National Catholic Youth Conference 2021

Catholic youths encounter a variety of religious orders at NCYC

Society of Our Lady of the Trinity Sister Mary Claire Strasser, left, chats with Sofia Sauls, center, and Ava Glemming, both of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Okla. (Photo by Sean Gallagher)

By Sean Gallagher

Several religious communities had booths in the Interactive Village of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) on Nov. 18-20 in the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

Franciscan Sister Kathleen Branham, vocations director for the Sisters of

St. Francis in Oldenburg, said she had more young women express interest in her religious community than at NCYC in 2019.

“There are more people who want to stay in touch,” she said. “It’s been a blessing. The young people of today want community. I think [NCYC] plays a really big part with community. After the pandemic, they realize that there’s more to life than materialistic and consumer stuff and that community means everything.”

Society of Our Lady of the Trinity Sister Mary Claire Strasser was one of three members of her community at the conference.

“It’s a beautiful chance to encounter [youths] and to let them encounter us,” she said. “We’ve met many who have never seen or talked to sisters before. For us, it’s a sign of hope. This is the future of the Church. It’s really beautiful.”

Describing NCYC as an event “where their faith is encouraged and strengthened,” Sister Mary Claire said that “the Lord gives a lot of grace in events like this” for Catholic teenagers.

“There are a lot of graced moments of deep encounter with Christ,” she said. “Those deep encounters open their hearts to this God that loves them and has a plan for their lives. What might that plan be?”

Holy Cross Brother Jacob Eifred, who is in his third year of temporary vows with the Congregation of the Holy Cross, said he is encouraged in his discernment and formation by NCYC. He also saw hope in the conference for the future of religious vocations.

“When youths come to an event like this, they’re reminded that they’re not alone,” said Brother Jacob. “The Church is much bigger than just their parish. There’s a lot of opportunity out there for ministry, evangelization and growing in their faith. They can be supported by like-minded people. We’re all in this together in the Church.”

Matthew Heidenreich of the Columbus, Ohio, Diocese stopped by the Holy Cross booth and chatted with Holy Cross Father Brendan McAleer, the vocations director for the order’s U.S. province.

Matthew said that NCYC brings religious orders “into the spotlight a little more.”

“A lot of times as young Catholics, it’s almost like religious orders are off on their own,” he said. “They’re mysterious things that we don’t really see. So, being here face-to-face with brothers and sisters and interacting with religious orders is really cool. You get to learn more about their charisms.”

Ava Glemming of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Okla., echoed such thoughts after visiting the booth of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Trinity.

“Every vocation has a place,” she said. “Every order is different—from Franciscans, to Dominicans, to Benedictines. They’re all different in their own special way. Vocations are all about figuring out what God wants you to do that is unique to you.” †

 

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