Empowering the Young

National Catholic Youth Conference

Empowering the Young

J.C. Montenegro and some of his young friends

(photo by U.S. Western Province)

 
(ANS – Long Beach, Calif. – November 18, 2022) – From Thursday, November 10, through Sunday, November 13, young people and their youth ministers from the United States gathered in Long Beach, Calif., to do a number of important things: “Get into the boat with Jesus” and commit their lives ever more deeply to their Catholic faith; give praise and worship to God as a Catholic community; be formed in those skills, attitudes, and choices that would make them more solid in their Catholic faith; be of responsible service to others; and discern their vocation in life.

Sponsored by the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry, this conference represents the largest movement of Catholic youths in the United States. “As we were reminded, they are not the Church of the future. No—they are the Church now!” explains Fr. Lou Molinelli, SDB, delegate for youth Ministry for the United States East and Canada Province.

The Salesian Family was well represented from all the North American provinces with Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and lay collaborators in the various youth ministry offices and ministries. Also, the Salesian Family was responsible for organizing the Reconciliation room, where over 1,000 young people received the sacrament of Reconciliation over 2 days.

Sr. Elfie Del Rosario and some of the youths she met at NCYC.

(photo by Fr. Lou Molinelli)

Moreover, 6 young people from St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, Calif., United States West Province, were invited to present at NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference in the USA). Their topic was “How to accompany young people with the Salesian charism.”

“When we were invited by Juan Carlos Montenegro, our youth minister, to be co-speakers at this convention, we were beyond thrilled,” Victoria Figueroa, a youth leader, states. “October consisted of rigorous planning and discussion about what it means to empower the youth here at our parish, St. Dominic Savio.”

“The group that accompanied Juan Carlos was the Oratory’s core team, a team that consists of trained leaders that are high school students and 2 college students,” she describes. “Our youth ministry empowers our youths in a unique way that builds a community of respect, friendship, and family. We are a welcoming ministry that is open to everyone in our church and our community. Everything that we do and all interactions that we have with the youths are following the example of St John Bosco. Our Salesian spirit at Savio is found in our youth group, our after-school program, and all of our other groups.”

“At NCYC we heard incredible speakers and inspiring testimonies. Along with these speakers were our young people from St. Dominic Savio. They were inspiring and eloquent, our Salesian spirit shined through,” Victoria ends.

Fr. Molinelli adds: “What are some of the things our young people are asking for? First, our young people ask for a voice in sharing their struggles, faith journey, and challenges in living their Catholic identity. These young people are committed to following Jesus as committed Catholics. They want to be heard and appreciated for the insights and perspectives they bring to the Catholic community.”

Then Fr. Molinelli goes on: “Second, our young people are looking to us, those who accompany them as youth leaders, to be role models and good examples of living their Catholic faith. They want to see how we have ‘weathered the storm’ and have remained faithful. And finally, our young people are searching for ways to make choices in their lives that will lead to a meaningful living of their faith in the world, and to make a difference in the lives of others.”

“We had an interactive booth that encouraged and challenged our young people to be saints,” Fr. Molinelli concludes.

Fr. Lou Molinelli with postulants of the Salesian Sisters.

(photo by Fr. Molinelli)

Here are some testimonies from other youth leaders of the St. Dominic Savio Church who attended NCYC.

Gabbie Guzman, 16, states: “My close friends and I had a great time at NCYC since we got to meet a lot of people from all around the country and help others empower the youths. I was incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to share my perspective as a teen on how parishes may engage the youths. I also enjoyed hearing how others learned to grow in their faith and overcome their struggles and doubts in their journeys. I had a great time talking to priests and nuns from other states about how their parishes are. I overall had a great time, and I’m so blessed I was invited to NCYC.”

Joaquin Perez, 16: “Being invited to NCYC by Juan Carlos, my original thoughts consisted of being uninterested because I was thinking this convention was going to be just one of those ‘boring Jesus talks.’ After going to NCYC, I can say it was an overwhelming amount of excitement and celebrations. Everyone we turned to was so joyful and kind; everywhere we went it was filled with color and excitement. The level of passion in so many young people is inspirational and absolutely fabulous. Overall, the conference was so much fun and helped me learn so many things about myself and my faith.”

Abby Najarro, 17: “My experience at NCYC was incredible! I had a great time learning and meeting new people out of our home state. I wish it was longer to meet more people and to learn more about different topics and from different parishes. I was glad to be able to make it because I have made amazing memories with my group and others as well.”