Overview of the 2007 NCYC

What Makes This Conference So Unique?

The NCYC is the largest Catholic youth gathering in the U.S., with up to 25,000 young people and adult chaperones attending from all over the country, including 200+ from the Diocese of Cleveland.

• This is a pilgrimage of faith – parishes are asked to prepare their young people to attend this event by gathering the youth together on a regular basis and leading them in prayer, reflection, service and community building experiences in addition to the regular fundraising events the group undertakes

• Young Adults  - Young Adults (between 18-20) who have graduated from high school and act in a leadership capacity within a parish youth ministry program on a regular basis may attend in order to help their parish and the Diocese with various leadership responsibilities including prayer, small group discussion leaders.

• Chaperone Preparation will take place at the Send-Off on October 20 for all adult chaperones and Young Adults.  All Chaperones and Young Adults should be screened and MUST HAVE Virtus training as part of our diocese’s youth protection policies.

• NCYC Promo Video can be viewed online on the Pilgrimage Resources page.

• Send-Off Celebration will be conducted on October 20 to offer final information to all parents, pilgrims and group leaders and to commission pilgrims for their journey.

• All events will be held in the Nationwide Arena and Greater Columbus Convention Center, which are next to each other in Downtown Columbus. These venues will afford pilgrims safe and secure venues to enjoy plenty of entertainment and food throughout the day.

• The consistent conference theme of "Discover the Way" is inter-weaved throughout conference activities.

• The Keynote Speakers for the 2007 NCYC in Columbus are Tony Melendez, Father Tony Ricard, and Renee Bondi.  They join emcee Steve Angrisano as confirmed speakers.

• THE NCYC Closing Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday night (Nov 10), bringing a close to the Conference and freeing up Sunday (Nov 11) for a day of sightseeing and/or travel.

• The NCYC features a huge Interactive Village where hundreds of exhibitors, musicians, games, hot meals and learning centers of all types will be available throughout the Conference.

• Saturday afternoon is “Fun Time”, featuring dances, concerts and other programs that will take place in the Conference complex – so there is no need to create other site seeing plans.