Frquently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

We know, we know…getting ready for NCYC can seem overwhelming and complicated. Fear not, help can be found right here!

Who attends NCYC?

NCYC is open to high school age young people and their chaperones. Most participants are Catholic. Many youth participants are leaders in their local parishes, schools and/or diocese, though many are just beginning to connect to their faith. Some attendees may have participated in previous national or international events such as the World Youth Day. Many are experiencing this type of gathering for the first time.

NFCYM requires that chaperones be 21 years or older. The diocesan group must have at least two chaperones for first one to ten youth and one additional adult for each additional one to six youth.

Who sponsors NCYC?

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) sponsors NCYC.

What is the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)?

The National Catholic Youth Conference is an exciting, biennial three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. The schedule includes keynote addresses, concurrent and workshop sessions addressing a wide variety of topics. There are also opportunities for liturgy, reconciliation, prayer and worship, recreation and special activities such as concerts, exhibits, and the interactive thematic park.

What is National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM)?

Located in Washington, D.C., and led by an energetic and creative national staff, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry is a membership organization working on behalf of youth and diocesan youth ministry leadership across the country and on U.S. military bases in Europe. Members include ninety-four percent of all Catholic dioceses, the National Catholic Committee on Girl Scouts and Camp Fire, and fifty youth-serving organizations.

What is the theme of the 2007 NCYC?

The overall theme of the 2007 NCYC is Discover the Way, though each general session has its own particular sub-theme with scriptural reference. They are: Discover the Way (Friday morning), Discover the Truth (Friday evening), and Discover the Life (Saturday morning).

What are the daily Scripture themes of the 2007 NCYC?

As in the past, each general session of the NCYC will have a specific focus:

General Session 1 - Discover the Way - (Isaiah 40:3, Mark 1:3, John 1:23)
General Session 2 - Discover the Truth - (Psalm 86:11, John 1:17, 18:37, Ephesians 1:13)
General Session 3 - Discover the Life - (Psalm 16:11, John 3:16, 6:48, 1 John 1:1-3)

What is a Thematic Park?

The thematic park is an interactive venue featuring College Corner, Vocations Corner, arts and crafts activities, service projects, sports, games, music, and exhibits from Catholic and secular companies, organizations, and colleges. This year's park is called Port Discovery.

When is the 2007 NCYC?

The 2007 NCYC officially starts around 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 8, and ends around 11:00 P.M. following Mass on Saturday, November 10. “Unofficially” the thematic park opens at 12 noon on Thursday and diocesan delegations may tour Columbus or take part in delegation meetings on Sunday, November 11.

Where is the 2007 NCYC?

The 2007 NCYC will take place at the Nationwide Arena and Greater Columbus Convention Center in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Where do people stay during NCYC?

Diocesan group leaders make arrangements for their respective delegations through NFCYM for housing at hotels in the Columbus area.

Why attend NCYC?

Youth and adult participants attend the NCYC because they want to:
• Gather on a national level
• Learn more about themselves and their relationship to the Catholic Church
• Celebrate their Catholic Christian faith
• Meet thousands of other Catholic youth
• Dialogue with bishops and other Church leaders
• Share beliefs and experiences
• Recognize their role in the larger Catholic Church

How much does it cost to attend NCYC?

The cost of NCYC is determined by several factors. These factors include if your diocese: is affiliated with NFCYM, used the NCYC housing bureau to make hotel arrangements, and registers by September 28, 2007. Other factors that will affect the cost of your trip include transportation, meals, and tours. The NCYC registration for affiliated dioceses registering by September 28 is $180 per person. Check with your diocesan office of youth ministry to find out how much your NCYC package will cost. Youth groups use fundraisers such as bake sales, car washes, and similar activities to help defray the cost of the conference.

Can I receive a scholarship?

Scholarships are made possible by Catholic Youth Foundation USA (CFYUSA). Contact your diocesan group leader for an application. Applications must be returned to your diocesan group leader for submission to the CYFUSA by Friday, May 4, 2007. Individual applications sent directly to CYFUSA will be returned.

How many people are expected to attend in 2007?

At this time, we expect more than 18,000 youth and adults to the 2007 NCYC in Columbus.

How do I register for NCYC?

To register for NCYC, you must contact your parish, school, or diocesan youth ministry office for details on your diocesan NCYC package. NFCYM does not allow individuals to register for NCYC. All participants must register in advance as part of a diocesan group. To find a contact for your diocese, click here.

What is "The G Form?"

Form G is the NFCYM/NCYC Liability Waiver and Permission Form. There are two versions: one for adults and one for youth. Both versions are also available in Spanish. Form G is the standard "permission slip" required for all participants to attend NCYC. Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Form G.

Security is a concern these days. What steps are taken to ensure participant safety?

NFCYM takes the safety and security of NCYC participants very seriously. It works closely with facilities, local law enforcement, and emergency response personnel to avoid emergency situations where possible and plan for how to respond in the event something unforeseen may happen.

These plans include hiring additional security and medical personnel to be on-site during NCYC programming hours, requiring all participants to wear event credentials to gain access to NCYC activities, and requiring participants’ bags to be tagged so that they may be distinguished from unauthorized gear present in the facility.

Other security measures are also taken, but not publicized so that their effectiveness is not compromised.