Passing the Thanks Along to You
By Bob McCarty
Executive Director, NFCYM
One of the blessings—and sometimes the curse—of being executive director is that I am the public representative of the Federation. Much like a diocesan director of youth ministry or the president of an organization, I often receive the thanks and the complaints for the work of the Federation. Usually, I have little or no control over the event, action, or situation that prompts the comment. Nevertheless, I serve as the official “face.”
At the 2007 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), I was especially surprised by how many youth and adults came up to me, even at the Columbus airport, to thank me for the conference. They expressed their joy, excitement, pleasure, and faith. They shared their excitement at “being part of something bigger,” “being energized by sharing stories and faith with peers from throughout the country,” and “feeling so close to Jesus.”
I knew they could not begin to fathom the number of folks who served in leadership roles, worked on committees or handled tasks for NCYC. So I graciously—and humbly—accepted their thanks. I then encouraged them to thank the adult(s) in their parish, school, or diocese who helped get them to NCYC.
Indeed, NCYC was a wonderful celebration of the energy, gifts, and talents of the young church. Musicians, dancers, singers, and speakers enlivened the general sessions. Nationwide Arena rocked with energy.
Port Discovery, the exhibits, the workshops, and The Way Café each contributed to this overwhelming sense that “something very special is happening here.” The hospitality of the eleven hundred volunteers from the Diocese of Columbus was simply incredible. It is an awesome experience to feel the presence of Christ in such a gathering! Clearly, lives were touched deeply. So, too, faith was deepened.
The 2007 NCYC raised the bar and built on the experience of the 2005 NCYC. Of special significance is how much the Federation has learned about doing large conferences. We are a learning organization. From the general membership to the management committee and task groups, we assess previous conferences and we change. We adjusted our conference map to more accurately reflect the changing territory of the participants.
We adjusted the conference format to better handle the increasing numbers of participants while also adjusting its tone to better respond to the spiritual needs of our young people. There is a definite evangelizing dimension to NCYC. It is a celebration of our Catholic faith. The proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ permeated the general sessions, the workshops, the prayer and liturgy, and even Port Discovery.
The format and content changes are examples of how we as an organization have been willing to change, learn, and adapt to changing times, situations, and needs. It is certainly a strength of which we can be proud.
So, as the 2007 NCYC moves into memory, and as we prepare for the 2008 National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry, 2009 NCYC, and all the other NFCYM events, programs, and services, I offer my thanks to the thousands of folks who made the 2007 NCYC happen. And I thank the thousands of adults in diocesan, parish and high school youth ministry who helped young people get to Columbus.
Email Connections at connections@nfcymoffice.org
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