More than 600 young people from across the diocese gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center the weekend of Feb. 11-13 for the Diocesan Youth Conference and Virginia Catholic Campus Ministry Summit. Due to the pandemic, this was the first time since 2020 that participants were able to gather in person.
The summit began Friday night with an opening prayer offered by Father Kyle O’Connor, chaplain for William & Mary’s CCM. Bishop Knestout offered a reflection to the college students and welcomed them back after being unable to gather in person last year due to the pandemic. Bishop Knestout noted that our sacramental Church having been deprived of gathering together — particularly to attend Mass during the worst of the pandemic — has made us realize the value of being able to do so. More than 10 college campus ministries were represented at the event.
Saturday morning, teens attending the DYC joined Summit participants for a morning Mass concelebrated by Bishop Knestout and clergy from the diocese. While focused on deepening their faith, participants were able to enjoy many activities, including speakers, to help deepen their faith and prayer life. The sacrament of reconciliation was offered and college students participated in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament early Saturday evening before heading back to their respective campuses.
DYC continued throughout Saturday afternoon and evening where Bishop Knestout led a eucharistic procession and adoration for DYC participants that night.
This year’s theme chosen by the Office for Evangelization was “Breathe,” which centered on the Scriptures of Ezekiel 37 and John 3:8. By focusing on these Scriptures, the conference reminded and empowered our youth to continue to have God breathe new life into them and fill them with the Holy Spirit.
