Young Catholics Rev. Mr. Alan Bridges carries the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic Adoration. Matt Marzorati photo
Diocesan Youth Conference encourages journey of hope with
God
BY ELISE STANKUS and KAYLA LATENDRESSE Correspondents
A
A DYC participant listens intently during one of the many group keynote addresses. Matt Marzorati photo
32 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
bishop, a hip-hop artist and a series of speakers gave teens a special message of hope for their life’s journey – a theme that coincided with the Jubilee Year. “What if we looked at our whole lives as a journey, walking with God?” asked Brandon Morel, keynote speaker for this year’s Diocesan Youth Conference at
February 2025
Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville Feb. 1. The day began with an informal gathering in the school’s gymnasium, where Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., greeted and took pictures with students while a DJ played pop music in the center of the gym, which acted as a dance floor. A live band playing worship music greeted students from the stage as they moved into the auditorium. Dan Waddington, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, acted as the emcee, welcoming students to the annual event. Because Bishop O’Connell had to leave early for other commitments, he addressed the students via a pre-recorded video, in which he explained Pope Francis’ designation of this year as a Jubilee Year, and additionally as the “Jubilee of Hope.” ‘HOPE IS THE REASON’ From the twin monitors on either side of the stage, Bishop O’Connell spoke of the importance of hope in the lives of young people walking with God. “Hope is the reason for the journey. Hope is the goal of the journey, of our faith. Where there is hope, there is life. ... Hope was the reason for Jesus’ journey to us.” At the conclusion of the Bishop’s message, Waddington prayed, connecting the theme of this year’s conference, “The Journey,” with the Jubilee theme of Continued on 34