FAQs

This section will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Group leaders: be on the lookout for the leader guide coming soon.

Where can I find more information about NCYC?

Please visit NCYC.us

What is a pilgrimage and how is it different from a vacation?

We call our trip to NCYC a pilgrimage, not a vacation. We are not tourists, but pilgrims. A pilgrimage is a religious experience, we go to be changed. The top priority is not comfort, in fact you will probably be uncomfortable at some point. We go to learn more about ourselves and our relationship with God.

How much does NCYC cost?

We are still waiting on a few details before we can provide you with a final cost. Here is an estimate based on previous years:

NCYC event ticket $290

Hotel accommodation for three nights $600

Transportation to and from Indianapolis via coach bus $120

Meals not provided by the Archdiocese hotel $100

Souvenirs and tips $50

Estimate total $1,160

ALL PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE

Who can come?

NCYC is intended for a high school audience. Teens who participate must be a high school student (grades 9-12). Each group that attends must have adult chaperones as well. Adult chaperones must be older than 21. College kids and other people who have completed high school but not yet turned 21 will not be permitted to attend the event.

How do I sign up?

For teens - Teens cannot sign up on their own. Reach out to your parish youth minister, Religious Education Director or pastor to join your parish pilgrimage group. If you’re at a Catholic high school, reach out to your campus minister.

If your school or parish isn’t planning a trip, reach out to us ([email protected]) and we can connect you with a local pilgrimage group. Think about joining with a few friends and their parents to form your own group. 

For group leaders - Group leaders must register everyone in their group, teens and chaperones cannot register themselves.

Why should I attend as part of the Archdiocesan pilgrimage group?

We are committed to supporting you in making NCYC meaningful. We believe that if our team takes care of the logistical details, you can be free to focus on ministry. NCYC is an enormous (and expensive) undertaking. We want you to make the most of it. Here is what can provide:

• Registration assistance.
• Scheduling.
• Credentialing and check-in.
• Dedicated small group space.
• Hotel communication.
• Daily group communication.

What about missing school?

Students will miss two days of school. The Cardinal will provide an letter students can print and turn in to their schools for an excused absence.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes. NFCYM provides scholarships HERE. The Archdiocese of Chicago will also take financial hardship into consideration. More information will be coming.

What can I expect at NCYC?

GENERAL SESSIONS - Worship with thousands of others at Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and other liturgies while also learning and growing through faith with amazing keynotes at general sessions.

BREAKOUTS - Dive deeper into your faith and other topics with breakouts sessions of premier speakers and roundtable discussions. 

PRAYER - Take time during the conference for silent time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel or celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Prayer is always at your fingertips at NCYC.

EXHIBIT HALL - Get some of the best Catholic merch, find out more about a college you're interested in, or meet some brothers and sisters from various religious orders all in the exhibit hall. 

Where are we staying and how will we get around?

Once the bus drops you off at your hotel on Thursday afternoon/evening you will be walking everywhere until you’re picked up to head home on Sunday morning. Be prepared to do lots and lots of walking. Everything for NCYC (the conference center, Lucas Oil stadium, downtown restaurants, etc. are all walkable from our hotel. Downtown Indianapolis was designed with pedestrians in mind.

Chicago’s delegation will be at a hotel connected via an indoor tunnel over the street to the conference center.

How will housing work?

In September, your parish will fill out a rooming request. We will do our best to keep parishes together, but the hotel has final say. Adults will stay with adults, youth with youth and genders will be separated.

What can I do now to prepare?

If you are an adult or group leader – start gauging group interest and begin fundraising efforts.

If you are a youth – find a parish to attend with and begin saving money for the trip.