Prayer, Worship, and Spirituality

Prayer and the development of our spirituality are at the core of who we are as professional youth ministers. In recognition of this vital element of our ministry, NCCYM will be weaving prayer, worship, and spiritual exercises and discussions throughout the conference in the following ways.

Daily Mass

Mass will be celebrated each morning at 7:15 a.m.

  • Thursday, November 30, Presider: Rev. Len Wenke
  • Friday, December 1, Presider: Bishop Jaime Soto
  • Saturday, December 2, Presider: Bishop Richard Malone
Nearby Services

Guardian Angel Cathedral (302 Cathedral Way) is a quick three block walk from the Riviera Hotel and celebrates daily mass weekdays at 8:00 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. and on Saturdays at 12:10 p.m. The Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

Closing Liturgy

Sunday, December 3, 10:15 a.m. - 12 noon

Presider: Bishop Joseph Pepe, Bishop of Las Vegas
Homilist: Bishop Jaime Soto, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange/NFCYM Episcopal Liaison

Sunday’s offertory collection benefits the Catholic Youth Foundation USA.

Saturday's Traveler’s Mass

A special mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. for those needing to depart prior to the closing liturgy on Sunday.

Reconciliation and Holy Hour

Will be celebrated on Friday, December 1 after the General Session during a Holy Hour from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Priests will be available for individual confession in rooms 111-116. Priests interested in assisting can sign up at the Registration Kiosk in the Conference Lobby.

Preconference Spiritual Retreat: "Enter the Desert—Listen for the Lord"

Presented by Dr. Wilkie Au—renowned spiritual writer and director and professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University in California

A six hour retreat will be held prior to the start of the conference on Wednesday, November 29 from 2:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. A separate registration fee of $40 is required for those interested in attending this event.

Café Soul: Providing Spiritual Food to Nourish the Hungry Soul

Throughout the NCCYM opportunities will be offered to feed the soul through short presentations, discussions, and unique prayer opportunities in the Prayer Chapel.

Prayer Chapel

In the hubbub of the conference and the city, the Prayer Room will be a haven, a comfortable sacred space for visitors to connect with God’s presence.  The room will provide an area for visits with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and resources for praying God’s word, personal discernment,Marian devotion, intercessory prayer and creating one’s personal prayer beads.  The Prayer Room will be open:

  • Thursday, November 30 - Noon to 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to the Opening Blessing of our sacred space at noon.
  • Friday, December 1 -7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 2 - 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 3 - 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Prayer Labyrinth: A Pathway to God

The contemporary search for meaning and spiritual longing is as pervasive as the human spirit itself. There is good news for those who long to find their way. Our Catholic spiritual and mystical traditions offer many satisfying signs and symbols. One such tradition is the labyrinth, a meditative walk and spiritual metaphor for our common journey to God who is at the center of our lives.  Come learn more and experience this meditative prayer, which will be available at the following times during the NCCYM:

  • Thursday, November 30 from Noon -6:00 p.m. in room 112
  • Friday, December 1 from 7:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. in skybox 211

Praise and Worship Music

Attendees will want to be sure they are in their seats 30 minutes before every general aession to join with nationally known musicians who will lead us in Praise and Worship music.