By Marisally Santiago • Posted October 3, 2024

The Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference (PCYC) to be held Nov. 23 is a vibrant beacon of faith and community that is more than an event — it’s a profound experience that ignites a transformative journey for our youth.

The bi-annual gathering features a day packed full of prayer and activities culminating in a vigil Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.

The mission of PCYC is to provide a space where youth can encounter the risen Lord within a supportive community of faith. It’s a day when distractions fade and young people find themselves open to seeing God, themselves, and their peers in a new light. The transformative nature of PCYC is echoed in the heartfelt testimonies of attendees.

Beniris, an 11th grader, reflected on her experience at the previous event by saying, “How the PCYC impacted me was informing me that God always has a plan for you no matter what….” Her words convey how amidst the chaos of adolescence, young people often grapple with feelings of being lost.

But at PCYC they discover that they are not alone in their struggles. The event’s emphasis on the present moment — of truly experiencing God — offers an opportunity for true encounter. “God was standing before me. I know he was there,” Beniris recalled, illustrating how PCYC’s atmosphere fosters a deep spiritual connection.

In a similar way, Thomas, a high school senior, captured the essence of community that permeates the event. “That day was amazing,” he said, describing how the music and fellowship helped him feel the undeniable presence of Jesus.

For Thomas, PCYC was more than just a gathering; it was a pivotal moment that helped strengthen his faith. He emphasized the collective experience of worship, noting how being surrounded by peers — each on their journey of faith — fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

This theme of community resonates strongly with participants. Hedwidg, another senior, highlighted the significance of judgment-free worship spaces for teens.

“These types of gatherings are important because there aren’t many places where teens can go and worship God without judgment,” she said.

In a world where young people often face pressures to conform, PCYC stands as a place of acceptance and genuine love. The singing, kneeling during Adoration, and shared stories serve as powerful reminders that each individual’s journey with Christ is unique yet universal.

Fiona, a freshman, articulates another important aspect of PCYC: relationship building.

“These events help us as teens to form amazing relationships with each other and more importantly, God,” she said. This sense of community extends beyond personal faith as it cultivates a spirit of service.

Fiona speaks to the larger mission of the conference, which is empowering young people not only to grow in their faith but also to actively engage in their communities.

Youth ministers, too, recognize the transformative impact of gatherings like PCYC. Lisa Bull, the director of Youth Faith Formation at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales, notes that as soon as participants arrive they become part of something larger than themselves.

“They could see and feel the universal church alive in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,” she said. For many teens this is a novel experience, one that challenges their understanding of community and prayer life beyond their local parishes.

By engaging with peers and sharing their faith journeys, youths become true evangelists, sharing Christ’s message to others. The fellowship that develops among them reinforces the truth that they are part of a larger family of believers, all under the unconditional love of God.

In today’s fast-paced world, events like the PCYC play an essential role in nurturing the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of young people. They provide a much-needed safe space where faith can flourish amid the challenges youths face. Their testimonies serve as compelling evidence of the lasting impact such gatherings have to reshape not only young lives but also the broader community.

As the day concludes with a solemn vigil Mass, attendees carry with them not just memories but renewed purpose — a commitment to embrace their faith, serve their communities, and support one another on their journeys.

The Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference is more than an event, it’s a lifeline for young people seeking direction, connection, and hope. As they step back into their everyday lives, they do so with the conviction that they are loved, they belong, and they are part of a vibrant faith community.

In times when hope can seem hard to find, PCYC serves as a reminder of the strength found in faith and community.

Visit PhillyOMY.org > PCYC 2024: Destined to learn more about PCYC, read the full testimonials, and obtain conference passes.

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Marisally Santiago is director of the Office for Ministry with Youth for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her ministry journey began in her teenage years when her mother started ministry with youth at their parish in Florida. With over 20 years of experience in Archdiocesan and parish ministry leadership, she has served both as a volunteer and a staff member.