, coffee house, concerts, and comedy club. There was the Raceway Park for all to take part in the over 100 exhibitors, games, displays, activities, and concerts. On Friday evening there was a regional liturgy with people from Minnesota, North and South Dakota.

A youth Congress was held simultaneously during the workshop times. The New Ulm diocese had two delegates to this gathering, both members of the Diocesan Youth Council: Maria Wiering of Tyler and Lance Fier from Minneota. These two youth were part of the Congress where about 300 youth and many bishops were in attendance, including Bishop Nienstedt.

As young people and adults return to their various parishes in the New Ulm diocese they will tell about their faith experiences. I know they are signs of hope in a world that has discovered fear. Many young people said that they want to return home to make a difference. May they be signs of hope in all our communities.

Check in on the Diocese of New Ulm Website www.dnu.org to see pictures from this faith-filled trip.

Bill Casey is director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of New Ulm.