Wanted: More volunteers to make NCYC gathering a success

Criterion staff report

So you want to be part of the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis on Nov. 17-19?

Lucky for you, there are still ways to get involved.

More volunteers needed

Remember the number 1,500.

That’s how many volunteers are needed for NCYC.

“If each parish within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis provides 10 volunteers, we will meet the need,” said Teresa Keith, who is co-chairing the NCYC volunteer committee with Patty Schnarr.

“To volunteer for NCYC is an experience and opportunity to witness the youth faith of today,” she said. “One can’t help but feel the energy and love for Christ by just being a part of the enthusiasm and excitement.”

Adults may register to volunteer online at www.archindy.org. The link to sign up can be found under youth and NCYC.

All volunteers must be Virtus-trained and have a background check. They must attend an orientation session. Dates and locations are posted on the volunteer website.

The volunteers’ key jobs include traffic monitor, bus parking captain, greeting and ushering bishops and priests, door monitors, merchandise sales, ushers during general sessions, running errands, hall monitors, volunteer check-in room, reconciliation chapel, liturgy preparations and conference set-up.

Parishes and schools

Parishes and Catholic schools from throughout the archdiocese can be a part of NCYC.

The Adopt-A-Delegation program offers them an opportunity to host and provide true Hoosier hospitality to all NCYC participants, according to Anne Wolfley, general hospitality chair for NCYC.

“As the host diocese, we wish to share that spirit that Indiana is known for by sharing the opportunity for Catholic Hoosiers to share a Mass, meal, write letters of welcome, provide mementos for participants of their trip to Indiana and simply let them know that they are being prayed for while at NCYC,” she said.

“Each participating Catholic school or parish will be paired up with a participating delegation from across the United States, and has the ability to provide their own level of hospitality in a unique way. No two schools or parishes will have the same experience with any of our delegations as each community is vibrant and alive with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in many different ways.”

If your school or faith community is interested in the conference, contact Wolfley at awolfley@stmalachy.org for more information.

(If you are interested in a sponsorship at NCYC, contact Anne Wessel at sawessel@comcast.net or Beth Leonard at Beth.Leonard@sbcglobal.net.) †