Connections

No Matter Where You Sit, Every View Is Great at NCCYM

I had several unusual perspectives from which to observe the happenings at NCCYM. Often I sat in the front row of general sessions due to official duties. I presented two workshops to completely different audiences. I sat at the back of the assembly several times and was able to watch people take part in prayer, listen to keynote presentations, or enjoy the extravaganza. And I had a wonderful opportunity to engage in conversations with exhibitors and musicians.

Snippets from My Watch

• The official conference photographer was smack-dab in the front of the audience at the opening, sometimes blocking the view of folks in the front row. He was professional and completely disengaged from the activity as he skillfully did his job. But as the conference progressed from opening to keynotes to prayer times to on-stage drama and music, a metamorphosis began to occur. The photographer became more and more engaged in the content of the conference. He still took his photographs but he was careful not to block the view of others. He began to join in prayer and musical interludes. One could see him listening more intently during later keynotes as he looked for the key visuals to photograph. On the last day I was able to chat with him and he said, “I loved this experience! I hope I can come to something else you people do!” I cannot wait to see his photographs. I think they will reveal the artful eye of a skilled photographer, but I also think they will reveal the presence of God’s people in an assembly of love.
• I have been privileged and honored to present workshops at many adult conferences. This year there seemed to be a significant difference. I cannot exactly pinpoint the reason, but the workshop participants seemed to be more focused on exploring deeper ways to do God’s work and more interested in ways to serve the young people in their care rather than on sharing the woes and negative aspects of their ministry. We all can agree that there are plenty of challenges and frustrations among adults who give their time and talents to youth ministry. However, that was not the agenda that people wanted to communicate. It was indeed a spiritual experience for me as a presenter to walk with people who serve the young church.
• There were many times I had the vantage point to watch people engage in the conference, especially in the general sessions. I joined people in belly-busting laughter at the extravaganza. Like many, I was moved by the keynote addresses and Extreme Faith gifts.
• Conversations with exhibitors affirmed for me that our vendors “get it.” They are faith-filled brothers and sisters who happen to have talents, merchandise and messages that are bonuses for our work and ministry.
• I was awed by the harmony of our musical artists, who worked together regardless of their affiliation with OCP, GIA or WLP. I realized that combined efforts in musical prayer gives witness to the teaching that we are all one body.
• And finally, as we gathered each day for Eucharist, the conference attendees shifted their focus to the summit of what and who brings us together and bonds us into one faith. I felt completely united with all those assembled.

To be involved in youth ministry is a blessing. To participate in the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry is the affirmation that this ministry is where one belongs.