It happens once every two years and for more than 10 years, Vegas area teens have been there. This week, a delegation from Las Vegas is headed to Long Beach, CA for the National Catholic Youth Conference, one of the premier Catholic youth events in the country. The California version is a trial run to try and establish a West Coast edition of the conference.
Fr. Richard Rinn blesses students during a special visit.
NCYC is a three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service and empowerment for Catholic teens and their adult leaders. Organizers describe it as a “lifechanging experience to encounter Christ.” It opens Thursday.
Accompanying them will be Associate Rosy Hartz, who has led the group every time, and Vanessa Marshall, a parishioner and former leader with the Viatorian Youth Congress.
This year’s theme is Walking on Water, inspired by the story of Jesus calling Peter to come out onto the water despite being in the eye of a storm (Matt 14:29).
Viatorian associates and youth leaders enjoy dinner while preparing for the trip.
“Teens have experienced a feeling of sinking, causing a weakening of faith throughout the past two years,” conference officials say on the event’s website. “NCYC 2022 is an invitation to step out in faith and trust our Lord. Our team of speakers and artists will help our teens build a foundation of faith, for these moments when our faith is tested.”
The delegation of young people and their adult leaders from St. Viator Catholic Community met Sunday to prepare for the three-day conference. Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor, was on hand to meet with them and give them a special blessing.