RALEIGH, N.C. — Excitement is building across the Diocese of Raleigh as preparations intensify for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2025, set to take place later this month in Indianapolis. This year, the diocese will send 120 youth and adult leaders to join thousands of young Catholics from across the country for prayer, worship, and community.
During the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), Pope Leo XIV will hold a 45-minute digital dialogue with young people from across the United States on Friday, November 21. This marks the first time in history that a pope will directly engage U.S. youth in a live digital encounter that will broadcast worldwide from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
As part of the journey toward NCYC, the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship hosted a special NCYC Encounter this past Saturday at Immaculate Conception in Clinton. The gathering offered pilgrims a joyful opportunity to pray together, review trip logistics, share a meal, and receive diocesan NCYC swag—including t-shirts donated by the Knights of Columbus.
With strong parish participation and growing enthusiasm, diocesan leaders say the spirit of pilgrimage and discipleship is alive and thriving.
“NCYC is an unforgettable experience of faith, community, and encounter with Christ,” said Leticia Ortega, coordinator of ministry formation with the diocese. “It’s inspiring to see so many young people preparing their hearts for this journey.”
Pilgrims will represent parishes from across eastern North Carolina, including:
- St. Matthew, Durham
- St. Mary Basilica, Wilmington
- St. Michael, Cary
- St. Francis of Assisi, Raleigh
- Our Lady of Guadalupe, Newton Grove
- St. Ann, Clayton
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Fayetteville
- Our Lady of the Rosary, Louisburg
- Immaculate Conception, Clinton
- St. Stephen the First Martyr, Sanford
The diocese extended special gratitude to the North Carolina Knights of Columbus State Council, whose generous support is helping outfit pilgrims for the national conference. Sergio Miranda, state deputy, will attend the NCYC Encounter to present the council’s donation and speak about the Knights’ ongoing ministry and service to youth and families.