By Fr. Tony Cecil, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

On Sunday, March 15, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry hosted The I AM Encounter at Sacred Heart Academy. For our staff, this was the first event for young people that we’ve organized since beginning in our roles last summer. In reflecting on that evening’s events now that we are a few weeks removed from it, three things in particular have stayed with me:

First – Our God is one of abundance. Not only was this event the first we’ve organized, but it was also the first of its kind in our Archdiocese in a few years. So, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Our initial hope was that 200 would attend, but to our amazement, between our youth, chaperones, and adult volunteers, we had 550 participants! Even more than the numbers, though, we saw God’s abundance in how our team worked together so well, how the flow of the evening was better than we imagined, and how impactful our time together was. Very often, we can allow ourselves to place limits on what God wants to do – so it is wonderful when God shows us that, if we allow Him, He’ll surpass our expectations!

Second – In this event, the Church gathered. We saw the beauty of the Church’s diversity with large groups of youth from the various cultural groups which make up our Archdiocese. We saw the geographical diversity of our local Church, with participants from about 30 of our parishes, 12 of which were parishes outside of Jefferson County. We saw a gathering of the Body of Christ; not just the “future of the Church” but the Church now – the Church alive today.

Finally – The Eucharist makes us one. The I AM Encounter had many things which were good about it, but my favorite part came toward the end of the evening. Having parted ways for dinner and breakout sessions, the Church gathered as one Body again to end the evening together in Eucharistic Adoration. It was beautiful to have our Archbishop process through the crowd with our Eucharistic Lord. Our musicians led us through a powerful time of prayer. There weren’t words to describe the moment when the youth left their seats to sit as close as they could to the altar. In that moment, we saw the Church gathered in the unity which the Lord desires for us.

Moving on from this event, it is my prayer that it sparked an excitement in our young people to embrace the mystery and beauty of our faith, and the adventure which is a relationship with Jesus Christ. I also pray that it sparks a renewed commitment in our adults to remember that our young people are the Church now, and to continue working to ensure they are included, accompanied, and heard – so that together, we may fulfill that wish of the Lord Jesus, that we all might be one.

By Jonna O’Bryan, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

The I AM Encounter was a powerful and grace-filled experience for the young people of our Archdiocese, drawing a diverse group of participants from across our Hispanic, Vietnamese, and English-speaking communities. Throughout the day, it was clear that the Holy Spirit was at work, inviting each person into a deeper relationship with Christ.

One of the most impactful moments of the day came through the witness talks shared by our students. With courage and authenticity, they spoke about their personal faith journeys, highlighting the profound impact that NCYC has had on their lives. In particular, their reflections on Adoration during NCYC were deeply moving, reminding us all of the beauty and power of encountering Jesus in the Eucharist.

Our keynote speaker, Gian Gamboa, inspired and energized the crowd with a message that was both relatable and challenging. He offered practical and meaningful ways for young people to continue nurturing their relationship with Jesus beyond the event, encouraging them to carry the encounter into their daily lives.

The breakout sessions also played a key role in the day, as speakers connected with students in a personal and engaging way, meeting them where they are and inviting them to go deeper in their faith. It was evident that these moments of connection helped make the experience both meaningful and lasting.

The encounter included a time of Adoration, where the room was filled with reverence, silence, praise, and worship music. It was in this sacred space that many young people experienced a true and personal encounter with Jesus. As they left, there was a visible sense of joy and renewed purpose. Young hearts were set on fire, ready to live their faith with boldness.

The success of the I AM Encounter has inspired a new opportunity for our young Church. On the off years of NCYC, the Office of Youth and Young Adults is thrilled to introduce the Louisville Catholic Youth Conference. This new gathering will build on the momentum of this encounter, offering young people another opportunity to grow in faith, community, and discipleship.

We are excited to launch this first conference in the Spring of next year as a cornerstone Archdiocesan event. We want to continue to provide spaces where our youth can encounter Christ in a real and transformative way. If the I AM Encounter is any indication, the future is full of hope, energy, and a deep desire among our young people to know and follow Jesus.

We are deeply grateful to all who made this event possible and to the young people who said “yes” to this encounter. The fruits of this day will continue to unfold, as these moments of grace take root in their lives and in our Church.

By Veda Long, Sacred Heart Academy Student

To say that my time at NCYC was altering to my faith journey would be an understatement. From the daily gatherings, breakout sessions, and collaboration time, my faith underwent more than just an alteration, but rather, an exponential renewal. During my time spent in Indianapolis I saw how our Catholic faith truly represents the four marks of the church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. I got to experience the great joy of being a Catholic teenager along with thousands of others who share my same ideas. Furthermore, I got to converse with people from around the United States, demonstrating how our faith is unified in all corners of the world. NCYC taught me of the unconditional love of Christ while also bringing a certain youthful life into the faith that I had never before been aware of. Never had I experienced the great power of the Holy Spirit so ablaze in a single room. As best said by Saint Matthew the Apostle in chapter 18 verse 20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This verse was woven into the very mission of NCYC, and we were constantly reminded of our importance in the church community. Catholic teenagers, which may often be overlooked, were reminded constantly of our present and future role in the mission of the church. Our participation in weekly mass and dedication to faith practices build up our strength and shine the light of Christ stronger within the heart of our belief system. One notable experience and example of this was the Eucharistic Adoration where all sixteen thousand teenagers were silenced in the presence of the precious body. To be part of NCYC 2025 was to be moved by its energy. Whether you were there for the gaga pit or the remarkable worship, I can speak for all in saying that no one left NCYC quite the same as they arrived.

Following NCYC, the I AM ENCOUNTER event was held at Sacred Heart Academy as a continuation, or an introduction, to the same style of worship. This smaller scale event revealed commonality to NCYC and allowed for teenagers in Kentucky to come together and check in on their faith journey with games, breakout rooms, and Adoration. It was a perfect way for the community to familiarize themselves with a similar style of worship night while growing recognition for future NCYC events. During my time at this event, I got to participate with my local community and classmates in song and prayer. Additionally, I listened to one of my personal favorite breakout rooms of all time which was that of Deacon Greg Gitschier. In this session, I learned about the inculturation of my faith as he spoke out about his time as a secret service agent and the various cultures he visited during his time of travel. He spoke in depth about the Catholic Masses he attended in the various areas of the world and reminded us that though we may be different, we are all united in one faith and tradition. As I reflect upon both of these experiences, I encourage any teenager looking for a way to grow in their faith to consider attending NCYC 2027 or any other similar future faith events. I guarantee they will change your life more than you know and renew your relationship with Christ. I look forward to returning to NCYC and other events such as I AM ENCOUNTER as they have been crucially formative in my perspective of faith and what it means to be a Catholic.