More than 80 local youth, adults attend

By Steven Polley

Director, Office of Youth Ministry

Can you imagine 18,500 young people and adults discovering the way to a deeper relationship with Christ? Truly this is what happened Nov. 8-10 at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Hearts, minds and souls were transformed through powerful music, prayer services, liturgies, keynote presentations and concurrent sessions. Relationships were strengthened and friendships were formed.

From the Diocese of Dodge City, 65 young people and 18 adult chaperones boarded one bus and three different airplanes to enter into this journey to NCYC. Each person in there own way was transformed and returned home with deeper faith and commitment to our Catholic faith and the Body of Christ.

Erica Traffas from St. Boniface Parish in Sharon had this to say: "NCYC has truly been a life altering experience for me. It changes more than just your attitude, it changes your heart."

James Suppes from St. Ann’s Parish in Olmitz had this comment: "NCYC has changed my life. It is hard to believe that there are so many other young people who believe the same things I do. I have come to know my faith better."

And Emily Durler from St. Andrew’s Parish in Wright spoke about the gathering of so many young people. She said, "It doesn’t matter where you are from, when you meet them, it is like they already know you.

And finally Quinn Hiltner, a freshman at Fort Hays State University from St. John’s Parish in Kiowa, was asked which NCYC she liked better, this one in Columbus or the one in Atlanta in 2005. She responded by saying, "This one, because I feel that it was better organized and I’m older. It all meant more to me."