Recently a group of youth, young adults, and staff traveled to Kansas City, Missouri for the 2009 National Catholic Youth Conference, November 19-21, 2009. They were joined by 21,000 youth from around the country who joined together for a weekend of prayer, worship, workshops, meeting new people, and exploring their faith. Some youth had never been outside of the state, so it was a great trip with new experiences and opportunities.
The theme of the Conference was Christ Reigns. Large group speakers talked on topics from chastity to personal struggles and accomplishment to challenging youth to be the best that they can be, and to show their best selves to the world around. Each day was jam packed, with participants awaking around 6 a.m. for breakfast in order to get to the Conference Center by 8 a.m. and from there they had bands to entertain the crowd before the morning session, then youth went off to workshops, lunch time, then another workshop before dinner and heading back to the arena for the evening session. Everyone started the first full day with Adoration, then there was a grand procession for which local streets were closed so that clergy and participants could process together to the Sprint Center for workshops. The event closed with a Mass for all, before sending youth forth to be a light in their communities and a hope that many would make the pilgrimage to Indianapolis in 2011.
Everyone sported their cow hats, representing Region 7 (Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana). They were just one item that youth brought to trade with the new friends that they met along the way. See our good looks and share in the adventure by clicking the link below.
NCYC Pictures
