Imagine being in a place with over 23,000 other teenagers.This year, a group of 73 teenagers from Dubuque (1,624 from the Archdiocese of Dubuque) will be a part of the fun that NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) offers every other year in Indianapolis.

NCYC is an opportunity to grow in faith with teenagers from all around America. The Dubuque contingent will meet at Resurrection at a grueling 5:30 a.m. this Thursday to start the journey to both the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and their faith.

Kaylee Osterberger, ‘18, will be attending this three day experience for the first time this year. “I’m excited to grow closer in my faith with a large group of people from all over the United States,” Osterberger says of the upcoming trip.

No matter what one’s interests are, NCYC has a little bit of everything. Participants can  listen to talks, attend concerts, and participate in liturgy, games, adoration, reconciliation, and sports.

At NCYC students can decide what they want to do and choose from the many options. They design their schedule to fit their interests and what they think they will connect with the most.

“I am most looking forward to the Mark Hart, (vice president of Life Teen) talk,” Emma Mockler, ‘16, says in anticipation of her first trip to Indianapolis. “I am also really looking forward to listening to Matt Maher (singer of “Because He Lives”) sing,” Mockler adds.

Mrs. Lugene Berning, a chaperone for NCYC in previous years, knows first hand how enjoyable NCYC can be. “The energy and enthusiasm are incredible!” said Berning.

For those who aren’t going to NCYC this year, Mrs. Berning would encourage them to go in two years saying, “I think it is a great opportunity to grow in your faith, to experience our Catholic church on a big scale, and to have a lot of fun!”

Still not convinced you want to go to NCYC in the fall of 2017? Go to http://www.ncyc.info/about/index.htm to learn more about NCYC.