On November, ten parish youth and four sponsors departed Claflin to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Representing Immaculate Conception were Delaney Rugan, Addi Crites, Rachel Lamatsch, Lawson Oeser, Jerred Bieberle, Jacob Oberle, Lexi Oeser, Callie Zink, Tyler Holmes, and Cole Lamatsch. Adult sponsors included Sydney Rugan, Sonya Lamatsch, Sheri Holmes, and Toby Holmes. Over 20,000 other youth were in attendance at this conference and all had one very special thing in common, they were ALL Catholic!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our parishioners for their ongoing support both financially and through prayer as we made our journey. This conference truly touched the lives of our parish teenagers. It was an indescribable experience and their faith completely blossomed in just three short days. When asked about their experience at NCYC, students reflected on their faith and the benefits of a convention devoted to supporting their faith-formation:
"While I was watching the procession of over 100 deacons priests and bishops walk into Mass and it made me realize that those men had completely devoted themselves to God. That moment helped me to realize how much I want to grow in my faith and follow God’s path. NCYC is an experience of a lifetime and the most holy experience I have ever had." - Delaney
"I recommend anyone who has the opportunity to go. You’re relationship with God grows immensely as does your respect for our church. They explain why would should believe in the things our church does and not telling us to believe it because that’s just what the church says. It’s cool to see there are a ton of other people your age from all different parts who are affect by His word as much as you." - Addi
Without your amazing support, this trip would not have been possible, and for that we are forever grateful. Thank you for giving our youth the opportunity to experience NCYC and grow in their spiritual faith. The fire is alive and burning in their hearts and the future of our church is very bright!
