Youth from across the country and all over the Diocese of Beaumont converged on Indianapolis Nov. 17 for the opening of the 2011 National Catholic Youth Conference.
“When I look out here I see a promise and hope for tomorrow in the faces I see out here today. We are here and we are called to glory. That is our purpose this weekend is to be called to glory in His name,” said Bob McCarty, executive director of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry.
The theme for this year is Called to Glory and youth will spend three days hearing keynote speakers, attending workshops about issues effecting their lives and their faith, singing, praying and worshipping the Lord, and having a blast doing it.
Youth from our diocese gathered for a meeting in the afternoon led by diocesan director of youth ministry Tex Phelps before heading to Lucas Oil Stadium for the opening of the conference. ValLimar Jansen, musician, national speaker and this year’s emcee opened the night with a few songs. Jansen was assisted by her animators: youth from throughout the country who helped lead the crowd in song.
Before the night was over Jansen was joined onstage by former NCYC emcees Steve Angrisano and Jesse Manibusan for a medley of songs before the animators took the stage to close out the night with a song from the motion picture “The Lion King.”
Afterwards the youth headed back to their respective hotels to rest up for the next day of exciting events.
