Et cetera : Teens Experience “Called to Glory”

The Heart of Mary Cluster (made up of St. Mary’s, Urbana. Sacred Heart, Walker, St. Mary’s, Vinton parishes) sent a group of teens to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)  in Indianapolis November 17-20th.  The conference theme was Called to Glory and 30 teens and six chaperones from the Heart of Mary Cluster joined over 23,000 teens from all over the United States to  experience three days of inspirational speakers, uplifting music, and to celebrate being Catholic. A chaperone Patti Upmeyer  said, “The powerful presence of God was revealed in abundance throughout the weekend with young people, adults and clergy.

 Speakers included technology in many of their talks. One speaker compared teens to an ipod and reminding them that just as they plug in their ipod to charge it, the teens need to plug into Christ to be recharged themselves. During the closing Mass the Bishop asked all of the23,000 teens to get out their cell phones and text a friend or family member  the words “called to glory”.  The beginning and ending activities each day were held in Lucas Oil Stadium and led by a group of 80 teen animators. Jess says, “I love to watch the dancing to the amazing music during the liturgy and speakers.”

 “I liked the way the speakers talked about faith in a way that teens could relate to it. It wasn’t a lecture or talking at me. It was sharing everyday life experience.” says Liz.  A favorite speaker of the many of the students even compared faith to the movie Jaws. “Brooke says, “I love the way the speaker compared faith to the jaws movie, reminding us that we shouldn’t be afraid to show our love for Jesus”.

 Students had the opportunity to listen to nationally recognized speakers and inspiring music. The days were filled with high energy rallies, amazing workshops, service projects, prayerful and informative hands-on activities and an opportunity to make friends with Catholic teens from all over the country.  Elizabeth says, “I love the emotion and excitement at the rallies.”

 The youth animators also shared their faith stories. One teen shared how her father abandoned her family and the struggles she had as a result of that. Hannah said, “I loved how the teen came to the realization that even though she doesn’t have her biological father in her life, she has God the father as her father”.

The Heart of Mary Cluster parishioners were very supportive of the teens attending the conference and helping them out with fundraising efforts.  The teens are very grateful for this experience and appreciate all of the support from their parish and families who made it possible for them to attend.  Michelle says, “I loved meeting the new people and realizing that the Catholic Church is truly universal.”

Many of the teens who attended NCYC 2011 are looking to the future and attending the next NCYC in November 2013.