By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted September 26, 2024

Each year, on the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, Pope Francis calls the entire Universal Church to celebrate youth and young adults. As a response to this invitation, two special events will take place in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, Nov. 23 — one for teens and one for young adults.

The Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference (PCYC)

Starting in the morning and concluding with a vigil Mass celebrated by Archbishop Pérez, the Office for Ministry with Youth, once again hosts its one-day youth conference, now re-branded as the Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference (PCYC).

It will be a day of inspiration and celebration under our theme: DESTINED. This theme highlights our identity, purpose, and belonging. We are reminded that God created us through love in his image to share his infinite love with others. We will acknowledge how each of us is created with a unique purpose and talents for the building of the Kingdom. Finally, we are assured that as one family in Christ, we are supported by our Church community on our journey toward the ultimate destination of Heaven. Rhyan “Bro Rhy” Ramirez will be with us to share this message following his appearance at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC).

The day will be packed with enriching experiences, including chanted Morning Prayer, live music, Adoration with a Healing Procession, lunch, games, breakouts, and a vigil Mass. Attendees can expect loads of fun and spiritual growth!

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available. For event details, flyer, conference passes, general information and promotional materials visit Phillyomy.org and click on PCYC Destined.

The Well: A Conference for Young Adults!

On the same day, starting in the afternoon and going into the evening, the Office for Ministry with Young Adults will be hosting The Well: A Conference for Young Adults!

This event is for all young adults (18-39 years of age as defined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) from all walks of life (college students, single, married, and of different ethnic backgrounds). It will take place at the Sheraton Hotel and at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

The theme for this year’s celebration is Hope: “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (cf. Is 40:31). How can young adults encounter the hope of the Lord and find a sense of belonging and identity in Christ? How can they nourish hope in themselves and others through formation, accompaniment, and fellowship? How can they share this hope with others in a meaningful way? The keynote speakers for this conference, Lillian Fallon (the author of Ascension Press’ “Theology of Style”), Peter Blute (Executive Director of Young Catholic Professionals), and Brock Martin (VP of FOCUS for Parish Outreach), will provide guidance for young adults as they seek to encounter, nourish, and share this hope with others!

Participants will have the opportunity to gather in fellowship, listen to three powerful keynote speakers, and most of all experience an encounter with the Lord, just like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42), through Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions, and a Solemn Vigil Mass with Archbishop Pérez.

More information about how to sign up for The Well: A Conference for Young Adults! can be found at the OMYA’s website: https://phillyyam.org/thewell/

These special celebrations for youth and young adults in Philadelphia remind all of us that we are celebrating together with young people of all nations and in union with the Holy Father, just like at the international World Youth Day. PCYC and The Well can become opportunities, as Pope Francis pointed out, “to stir up enthusiasm for a new chapter of evangelization full of fervor, joy, generosity, courage, boundless love, and attraction,” and our young people can help guide the entire community toward embracing this spirit in our local Church.