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2026 Home

Where Faith

Comes Alive

The National Catholic Youth Conference is a powerfully unique experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service, and empowerment for young people and their adult chaperones.

Long Beach, CA

November 20-21, 2026

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Bring Your Young People

To Experience...

Where Faith Deepens and Joy Overflows

NCYC creates a space for young people to encounter Christ and rediscover joy in their faith. Through worship, connection, and shared experiences, young people leave encouraged, renewed, and eager to live their faith with confidence.

It’s a room full of teens who are hungry for Jesus — and that’s really all we need.

- 2025 NCYC Participant

"It is an incredible experience to see all the youth in America falling in love with Jesus and sharing their experiences together. This one was extra special with Pope Leo really talking directly to the kids. What a wonderful time that was."
- 2025 NCYC Group Leader

360,000+

Lives Transformed

For decades, NCYC has brought generations of young Catholics together to encounter Christ and the Church.

Past NCYC Highlights

2025 NCYC Recap

Watch the Pope's Visit

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Past Events

2026

Lineup

Gian Gamboa​

Sister Elfie Del Rosario, FMA

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Who’s Coming?

Join dioceses and parishes from across the United States as they prepare to gather in California.

 Join us in Long Beach

UPCOMING

2027 NCYC

Indianapolis, IN

November 20-22, 2027

Thousands encountering Christ.

An experience that will shape your ministry and your students for years to come.

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2026 Speaker

Aires Patulot

Aires Patulot is a Catholic author, speaker, educator, musician, and minister. With a degree in theology and a master’s degree in pastoral studies, he has served around the world, sharing the good news and using his gifts to build the Kingdom of God. He has led retreats for political leaders, lived in a leper colony, ministered to the dying in hospitals, and even taught in high school! His writing can be found in Liturgical Training Publications, as well as in US Catholic, Northwest Catholic, and other publications. His ultimate goal is to inspire people to remember that they are “called to rise with Christ.”

2026 speaker

braden johnson

Braden Johnson grew up chasing attention and approval—through semi-professional singing, competitive basketball, and creating content with famous social media influencers. But during his freshman year of college, everything changed when he encountered Jesus in a life-changing way. Braden discovered that true fulfillment can only be found in Christ. Since then, he’s been on a mission to help others find that same freedom. He now speaks full-time at schools, conferences, and events across North America, sharing real stories, real hope, and a message that connects faith to the realities young people face today.

2026 speaker

Cathy Becker

Cathy Becker is married to Joshua and is the proud mom of three daughters (Leah, Clare, and Elisabeth) and two Australian Cattle Dogs (Cora and Loki). She is a Girl Scout leader, serves on the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts, and is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Agnes Parish in Illinois. With over 25 years of experience in youth ministry, Cathy has a deep passion for helping young people know they are loved by God and belong in the Church. She is an active member of NFCYM and serves on multiple committees and project teams. When she’s not serving others, she enjoys time on the water in her kayak and dreams of getting to the beach more often.

2026 Speaker

Cecilia Flores

Cecilia is the daughter of Filipino immigrants who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has spent over 15 years working with communities of faith to address poverty and injustice in the U.S. and Central America. She holds an M.A. in Global Development & Social Justice from St. John’s University, grounded in the cultural traditions and wisdom of her elders. Passionate about storytelling and community organizing, she has represented the U.S. as one of 20 delegates to the World Meeting of Popular Movements with Pope Francis (2021) and Pope Leo XIV (2025). She serves as Executive Director of the Catholic Volunteer Network and lives in the DFW Metroplex, where she is above all a passionate mother to Kiara and Jacob, committed to raising the next generation of people who believe another world is possible.

2026 speaker

Christopher Wesley

Christopher Wesley is the Executive Director of Marathon Youth Ministry, where he helps ministry leaders rediscover joy and build sustainable, impactful ministries. With over 20 years in parish leadership, including 12 years at Church of the Nativity and 8 at St. Joseph Parish in Maryland, Chris has supported hundreds of ministry leaders through the highs and challenges of Church work. He is the author of Rebuilding Youth Ministry and Rebuilding Confirmation, host of The Church Podcast, and a national speaker known for his humor, honesty, and passion for the Church. Chris holds a Master’s in Pastoral Theology and is a certified MCODE™ coach. He lives in Maryland with his wife, Kate, their two teenage sons, Matthew and Benjamin, and their dog, Yogi. His mission is to help those in ministry lead and last well.

2026 Speaker

Cynthia Psencik

Cynthia Psencik was born and raised in New York City. Her parents are from the Dominican Republic. In 2004, Cynthia began working for the Archdiocese of New York in the Hispanic Ministry Office. Through her ministry with youth in retreat centers and especially through her involvement in the First Encuentro on Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry, she fell in love with youth ministry and pursued a master’s degree in pastoral ministry with a concentration in Hispanic ministry from Fordham University. She then became the Associate Director for Youth Ministry and served as the Director for the Office of Youth Ministry for 4 years before joining GIVEN staff. She is married to her husband Evan and lives in Austin.

2026 speaker

Dr. Julia Sadusky

Dr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker and the owner of a private practice in Littleton, CO. Dr. Sadusky has been researching sexual development for over a decade and specializes in trauma-informed care. She has also worked in youth ministry and now trains faith-based organizations around sexuality, gender, and psychology. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ave Maria University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Regent University. Dr. Sadusky is the author of several books, including “Talking with Your Teen About Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics.”

2026 speaker

Edmund Mitchell

Edmund is a trained catechist with over 10 years of experience in parish and youth ministry. Co-Founder of Real+True, Faith+AI, and Zelous.

2026 speaker

Edmundo Reyes

Edmundo Reyes is an award-winning producer and recognized leader in marketing, communications, fundraising, and public relations. His career has been dedicated to advancing evangelization through digital media, technology, and storytelling. He is the founder and partner at Digital Continent, a media production and creative services agency that helps organizations launch and scale digital initiatives to make Christ known and loved.
 

2026 speaker

Eliza Monts

Eliza Monts is a Catholic writer, speaker, and social media creator covering Catholic faith and culture on Instagram and Substack. She has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, Fox News, The National Catholic Register, New York Post, Verily Magazine, and Financial Times, among others. Eliza is the author of the upcoming book Just Because You Exist: Twelve Gospel Encounters to Discover Intimacy with Christ with Penguin Random House’s Catholic imprint, Image Press, arriving on bookshelves in spring 2027.

2026 speaker

Fr. allen hoffa

Fr. Allen Hoffa was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown on June 6, 2009, after completing seminary at St. Charles Borromeo in Philadelphia. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a Master of Divinity. His ministry has included roles as parochial vicar, high school and college chaplain, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry, and national Catholic speaker and worship leader. Since 2017, Fr. Hoffa has led Integrity Restored efforts in the Diocese of Allentown, developing a pastoral plan to combat pornography and offering formation for priests, parents, and teens. He also serves on the national Integrity Restored team, presenting at diocesan and parish events. His latest talk, “It Used to Be Drama and Now It’s Trauma,” equips parents and teens with tools to face a culture shaped by the pornography industry.

2026 speaker

Joe melendrez

Joe Melendrez is a dynamic Catholic performer, dedicated to energizing and inspiring the next generation of disciples. After a life-changing youth retreat, he committed to sharing the Good News through high-energy performances, keynote talks, and retreats that have reached audiences worldwide. A former Catholic educator with more than a decade of experience, Joe specializes in leading school assemblies and retreats that blend praise music with powerful, faith-filled messages. A devoted husband and father, he brings passion, creativity, and a heart for empowering youth to live boldly for Christ.

2026 speaker

leah Becker

Leah B. is a senior in High School. She is a competitive archer, avid reader, and adventurer who enjoys hiking, traveling, and camping. Leah is currently working on her Girl Scout Gold Award with a project focused on mental health and time in nature. She has traveled to Iceland and the national parks of the American Southwest and serves on the Board of Directors for Central Illinois Girl Scouts. Leah hopes to study environmental science and one day work for the National Park Service. Until then, she enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, practicing archery, and spending time with her friends at St. Agnes Parish.

2026 speaker

Michael Donaldson

Michael Donaldson serves as the Western Regional Director for NET Ministries, where he helps strengthen and support youth ministry efforts across the Western United States. Before joining NET, he served as Senior Director for the Office of Life, Justice, and Peace for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and held leadership roles in parish and diocesan ministry in California. Passionate about evangelization and discipleship, Michael is dedicated to accompanying individuals and communities through faith, service, and personal encounter. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Theological Studies from the University of Dallas.

2026 speaker

Nellani Tabada

Nellani is a Catholic creative, speaker, and faith-based content creator from Hawaii. She is the writer and producer of Adore: The Eucharistic Revival Musical Production, a powerful stage experience inviting audiences to encounter the beauty and mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist. Nellani is also the author of Aleena’s Special Invitation, a children’s book encouraging young readers to respond to Christ’s love. Through her podcast, Getting PersoNell with Christ, she shares honest stories, spiritual reflections, and Christ-centered conversations to help others grow in faith. Active in youth and young adult ministry and building her Catholic business, Lumen Dei Creations, Nellani uses her creativity to connect hearts to Christ. Her mission is to empower the next generation to boldly shine their light and share His love with the world.

2026 speaker

Santonio hill

Santonio Hill is a dynamic speaker driven by a passion for inspiring others through the Gospel. With a degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America, Santonio brings a unique perspective and depth to his talks that resonates with audiences of all ages. For over a decade, Santonio has been actively involved in youth and young adult ministry, dedicating his life to empowering the next generation. His speaking engagements have taken him across various platforms and events, speaking at conferences, workshops, retreats, parish missions, colleges, high schools, and young adult events. Currently based in Pittsburgh, PA, Santonio resides with his wife Kristen and their two children. Through his engaging presentations and personal commitment to faith and family, Santonio continues to inspire and uplift communities, leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes.

2026 speaker

Shannon wimp schmidt

Shannon Wimp Schmidt serves as the Content Director for Tenx10 and is co-host of the Plaid Skirts and Basic Black podcast. She is the award-winning co-author of Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity (Ave Maria Press, 2022). A proud wife and mother, Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Catholic Theological Union. She also serves on the board of Catholics United for Black Lives, a nonprofit committed to racial justice.

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