NCYC 2017

NCYC 2017 – Thank you from our Pilgrims

Hello!  We are 49 youth and 7 adults from St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish who recently traveled on our pilgrimage to the National Catholic youth Conference (NCYC). The conference was in downtown Indianapolis from Nov.16 to 19. Despite the short distance to go compared to others, it was a pilgrimage because it was a sacrifice of our time to attend NCYC with the intention to share and increase our Catholic faith with other pilgrims from around the country.

We were part of the larger Lafayette Diocese delegation of 450 youth. We joined over 22,000 youth from around the country including youth from neighboring states, and as far away as Hawaii and Alaska. The closing Mass was concelebrated by about 300 priests, and 15 bishops, including the principal celebrant, Archbishop Jose Gomez from Los Angeles.

During the conference we attended small and large group sessions about living a faith-filled life, dealing with our faith in the secular world, relationships, forgiveness and healing, discernment, ministry and just being disciples for Christ in His beautiful Catholic Church. We met lots of other people and traded crazy cow hats for their crazy hats. There were opportunities to do service, and to receive Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.

A few months ago, we handed out mini M&M canisters after Masses, asking for donations for the youth of the parish who were going to NCYC. We would like to thank the parish for the $3,700 that was donated to our trip, and also those of you who allowed us to clean your car for a donation. We would also like to recognize and thank the Knights of Columbus who contributed $4,000 to the pilgrimage. 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We could not have done it without you!

We were inspired for Christ in this pilgrimage, and wanted to briefly share with you some moments or feelings that affected us the most …

• “At NCYC I learned how to forgive.”
• “God calls us for a purpose and calls us to be so much more.”
• “No matter what you’re going through, God is so much stronger.”
• “It was amazing to see that many Catholics receive communion at the same time.”
• “It increased my faith.”
• “God sees DIFFERENTLY than everyone else, He sees straight into our hearts.”
• “More aware of God’s presence”
• “Crazy Catholics in cow hats!”
• “The hat business is a tough business!”
• “An incredible experience that I’ll remember forever!!”

We thank you again for your donations and prayers!

NCYC Pilgrims