Contingent from East Tennessee participates in national conference
By Amanda Henderson
Youth from across the Diocese of Knoxville joined some 16,000 Catholic teenagers and ministry leaders from around the country for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) Nov. 20-22.
The three-day gathering invites high-school youth to encounter Christ through prayer, worship, and fellowship, offering a powerful experience of the universal Church.
This year’s theme centered on Moses and the burning bush, focusing on God’s holy name, “I AM,” and reminding teens that God continues to call His people today—choosing, transforming, anointing, healing, and sending them forth.
A group from the Diocese of Knoxville attending NCYC takes its seats in Lucas Oil Stadium for the festivities. (Photo courtesy Amanda Henderson)
Several parishes from the diocese participated, attending either with the diocesan delegation or with individual parish groups. The diocesan presence included more than 125 teens and adult leaders. For many, the magnitude of the gathering left a deep impression.
“I actually gasped when I walked into the stadium,” said Olivia from St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga. “Seeing that many young Catholics and how on fire they were for the faith—it was incredible.”
Youth ministers shared similar reactions.
Susan Collins, director of religious education and youth ministry at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville, said her most memorable moment was witnessing “16,000 teens coming together in prayer during adoration in Lucas Oil Stadium,” adding, “Wow! The place was so on fire for Christ. It brought tears to my eyes.”
The digital encounter with Pope Leo was another highlight that united the entire stadium. Pauline O’Keeffe, the director of youth ministry at St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, shared that her group “returned home eager to grow more involved in their faith and parish life. Mission accomplished!”
For many teens, the weekend offered connection and encouragement they had never experienced before. Sarah, from St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, said realizing that thousands of teens were “searching for God’s grace and guidance just like I was” helped her feel deeply connected to the wider Church.
Lila from St. Jude Parish said NCYC “helped me open my heart to the Lord and His plans,” while Lucy from St. Mary recalled the unforgettable silence of thousands of teens united in eucharistic adoration.
In addition to the large gatherings, participants attended breakout sessions on topics ranging from discipleship to vocations. Mrs. Collins noted that teens appreciated choosing sessions based on their interests—some held in rooms that fit 100 and others drawing nearly 1,000.
She said the youth “witnessed a vibrant Church, filled with the Holy Spirit, and met in person the speakers and musicians they had only seen in classroom videos.”
Many rural parishes expressed deep gratitude for the support that made this pilgrimage possible.
“Being from a rural area, many of our youth would not be able to attend such a gathering without fundraising efforts,” Mrs. Collins said. “We are very appreciative of the organizations and individuals whose generosity made this trip possible.”
Throughout the weekend, teens participated in Mass, received the sacrament of reconciliation, joined in service activities, and enjoyed opportunities to meet peers from across the country. For several, the music that opened each session and the testimonies from youth their own age were particularly impactful.
As these young people return home, the hope is that the fire ignited at NCYC will continue to shine in their hearts, strengthening them as joyful missionary disciples in East Tennessee.