Diocese of Harrisburg OYYAM

Blogging for Youth

2011-11-19T17:11:00.005-08:00

This is Michael Lynch, and I've been your main blogger throughout these last three days. I hope these blogs have helped you stay close to your youth as they experience NCYC. They've been great for me, as I've tried understand what the youth are doing, feeling, and experiencing and then translating it for you. I'd like to thank the Diocese of Harrisburg for providing the tablets with which to do the blogs. They're a great way to stay in touch, and everyone I've talked to thinks it is a great idea. Emily Albert has been a great help with technical training and assistance throughout the weekend.

Updated arrival schedule

2011-11-19T17:11:00.003-08:00

We will depart Indianapolis about 2300, so with roughly 10 hours to drive (plus stops}, so OK for us to arrive around 0900-1000, instead of 0600 as previously briefed. We will begin calling when we are 1 hour out to let you know when we are close.

God is Army Strong and so are we

2011-11-19T17:11:00.001-08:00

This is Sarah Mosinski from Mary Queen of Peace church. We started this morning with a session in the Lucas Oil Stadium, which was a lot of fun. I especially liked our keynote speaker, Michael Patin. He was extremely funny and taught us to share our gifts with everyone we can. After the session some of us headed to Rock for Life, which talked about being Pro life for ALL life and had a lot of great music. We also went to the ,D Club, or the Comedy Club. It was a lot of fun - I spent the whole time laughing. All in all, it was another great day at NCYC. I can't wait for NCYC 2013.

Over and out,
- Sarah

Rock 4 Life, NCEE WYCEE , D CLUB; and the last day of NCYC:(

2011-11-19T17:10:00.009-08:00

This is Catherine Lynch a guest blogger from the Mary Queen of Peace community. This weekend has been an awesome and amazing opportunity for all of us especially me. We started the day off in the Lucas Oil Stadium, one of the coolest places that we've gone to in my opinion. My favorite part of this morning was the keynote speaker from Louisiana, Michael Patin. He gave an excellent speech that was very funny. He and Mark Hart gave the best speeches in my opinion. Their messages really stuck to me and inspired me. I also went to a Rock 4 Life Breakout session which was about being Pro Life, that was also very inspirational. The funniest part of my day so far was the NCEE WYCEE , D CLUB which is the NCYC Comedy Club. The name itself is funny. This weekend has been very inspirational for me. I've learned more about my faith, grew in my faith, and was given tips on how to connect with God and share my faith. Its been a great experience not only in enriching my faith, but meeting Catholic teens from all over the country and being able to come together and share in our faith and to have fun. I've loved being able to come here with my friends, make new friends, and come closer to God. I will definitely be back for NCYC 2013.

NCYC a great experience!!!!! :-)

2011-11-19T17:10:00.007-08:00

Hey this is Jake Hoelscher from Mary Queen of Peace Chapel. Today at NCYC was a great experience. We started out this morning with a session at the Lucas Oil Stadium. My favorite part of that session was when Michael Patin gave his speech. In this he said that prayer doesn't strengthen your relationship with god........ it IS your relationship with god. This was probably one of the most moving parts of the trip for me. All in all this morning and this trip was one of the best experiences I have had in a while and can not wait till NCYC 2013!

GOD IS ARMY STRONG

2011-11-19T17:10:00.005-08:00

Guest blogger Eli White
What's up my fellow catholic friends
I'm livin it up in Indiana having the time of my life
All the bagging and car washes were totally worth it!!
Thank you all of you for giving us the opportunity to grow in our faith:-)
God Bless. Love you allll.:-)

Living It Up NCYC Style!!!!

2011-11-19T17:10:00.003-08:00

Guest blogger Thomas Salomon
NCYC is pretty fun. We have had a lot of bonding expierences with other Catholic bros and gals. It was worth all if the wait and hard work. I can't wait for the next NCYC and suggest it to all Catholics kids. God is ARMY STRONG!! God bless.

A Close Encounter of a Special Kind

2011-11-19T17:10:00.001-08:00

This is Michael E. Lynch. NCYC is a special opportunity in many ways, most of which we've blogged about. For my family, however, it was doubly special. In 1998, we travelled to China to meet our beautiful new daughter, Catherine. We met several great Catholic families on that trip, and the adoption process forms a very special bond. This year, NCYC gave us the opportunity to link up with one of the families for the first time in 13 years. I was privileged to chaperone Catherine's trip to Indianapolis, and while we were here we discovered that Annie Phillips was here as well from the diocese of Kansas City. Annie's parents adoyed her at the same time along with her older sister Susie. Annie has since been blessed with two younger sibkings from China, as Catherine has also gained a sister and brother from China and Vietnam. This week has been a truly remarkable experience for all of us, but allowing Catherine and Annie to finally meet has made it really special.

NCYC CONOR'S EXPERIENCE

2011-11-19T14:05:00.005-08:00

NCYC has been a great experience for me!!! I've traded with many people and the people I have traded with have been very nice. I have reconnected with God in a new way. I wouldndefinatly comeback to the next one!

Prayer does not improve your realtinship with God

2011-11-19T14:05:00.003-08:00

THAT title got you attention, didn't it?! It got our attention last night too, when Mark Hart said it. Mark is one of the best of the many superb speakers we've heard. So, here,s the context: Prayer doesn't IMPROVE your realtionship with God, prayer IS your relationship with God! As Mark would say, wrap your head around that!

What a weekend

2011-11-19T14:05:00.001-08:00

Hi, this is Scott McQuaig, on of the chaparones for Mary Queen of Peace at Carlisle Barracks. As this weekend winds down, it is amazing the energy that is still here in the convention center. There have been awesome speakers, electrifying music, and time for prayer, reconciliation and reflection. It is so very encouraging to me to see the enthusiasm of the 'Young Church' as the stadium announcer put it. I hope and pray our youth will be able to bring home and live out what they,ve demonstrated here this weekend. What a great experience and I'm already feeling the tug to come back in 2013.

Parents in Prayer

2011-11-19T12:01:00.001-08:00

Randy Ruas, CEO of LifeTeen, gave a seminar about how to lead their families to prayer. He is a converted Catholic who decribed his experiences both with conversion and with his own children.

Raus has 8 children, and relates how to develop a faith relationship with kids. Great points:

#Tell sons they have what it takes
#Pray with your kids=prayer room, pray in the car, rosary together, etc.
#Tell them you love them daily
#Let kids see parents praying together
#Tell girls that they are beautiful, worthy affirm them
#Don' be afraid to pray with teenagers
#Kids like it when prayer becomes part of the routine

##Families that eat meals together, pray together, and go to Mass together cut the risk of dangerous behaviors in their kids by 70%.

What Teens think about prayer
#They are seeing depth in prayer
#Open to prayer
#Can take on leadership responsibilities

We then spent some time talking in groups about how to talk to pray with teens. It's really a shame we did not have a bigger crowd. It was intended for parents, but it would be good to attend this with our kids.

Be Who You are Called to be

2011-11-19T10:42:00.001-08:00

Mike Patin reminded all of us of St. Catherine of Sienna's challenge: Be who you are called to be, and we will set the world on fire. It's a great message for all of our youth and not only as they grow up. The challenge is to live our lives as visible Catholics, be proud of our faith, and to demonstrate it every day.

Chrstian Rock Star

2011-11-19T09:16:00.001-08:00

Steve Agrisano seems to be the most popular of all the excellent musical acts we've seen so far. We've got about 5000 people, both adults and youth, all in one big room singing and praying along with a great program. Those parents who have not talked to their youth about. What they're doing at Life Teen may never had heard of him, but your kids have! He mixes humor, music, prayer and story telling to get across a great message in a fun and interesting way. He's not just for youth, because the adults are really having good time too!

Having fun :D

2011-11-19T08:45:00.005-08:00

What's up y'all hows it going? Its Belinda Murillo here and we are having a blast (: we are singing and learning about God. They have a bunch of cool things to buy, like shirts, pants, and jewelry like necklaces that say pick Jesus written on a guitar pick. :D highly recommended... well I shall let all you followers go.
God Bless

Eating lunch!

2011-11-19T08:45:00.003-08:00

I'm nick, and we are all eating panera for the 5th time this trip. We just got done with the first session, and we have workshops next. We are all having a great time!

Ncyc wooot wooot (:

2011-11-19T08:45:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone what's good? Sylvia here! NCYC has been a crazy loooong tiring awesome journey. From the frezzing walks to the camera chacing and praising our one and only Savior. I've really enjoyed my time here, all the talks, worshiping, and the yummy provided foood. Even though I won't eat another panera sandwitch for awhile... lol. The adults with us have been more than awesome, and have helped us with everything we've needed. My favorite part had to be the talk by Mark Hart, one thing he said that really stood out to me is " they feared death more than they feared sin" this made me think of back to my confirmation when we picked our saint.. they all portrayed this' and made me want to try harder to become like a saint. This trip also made me feel so thankful for my parents, and how blessed I am to have both my parents and how lucky I am that they are so caring and just wonderful people. I love you mom and dad and I can't wait to come home to you two.... and my own bed(:

White girl out <333

Youth in Action

2011-11-19T07:48:00.003-08:00

One of the truly amazing things to see at this conference, is how many youth are involved in every aspect of the program. There 95 animators who illustrate the various stories and songs, but they do much more than merely dance. They take part in every aspect of the program, and they are regular kids just like ours. They come from many different dioceses, and they sing solos, perform readings, and witness about their faith. They are great young people who are great role models for our youth. Maybe next time our kids can do something like this. They can connect with the kids in a way we cannot. It is truly inspiring, and we hope you at home are able to watch this on the NCYC website at NCYC.ORG. It is well worth your time.

Sounds of silence

2011-11-19T07:48:00.001-08:00

Our emcee, Valimar Jansen, asked us to create a "sacred silence" to prayerfully consider some of the things we had heard. The effect was unbelievable...23,000 sitting in perfect silence for nearly 5 minutes. You have no idea how loud silence can be until you've heard an entire stadium being quiet!

Opportunity!

2011-11-19T06:27:00.005-08:00

Have you noticed how many times we've used the word OPPORTUNITY in these blogs? That's not just because I have a limited vocabulary...its because the kids run into new opportunities with everything they experience here. Attending sessions zon lots of topics important to them and their faith formation, musical and learning activities, talking to nuns and monks from many different orders, and priests from all over the country. Its also a chance to learn about what Catholic service agencies do, and how they can seven in their own communities. Our kids are going to come home really motivated!

We're on the last day of NCYC 2011, but we'll be right back here in Indianapolis in 2013. I'm sure your freshmen and sophomores will want to come back next time, and they will encourage their younger siblings. Families should definitely take advantage of this truly rewarding experience. Those who will be moving next summer should check in with your next chapel or diocese to get involved in the planning and preparations. Don't miss it!

Day 3 Underway

2011-11-19T06:27:00.003-08:00

Our kids are up and moving already! We had a 0615 wake up call for a 0645 load and 0730 departure. Its been a long week, but the kids are doing really well! They're having a great time. More sessions today, and we end with a Mass in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Catholic Charities

2011-11-19T06:27:00.001-08:00

This event has also been a great opportunity to learn about what various Catholic charities do. Check out the video below for a description of Catholic Relief Services.

Knights of Columbus support to priests

2011-11-19T06:26:00.001-08:00

The Knights of Columbus Council 4057 and the Roundtable at Carlisle Barracks are supporting 4 seminarians, one of whom is Christopher Rhodes, who will be a military chaplain. Did you Knights reading this ever wonder what happened to that support? We ran into a priest from Minnesota wearing a KoC jacket, so I talked to him about our seminarians. He immediately started telling me how important that support was to him. We were standing with Bishop CHristenson, who echoed all the priest's comments. The Bishop said that he, too, received KoC support while he was in seminary, and told me to make sure that I blogged back to all my fellow Knights to tell you how important that support is, and to thank all of us for the support we give. Michael E. Lynch

Youth Celebrate last morning prayer at NCYC

2011-11-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

Emily Albert with you this morning, I'm sitting in Lucas Oil Stadium and watching over 40,000 youth participate in prayer. They are currently a crowd in front of the stage, singing and dancing with the morning concert. A sea of bright colored T-shirts flow through the crowd, silly hats bounce with each dance move. I'm staring at an ocean of youth, each creating a wave in the crowd, no one caring what they look like or who is tweeting at them. The youth are mind, body and soul with God in song! It gives me goose bumps as I watch.
As the lights dim, blinking lights twinkle through the stands. I'm watching the stars of youth twinkle over the ocean of youth. Not even a photograph can explain this beauty, it is just to interactive.
Please pray the holy spirit will stay with our youth as we venture home and through their daily routines of high school.

NCYC day 2

2011-11-18T17:03:00.007-08:00

Hey everyone! this Erin Ulrich
We are at the colts stadium now waiting for the session to start. Today we went to three sessions (some people did other things during some if the sessions as well). We have learned a lot and I for one have definitrky become stronger in my faith and this weekend had definiley learned a lot about being a Catholic over this weekend.

Sarah's Shout Out

2011-11-18T17:03:00.005-08:00

Hey to everyone who didn't get to come to NCYC! This is Sarah Ann Jensen. We are having a great time here singing, dancing, and socializing. The concerts are crazy with conga lines, and flying beach balls! The speakers are super funny, and cool. NCYC rocks! We have met lots of cool, new people from all over the country. I am having an amazing time here. Its a life changing experience!

Praise raves

2011-11-18T17:03:00.003-08:00

Rachel Francis here from NCYC. Yesterday, while at the general session, I took a picture of all the people here in the stadium and texted it to a friend. Her response was, "Are you at a rave??"
There are SO many people here at NCYC and it has been great to have the opportunity to meet and learn about some of them.
We have also had a great time going to some of the seminars NCYC offers. I think the overall favorite speaker so far is Mark Hart. He spoke this morning at the general session and was absolutely hilarious and really got everyone's attention in a way that allowed him to teach us in a way that we could really learn. We are all having a stupendous time, thanks to everyone who made us coming here possible!

Catholic swag!

2011-11-18T17:03:00.001-08:00

Yo diggity! Its Micky Mick mcquaig here! What's up in the huzzle!? We be having a rock in awesome time learning dance moves to the song Dynamite and busting them out! Well I gotta hop out but just know that we are the definition of Catholic swag!

Called to Praise

2011-11-18T17:02:00.001-08:00

Hey, hey, it's Claire Hillison here. We are having lots of fun over here in Indiana! From AWESOME spiritual workshops to the gathering/entertainment, we have been experiencing an altogether eye opening trip. The MC is amazing. Also, Mark Hart is a really great speaker. He had us laughing until until we cried. My favorite part has to be the music. I truly feel like I'm praising God with every song I sing. Well, I got to skidaddle! See you when we get home!

A Tale of Two Dioceses

2011-11-18T14:38:00.001-08:00

/wqwa#The youth of Mary, Queen of Peace parish at Carlisle Barracks have the best of two worlds: we're part of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, but very we're fortunate to live in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Many of us go to Catholic school at St. Pat's or Trinity, but we go Mass on post at Carlisle Barracks. We were baptized in one place, received first Holy Communion in another, and Confirmation yet another. We might go to NCYC 2013 with a different parish in another state...or another country. It has been great spending time with our friends here and learning more about our faith, but today we had a great opportunity: we go together with other military kids. The Archdiocese of the Military Services hosted a prayer service for other parishes like us. We read several readings about hunger, and then spent several minutes thinking about hunger in our own communities. We then spent a few minutes talking about the different kinds of hunger and how we could address it. In addition to our wn Carlisle Barracks community, we had people from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Heidelberg, Germany. Mark Moitoza, Director, Office of Evangelization, Archdiocese for the Military Services, led the service. It was also a great opportunity for those not in the military to learn more about the special challenges military kids face.

Got college?

2011-11-18T12:27:00.001-08:00

NCYC is a great opportunity for our youth to learn about Catholic colleges. Benedictine College, St. Thomas Aquinas and several others are here talking to high school students about their schools and scholarship opportunities. What makes it special is the linkage of education to faith formation.

Hanging with the Bishops

2011-11-18T11:01:00.001-08:00

One of the really neat things that our young people can do is meet the bishops. There are 30 bishops from around the country, each with a trading card. The bishops are walking around talking to everyone and signing their cards. They're all very friendly and approachable, and it is a great opportunity to spent time wit our church leaders. Check out photos below with Bishop Rhoades! He says to say hello to everyone in the Harrisburg diocese!

Also had a great opportunity meet and talk with three Vietnamese nuns. Speaking of nuns, there are so many orders here I've lostrack them all. The last photo is from Adorers of the Blood of Christ, which runs St. Ann's home and retirement village in Columbia, PA.

Connected; You ain't seen anything like this before

2011-11-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

We thought that yesterday would be pretty hard to top, and it was...but today was like a super thick icing on a super rich cake! Everyone had a blast, and I'm sure if you talked to any of them today they would tell you the exact same thing! We had three workshops plus the two general sessions today. Some of the favorite sessions from the workshops included Jason and Chrystalina, Father Tony, and Apex Ministries. The general sessions were a blast with keynote speakers Mark Hart, Bishop Luis Zarama, and others. Along with opening artists Sarah Bauer, Noelle Garcia, Sarah Hart, and the John Angotti Band. Major messages were searching for Christ, and connecting with Christ. A special preformer told the story of Jesus's death through the use of sand. Holy Spirit Church continues to be fueled by God, and have the passion of Jesus running through our veins. Amen? Alleluia!

God is...Army Strong!

2011-11-18T05:40:00.001-08:00

Good Morning! day 2 of NCYC, and the kids are doing well. They had late night, as we got back to the hotel about 11:00, then had pizza and some of them hit the pool. We got them all in their rooms by midnight, with a 0630 wake up call. We got back to Lucas Oil Stadium about 0730, and the program just started. Check out the video below, with Eli White leading the group in a God is... Army Strong! cheer. More later throughout the day.

My first NCYC

2011-11-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hello fans! This is Emily Albert, with The Catholic Witness. As you can see we have several guest bloggers, two from each group of five! One adult and one youth. So you will be getting a flavor of NCYC from a variety of ages!

    This is my first NCYC. I've been to two World Youth Day's, and thought this should be interesting to see everything from a more local level.
    NCYC is amazing! So many youth from all around our very own country gathered in one place to praise the Lord. It still surprises me when people tell me that the youth have no faith-look around, they are every where! They may be more silent and still soul searching, but they are out there, have faith. Our youth surprise me each and every time I have a chance to spend time with them. They are so excited about prayer and mass, not just the concerts.
   Tonight we celebrated mass together and the homily was overwhelmingly touching. It focused on Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, today is her feast day. The youth were challenged to act as she did, to truly give to Christ by caring for others. After we left mass, we walked out into the city toward Lucas Oil Stadium, as we walked over 1,000 people passed a homeless man. He was playing music and had a cup out. I watched as one of our very own youth from the Diocese paused and took some change out of his pocket, he dropped it in and accepted a hand shake from the man. Then the youth continued on with our group, without a word. I believe he really heard the homily.
    Our youth are listening, even if we might not be sure, watch close and they will show you in their actions. Faith is strong in our youth and we must believe in them and encourage them to be active with their parish, and to go on retreats and pilgrimages.
     Some how each pilgrimage I attend with our youth I learn more about my own faith by watching them practice theirs.
     Pray for us on our second day, that the Holy Spirit will be strong in each of us.

Also, don't forget to follow us on the Diocese of Harrisburg facebook page! We are posting pictures and comments throughout the day.

Thank you reading and God Bless!
Emily Albert

Holy Spirit's First Day Experience

2011-11-17T20:36:00.001-08:00

Day one has been filled with nothing but excitement, fun, and amazement! From the thematic park this morning to the general session tonight, we've only had nonstop adventure and can't wait for tomorrow. Some of the youth's favorite parts of today were the the creative corner, inflatables, bus sing a longs, and singing the circle of life at the general session. All in all everyone had a fantastic day, and no one can wait for all our sessions to start tomorrow!

NCYC Day One-SEAS

2011-11-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

Day one was tremedous:-) The day had a sense of glory and it peaked at Lucas Oil Stadium. The M.C. did a great job and she directed all of the songs and dances. Our numbers are estimated at 23,000! More to come, as I am excited for day 2!

Matt strauch

Ncyc concert

2011-11-17T16:51:00.001-08:00

<p>Hello this is Alan hanks and Rachel Francis. We are at the stupendous concert for the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indiannapolis, Indiana.  There are so many cool lights, great people, and an excited atmosphere! The chaperons have done an amazing job so far with controlling us and getting everything organized. So far we have gone to the convention and looked around at all of the great vendors carrying all of their catholic T-shirts, rosaries, and nick-nacks. After walking around the convention center and looking at the vendors and going on the inflatable bounce houses, we went to a very majestic mass, the choir for the mass kept us singing along with their catchy tunes. After that we went to a fantastic pizza place in the convention center and we all ate some great pizza and spaghetti with meatballs. From dinner we walked over to the Lucas oil stadium, and got our seats for the concert. This has been a great and memorable time so far and we all look forward to the next two days of having fun and growing in our faith.

Ncyc 2011

2011-11-17T16:39:00.001-08:00

Having a great time at Lucas stadium at ncyc

Francesca

More on District 3 Mass

2011-11-17T14:41:00.001-08:00

We just finished a region 3 Mass with the dioceses of Philadelphia, Altoona-Johnstown, Allentown, Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, Metuchen, Trenton, Newark, Paterson, Camden, and Scranton. It was a great experience for all of us, with much more to come. The kids have been great, and all you a parents would be proud.

We woke them up at 9:00 this morning after that 3:00 arrival and got them breakfast and their diocesan shirts....that's why they're all in green in the photos. Lots of briefings, a box lunch, and then we hit the road. they had about two hours to look around the Victory Park, and then off to Mass. Victory Park is a big area full of games and booths devoted to various kinds of ministry. They are getting plenty of opportunities to learn about vocqtions as well. We're eating dinner now, and then we head over to Lucas Oil Stadium for the opening ceremony later tonight.

I'll be doing most of the blogging (Michael Lynch) but we'll also have some guest bloggers from the kids as the week goes along. If you have questions and are able to comment on the blog, go ahead. If not, text me at 717.701.3782 or email to Michael.lynch84@Gmail.com and I will answer on the blog.

Our youth at Mass

2011-11-17T13:11:00.001-08:00

Here is a great photo of all the Harrisburg youth at Mass.

MQOP at NCYC!

2011-11-17T13:08:00.001-08:00

We have arrived at the Indiana Convention Center, home of NCYC 2011! The kids are having a great time so far, and so are the adults. We have some free time this afternoon in the Victory Park, and will have Mass at 4:00. There are more nuns, Christian brothers, and priests here than the kids have probably ever seen in one place, unless they've been to Rome! Check out the photos,a and keep watching this blog!

2011-11-17T09:23:00.001-08:00

Mary, Queen of Peace Youth Arrives in Indianapolis

2011-11-17T09:11:00.001-08:00

Our group has arrived safely in Indy! We arrived about 2:30 this morning, and the kids settled in quickly. We're headed off to NCYC in a few minutes. Keep watching here for news and photos!

NCYC! SEAS Pirates!

2011-11-17T09:06:00.001-08:00

Having an awesome title

2011-11-17T09:04:00.001-08:00

Concert in Lucas Oil Stadium

2011-11-17T08:54:00.001-08:00

Hey! I'm Julia the guest blogger. We are at the concert now waiting for it to begin. There's alot of dancing and everyone's getting so excited!!! Well be back later to update you guys again ((:

Preparing for NCYC

2011-11-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon,
    Youth throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg are preparing their minds, bodies and spirit to depart for NCYC, National Catholic Youth Conference, during the afternoon of Wednesday, November 16. Two buses will be leaving our diocese to make a long 9 hour journey to Indianapolis, where Thursday afternoon the fun and spiritual activities of NCYC will begin.
     Over 80 youth from our Diocese will be participating this year. Please follow them on their spiritual journey, with daily blogs and facebook updates. To follow facebook, it is as simple as 'liking' the Diocese of Harrisburg facebook page.
    Finally please keep these youth in your prayers for a safe trip and that their minds, heart and spirit will be left open to the Holy Spirit.