Six months ago, on November 21, 2025, thousands of young people gathered at 2025 NCYC for a moment they would never forget: a live digital encounter with our Holy Father. What began as a conversation quickly became something much deeper, a moment of connection, affirmation, and invitation for young people longing to know that their voices matter in the life of the Church.
This encounter reminded us that authentic connection can still happen through technology when rooted in faith, listening, and encounter. Young people from across the country brought their questions, hopes, fears, and dreams into conversation with the Holy Father, and in return, they received encouragement to live boldly as disciples of Jesus Christ.
For many participants, the encounter was more than simply hearing from the Pope. It was a powerful reminder that the Church sees them, values them, and desires their leadership and presence.
Now, six months later, the impact of that moment continues to ripple outward.
As we reflect on this unforgettable moment, we are honored to share stories and testimonies from young people who participated directly in the encounter and reflect on how the experience has impacted their lives over the last six months.
Their voices reveal something important: moments like this must continue beyond the encounter, in parish youth rooms, retreats, service opportunities, and in everyday acts.
In the months following NCYC, additional resources were developed to help ministry leaders continue the conversation sparked by the encounter. You can use these materials during summer youth nights, retreats, and small group gatherings to invite young people to reflect on themes of listening, accompaniment, missionary discipleship, and hope.
Below you’ll find downloadable tools and guides to help you reflect on the encounter and accompany young people in meaningful ways:
To commemorate this historic experience, a special magazine was also created, capturing the spirit of the encounter, reflections from participants, and the lasting impact of this moment in the life of the Church.
The digital encounter at 2025 NCYC was never meant to be a standalone moment. It was an invitation for young people to continue drawing closer to Christ, for ministry leaders to continue listening deeply, and for the Church to continue creating spaces where young voices are welcomed and valued.
As you gather with young people in the weeks ahead, we invite you to return to the spirit of that moment at NCYC: openness, courage, joy, and trust in the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Because six months later, the encounter is still unfolding.
In an era where the digital and spiritual life intersect, Pope Leo XIV broke new ground by engaging directly with young people at 2025 NCYC.
Take a look at what the rest of the country and the rest of the world had to say!
In this spirit of hope, we invite you to join us in commemorating the significant milestone of 43 years of our organization’s history and service. Whether it’s $4, $43, or even $300, every gift makes a difference!
Join the celebration and help continue inspiring the next generation of Catholic leaders.
Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin
Diocesan Member
"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.
'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."
Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church
Associate Member
"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.
NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."
