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YOUNG CATHOLICS

Kansas City, here we come

Diocesan teens off to national event

On Nov. 19-22, thousands of youth across the country will be attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City, Mo. Of those thousands, 237 will be representing the Albany Diocese. In addition, 68 parents and youth leaders are also going on the trip.

"It's important for the young people to see that participating in the Church is not just for the older generations," said David Stagliano, diocesan associate director for youth and young adult ministry. "The youth that attend get excited and inspired by those around them."

While at the conference, the teens will participate in prayer, song and workshops, all of which are centered on building a stronger faith. Judging from previous years, they'll also do a lot of socializing with peers from around the country. 

"You realize that there [are] thousands of young people out there who are just like you," said Shane Burke, a 17-year-old who attends Our Lady of Mercy parish in Colonie, which is merging with St. Francis de Sales in Loudonville through the "Called to be Church" pastoral planning process. "They're willing and have their hearts and minds open to God and it's so life-altering."

This will be Shane's second time attending the conference. This year, he will serve as an ambassador, a job that includes introducing workshop presenters and hosting group sessions.

The size of this year's contingent from the Albany Diocese is in line with previous years. However, Albany is one of just a few U.S. dioceses that sends most participants in a coordinated group.

Some of the themes for the workshops include forming a Catholic identity in teens, youth ministry and technology, Scripture and the adult spiritual journey.

For Rebecca Fay, a 16-year-old home-schooled student from St. John the Baptist parish in Valatie, her first time at the NCYC will be a unique experience.

"This is the first big conference I've ever been to," she explained. "I'm expecting to learn more about my faith and have fun with other people around the country."

While the students will spend some of their time having fun and making new friends, they understand the main mission of the conference.

"I hope to learn more about my faith and more of the spiritual part of it," Rebecca said.

Shane also is hoping to deepen his faith.

"I hope to be more open with everybody," he told The Evangelist. "And I want to let God really guide my life more than I've been letting Him."

These are the reports and lessons that Mr. Stagliano hopes to hear from other youth when they return from the conference.

"I hope that they will see the importance of their involvement in our present Church and not wait until they're older," he said. "I'm a big advocate for young people to be part of their parish community now, which will hopefully lead them to involvement as adults. 

"Some will come home totally excited and inspired and I hope that their parishes, and certainly I, will put that energy to use."

(10/01/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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