Tomorrow, we load buses towards the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis.

For many of us, it serves as a “family” reunion… An opportunity to gather together with friends who are brothers and sisters along the way.  We commiserate with one another about the challenges; smile knowingly at one another addressing the pilgrimage experiences  of a conference; and bask in the warm of hugs and support on cold November days.

For many of us, it serves as a marker.  Where was I, what was I doing just two years ago when I traveled to NCYC? Compared to that, what’s happen in life and ministry now?  Even more, where was I during my first NCYC and how far have I come since then?

For many of us, NCYC serves as a culminating event.  It is the ending of months of blood, sweat, and tears of recruitment, assembling paperwork, fund-raising, planning, and preparation.It is always appropriate that Thanksgiving usually limps along closely after NCYC as we collapse in need of rest and gratitude that it is over and done.

But, we need to make sure  to allow the conference to be exactly what it says it is. 

The National Catholic Youth Conference is a powerful, biennial, three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age) and their adult chaperons…  The program includes keynote presentations, prayer, workshops, Mass, and opportunities to participate in reconciliation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as recreational activities, concerts, and exhibits.

Do anticipate the conference experience will have impact on you or the kids.  Seek the Spirit throughout the crowded hallways, blinding lights and deafening sound, and weary bodies and souls.

Tomorrow, we load buses towards the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. And so we pray

Lend a willing ear, Lord God, to our prayers, and bless our travels with Your holy right hand.
Direct Your holy angels to accompany us,
that they may free those who travel from all dangers, and always guard them.
And just as by Your deacon Philip
You gave faith and grace to the man of Ethiopia as he sat in his chariot reading the Sacred Word,
so, point out to Your servants the way of salvation.
Grant that, aided by Your grace, and with their hearts set on good works,
they may, after all the joys and sorrows of this journey through life,
merit to receive eternal joys,
through Christ our Lord.

AMEN.

Please be advised that the next three weekly posts (Tuesday morning) from this author will be designed as materials worth sharing with NCYC participants.   Let’s not leave “the mountaintop” without engaging in some follow-up in anticipation of young people being transfigured.  Keep watch for these materials and consider utilizing your own social networking avenues to engage in the discussion.