2006 NCCYM—Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend NCCYM?

NCCYM provides professional development, networking, and spiritual renewal for adults who work with young people in a variety of settings. Pastors, parish staff, religious education coordinators, youth ministry coordinators and volunteers, scout and Camp Fire leaders, and athletic coaches at the parish, school, and diocesan level can all benefit from the opportunities offered at NCCYM.

Do I have to register with my diocese, or can I attend on my own?

You may do either. Though some dioceses coordinate NCCYM registration for those who are interested, others do not. Check with your diocesan office of youth ministry to see if they have put together a discount travel package. If they do not, or if the diocesan plans don't match your needs, you are free to register directly.

How much does it cost to register for NCCYM?

The regular registration fee for attendees from affiliated dioceses or organizations is $225. For attendees from non-affiliated dioceses or organizations, regular registration fee is $255. Subtract $15 for registrations received before October 6 or add $30 for registrations received after October 31. NACYML members can subtract an additional $20 from their registration fee. There is also a Day Pass available for $95 and a spouse EventPass for $105.

NOTE: Housing, travel, ground transportation, meals, and incidental expenses are additional.

Who sponsors NCCYM?

NCCYM is sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, also known as NFCYM.

What is the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry?

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.

How do I know if my diocese or organization is affiliated with NFCYM?

While most dioceses in the United States are affiliated with NFCYM, there are some exceptions. As of April 27, 2006, the following dioceses are NOT affiliated with NFCYM:

•	Agana-Guam	•	Covington
•	Fresno	•	Greensburg
•	Parma (Ukrainian)	•	Passaic Eparchy (Byzantine)
•	Peoria	•	Pittsburgh (Byzantine)
•	Savannah	•	St. Maron
•	Stamford	•	Stockton
•	Tyler

In addition to our diocesan members, NFCYM is fortunate to count sixty youth-oriented groups and organizations that share in the mission, activities, and interests of the NFCYM as collaborating members. Here is a complete list of NFCYM collaborating members as of February 1, 2006.

What is the Spouse EventPass?

For $105, the EventPass allows the spouse of a fully registered participant access to the pre-conference couples retreat on Thursday, the Catholic Youth Ministry Resource Exposition , all general sessions, Artist’s Coffeehouse, 25th Anniversary Birthday Bash, and the closing liturgy on Sunday. NFCYM hopes that couples can attend this conference together in order to renew and refresh both their relationship and the ministry they provide (either directly or indirectly).

Can I register on-site for NCCYM?

Advance registration is recommended, but on-site registrations are accepted.

Can I receive a full refund if I cannot attend NCCYM?

NFCYM will issue registration refunds, minus a $25 processing fee, for cancellation notices received by Friday, November 10, 2006. Notification must be made in writing and sent to: A Meeting Service, P.O. Box 155, Midlothian, VA 23113 or sent by fax to 804-379-2194. Refunds will be processed in January 2007. No refunds will be issued for notices received after November 10, 2006.

How can I find a roommate to split hotel costs?

If you are interested in sharing a hotel room at NCCYM you may indicate so during the registration process. You will be sent a list of people also looking for a roommate. Matches must be made directly. NFCYM does not guarantee attendees will find a roommate or that roommate matches will be compatible.

Are scholarships available to attend NCCYM?

There are three types of scholarships available to NCCYM attendees: The Sr. Thea Bowman Scholarship, The Mary Jean Hart Memorial Scholarship, and regional scholarships. All scholarship funds are provided by the Catholic Youth Foundation USA.

What is NACYML?

NACYML is the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders. It is a member-driven professional organization of ordained and lay ecclesial ministers dedicated to the field of youth ministry. It is committed to strengthening and supporting its members in their ministerial practice and professional development. Membership is open to adults who view their role in youth ministry as a vocation, are committed to ongoing professional development and ministry formation, and are connected to a Catholic parish, school, diocese, or youth serving agency. Questions? Contact Grace Cassetta, chairperson of the NACYML Leadership Team.

Is there anything special happening for NACYML members?

The National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders will be having their biennial meeting and in-service just prior to NCCYM. There is no extra fee for the meeting for NACYML members. Indicate your attendance on your registration form.

How many people attend NCCYM?

Attendance at NCCYM has been growing steadily over the years. In 2004, 2,200 people participated, an increase of 200 from 2002. We expect 2,300 in Las Vegas.

Why was Las Vegas chosen to host this conference?

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas was selected to host the 2006 NCCYM for a number of reasons, the chief among them were its geographic location and affordability. NFCYM does it best to move this conference around the country and it was time for it to be held again in the west. We looked at many cities and found that Las Vegas offered the most reasonable airfares, hotel rates, and food costs. These are extremely important factors during this time of tight and shrinking budgets in parishes and dioceses.

In addition, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing Roman Catholic dioceses in the country. Bishop Pepe and his diocesan staff are working very closely with NFCYM to insure that our conference is a memorable and faith-filled event for all attending, including directing participants to numerous family-friendly free time activities, sightseeing options and shows.

For a full explanation of why Las Vegas was selected, download this letter.

Does the Riviera host adult entertainment?

There are hundreds of shows and productions offered each evening throughout the city of Las Vegas. Some of these are decent and dazzling while others are simply just indecent, including several at the Riviera. These "adult entertainment" shows are held in a small area on another floor, out of sight from hotel patrons walking around the Riviera and can only be accessed by an escalator after purchasing pricey tickets. NFCYM does not support, condone or recommend these shows to anyone and believe they manipulate and objectify both women and men and rob both patron and performer of their dignity. Instead, NFCYM has created a program that includes numerous recommendations from the Diocese of Las Vegas for healthy and family-friendly shows and performances during available free time . You can view a complete list of these offerings at the Las Vegas Entertainment page of our website.

Can I use the NCCYM logo?

NFCYM diocesan members may use the official NCCYM logo on apparel, conference related printed materials, and other promotional items not for sale and not in competition with the sale of promotional items by the host diocese. The original design may not be modified. Read complete details…