Catholic Youth Explore Faith at Conference
Nov 27, 2024 03:04PM ● By Fatima Cabrera, Special to the Herald
St. Christopher’s Catholic Church’s participants in National Catholic Youth Conference pose for a photo with the Rev. Miguel Silva, front row far right. They are, back row from left, Marisela Suarez, Patricia Cabrera, Elias Orejel, Alex Estrada, Elis Suarez, Maricela Orejel and Alejandra Estrada; and, front row from left, Eva Delgado, Fatima Cabrera, Valeria Gutierrez, Aaliyah Fraizer, Mariana Orejel and Veronica Estrada. Photo courtesy of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church
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Editor’s Note: Young members of St. Christopher Catholic Church attended the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Long Beach from Nov. 14-16. Liberty Ranch High School student Fatima Cabrera was one of the attendees.
LONG BEACH, CA (MPG) - At the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) of 2024, the theme this year was “El Camino/The Way,” which means to find your way to God no matter the struggles. The participants attended the conference through workshops, keynote speakers, prayers, social justice activities, music and opening/closing ceremonies.
This year there were more than 3,000 youth attendees, accompanied by their youth ministers and chaperones, along with exhibitors, bishops, priests, deacons and sisters. All NCYC events are made possible through a nonprofit organization, the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry, (nfcym.org). The purpose is to support those amazing people who help guide teens as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ.
“El Camino/The Way” is based on the Book of Isaiah (30:21): “And your ears shall hear a word behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it, when you would turn to the right or the left.'”
St. Christopher Catholic Church sent seven youth participants (Aaliyah Frazier, Mariana Orejel, Elias Orejel, Veronica Estrada, Elis Suarez, Valeria Gutierrez, and Fatima Cabrera) and six chaperones (Maricela Orejel, Alex Estrada, Alejandra Estrada, Marisela Suarez, Eva Delgado, and Patricia Cabrera).
As a first-time attendee at NCYC, I didn’t know what to expect. The previous youth who had attended hyped it up so much that I wanted to experience what Eva Delgado calls “the Jesus fever.”
I’m amazed by the opportunity of the trip and beyond grateful for everyone who came with me on this unique experience that brought me closer to God. Meeting people who helped me connect my faith and had the same beliefs made me realize NCYC isn’t just going to church and praying; it’s about finding your own way in life. We attended so many great workshops and heard many wonderful, dynamic speakers.
During this time, we sang along with the voice of the house band, led by Belen Rodriguez and Thomas Muglia. Masters of ceremonies were Rhyan Ramirez and Maggie Craig. We heard from the keynote speaker in the ceremonies, had Mass, sang, and danced.
My favorite keynote speaker was Lily, who testified that she wanted to change for others’ approval instead of seeking God’s approval. But then she realized, “I don’t know how hard it will be to get me to give up, but I know God is always with me.”
It was truly amazing seeing all the teenagers profess our same Catholic faith. The excitement in being all together as the young church is a powerful, amazing way to experience our own encounter with God. The most important highlight was at adoration and going to Mass together as the young church. All these memories at NCYC will last a lifetime.
We want to thank all our chaperones; our priest, Father Miguel Silva; and all those in and out of our parish who supported us on our faith journey. Lastly, a special thank-you to Eva Delgado. Hopefully, we will come again to NCYC 2025 “I am/Yo Soy” in Indianapolis.
Overall highlights from all NCYC youth participants and all participants’ favorite quotes:
Aaliyah Frazier:
Quote: “Friends in the faith are worth keeping.”
Highlight: “My highlight was meeting new people and being able to worship with the youth going through the same situation also at the same age as me.”
Mariana Orejel:
Quote: “The devil will disrupt to distract, God will disrupt to develop.”
Highlight: “Moments at NCYC that brought me joy was when I would have conversations with other youths talking about how grateful we are to be there and how blessed we are to be Catholic”
Elias Orejel:
Quote: “Satan knows your name but calls you by your sins, Jesus knows your sins but calls you by your name”
Highlight: “My highlight was meeting new people and connecting with other Catholics.”
Veronica Estrada:
Quote: “No matter what you’re going through or who doesn’t appreciate you, you are beloved by God.”
Highlight: “My highlight of NCYC was knowing that you’re surrounded by people who believe the same as you, the feeling of security.”
Elis Suarez:
Quote: “In baptism, we are called God’s beloved forever. We are God’s creation and his biggest accomplishments and to acknowledge our beauty and be proud of ourselves is key as God pictured us the way we are.”
Highlight: “My highlight was hearing each keynote’s speech and connecting with tons of people my age worshiping the same faith I have, as the friendships made through faith are the best.”
Valeria Gutierrez:
Quote: “When you pray, God puts you through situations to give us what we prayed for.”
Highlight: “My highlight was receiving the Eucharist and having my Jesus moment. There’s always something special with dedicating those three days to the Lord and receiving the Eucharist right after. I’m truly going to miss NCYC.”
Eva Delgado:
Quote: “We are beloved by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we are called and chosen, that we are the beautiful children of God.
