Bishop Lou's Crew at NCYC.

Nearly a hundred teens together with our beloved Bishop Louis Tylka, the Mission Crew from the Diocese of Peoria and Volunteers traveled to Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference held at Lucas Oil Stadium, November 21 – 23. Below is a recap of their days spent at the conference.
NCYC Day 1 Recap!
Our students kicked off their National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) adventure with bus pickups at Peoria Notre Dame, Central Catholic High School, and Schlarman Academy.
The fun kicked off right away with icebreakers and the opening of SWAG bags—complete with the traditional NCYC silly hats, plus a special surprise from Bishop Lou Tylka: “Happy 150th Birthday, Diocese of Peoria!”The group attended Mass at St. John the Evangelist, celebrated by Cardinal Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, and concelebrated by Bishop Lou, Fr. Daniel Dionesotes, Fr. John Cyr, and Fr. Derick Mwsega.
Cardinal Pierre offered this beautiful reminder in his homily, “True zeal is the courage to love when love is costly.”

Bishop Lou’s Crew at NCYC.

The evening continued at Lucas Oil Stadium with the first general session reflecting on the theme “I Am,” drawing from Moses and the Burning Bush.
Keynote speaker Meg Hunter-Kilmer – Speaker introduced the teens to saints who were wonderfully human —proof that holiness is possible for all of us, right in the midst of our imperfections.
What a powerful first day!
More updates to come as our students continue their NCYC journey.

DUTIES LISTED, GRATITUDE EXPRESSED NCYC Day 2 Recap

National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)Day 2 was absolutely jam-packed and full of grace! with Bishop Lou Tylka.

Our day kicked off with a powerful keynote from Brian Greenfield, reminding us that “Our God is a God of the living” and challenging everyone to consider: How will you respond to the God who is reaching out to you?
From there, our students took part in a historic digital encounter with Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV was live in Indianapolis on the first digital video call.

Highlights from the Holy Father included:

The day continued with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thompson, followed by our group gathering for a joyful Diocese of Peoria 150th Birthday Party—complete with games, dinner, birthday cake, and a Q&A with Bishop Lou Tylka on prayer, vocations, and the essential role of young people in the Church.
In the evening, Sr. Miriam James Heidland offered a beautiful message on healing:
“Healing is an ongoing encounter with God’s love and truth that brings us into wholeness and communion.”

A special moment for our Diocese. Cameron Hageman from CCHS sat on stage for this global moment with the Pope!

We ended the night with the greatest gift of all—Eucharistic Adoration. Imagine 16,000 teens worshipping together in silence and song. Truly unforgettable.
What a blessing-filled day at NCYC! Day 3, we’re ready for you!

NCYC Day 3 Recap
Although the final day of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) wrapped up on Saturday, now that we’re home, we’re excited to share our Day 3 highlights!
Our teens enjoyed quality downtime together, inspiring keynotes and breakouts, plenty of item trading, and lots of spirited clothespin clipping. They shared meals, experienced the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and soaked in every moment of community.
We closed the conference with a beautiful Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Perez—followed by one last stadium dance party to send everyone home on a high note!
A heartfelt thank you to all of our chaperones, parish leaders, Bishop Lou Tylka, and everyone who made this unforgettable weekend possible.