(Click on each Heading/Rock Combination to reveal more information.)
Sessions
...in a variety of formats for a range of audience numbers and backgrounds.
General Sessions and Keynotes
We will gather in full assembly for the Thursday opening session/keynote, Friday opening liturgy and keynote, Saturday keynote and Sunday closing session/liturgy. See the Sessions page (General Sessions and Keynotes) for more information.
Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions are large workshops that are one hour and fifteen minutes long. They will be offered in rounds "A" and "C" on Friday and Saturday. See the Sessions page (Concurrent Sessions) for more information.
Workshop Sessions
These sessions are smaller, one-and-one-half hour long workshops. They will be offered in rounds "B" and "D" on Friday and Saturday. See the Sessions page (Workshop Sessions) for more information.
Facilitated Dialogues
These 75 minute sessions feature interactive dialogues on timely topics faced by those involved in ministry to young people. Sessions will feature 30 minutes of input/presentation and 45 minutes of facilitated dialogues in small and large groups based on the session topic. They constitute the offerings in round "E" on Saturday afternoon. See the Sessions page (Facilitated Dialogues) for more information.
Specialized Tracks
Specialized tracks are an intentional series of workshop sessions designed around a particular theme which are offered during each of the three workshop rounds. Attendance is open to all conference attendees without any additional costs and do not necessarily need to be attended collectively. If you see a particular track workshop of interest, you may attend that one without having to attend the others in that series. Track themes include:
- Adolescent Catechesis
- Volunteer Track
- Young Adult and College Campus Ministry
Saturday Symposiums
The Saturday Symposiums are separate day-long sessions which comprise a series of keynotes and workshops and include a luncheon. An extra fee of $35 is associated with each.
Preconferences
...in the days preceeding the conference; seven key topics, varying lengths. Also: Resource Spotlights on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from many of your favorite sponsors...
Preconferences
Seven different pre-conference experiences will be offered prior to the official start of NCCYM on Thursday afternoon. These range in length from two or five hour presentations to multi-day workshops. See the Schedule page (December 2-4 Preconferences) for an overview of the preconferences. A detailed preconference page will be appearing soon.
Resource Spotlights
Resource Spotlights are specialized presentations by sponsors held on Thursday between 11:00 AM and 3:45 PM prior to the start of the conference. These one hour sessions highlight a particular resource or program. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged by those who plan on attending. See the Sessions page (Resource Spotlights section) for detailed information.
Entertainment
...opportunities to be entertained (and sometimes spiritually moved) by the best Catholic performers and musicians.
Youth Ministry Extravaganza
Saturday, December 6, 2008 • 9:00-11:00 PM: A showcase full of your favorite musicians and performers risking their very reputations to make you laugh, cry, and wonder aloud how they come up with this stuff. It is our chance to thank and affirm you for being a part of this great ministry we are graced to be called into. It has become a “can’t miss” conference event. See it live or see grainy video on YouTube the week afterward–it’s your choice!
Living Waters Catholicteria
Open from noon-2:00 P.M. Thursday-Saturday in exhibit hall A, come and enjoy a warm buffet meal at a great price while listening to some of our best Catholic performers.
If you are interested in performing in the Living Waters Acoustic Catholicteria...
Artists volunteering to perform will be featured for up to fifteen minutes and sound/technical support will be minimally set for sound and guitar. Preference will be given to artists not being featured in other NCCYM venues.
If interested, please send an email by August 1, 2008 to Michael Theisen (miket@nfcym.org) with the following information: Name, Performance Name, Email, Description of Presentation, Reference Name/Number.
Friday Night Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Event to Fight Poverty in Cleveland
Enjoy Concert with Various OCP Artists while touring the awe-inspiring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum. It's your chance to have fun and socialize with others from across the nation. There will be auctions to raise funds to support the work of Cleveland Catholic Charities. Cost of $40 includes admission to the Hall, food and beverages re included in the cost plus a cach bar will be available. Shuttle service provided to and from hotels.
Hosted by the Diocese of Cleveland and sponsored by Oregon Catholic Press and RCL Benzinger. (Read/download a one-sheet flyer 
177KB.)
Hall of Faith Slam Jam
Friday, December 5, 2008 • 9:00-11:00 PM: WLP and GIA present a Music and Message Slam Jam featuring John Angotti, Ed Bolduc, Shannon Cernenka and Orin Johnson, Chris deSilva, Noelle Garcia, Paul Melley, Jorge Rivera, and Aaron Thompson. No cover charge. WARNING: Be ready to ROCK!
Prayer and Worship
...woven throughout the schedule, in many forms, both communal and private.
Praise and Worship Music
Attendees will want to be sure they are in their seats 30 minutes before every General Session to join with nationally known musicians who will lead us in Praise and Worship music.
Eucharistic Liturgies
Two major conference eucharists will be offered: an Opening Liturgy on Friday, December 5th and a Closing Liturgy on Sunday, December 7th. In addition, Daily Eucharist will be available onsite both Thursday and Saturday. Also, a Mass for Early Travelers wil be offered on Saturday, December 6th at 6:45 PM.
Chapel of Reposition
In the hubbub of the conference and the city, the Prayer Chapel will be a haven, a comfortable sacred space for visitors to connect with God’s presence. The room will provide an area for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Resources for praying God’s word, personal discernment, Marian devotion, intercessory prayer, and creating one’s personal prayer beads are available.
Holy Hours
Two Holy Hours—one with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and one with Reconciliation— will be offered on Thursday and Friday.
Prayer Labyrinth: A Pathway to God
The contemporary search for meaning and spiritual longing is as pervasive as the human spirit itself. There is good news for those who long to find their way. Our Catholic spiritual and mystical traditions offer many satisfying signs and symbols. One such tradition is the labyrinth, a meditative walk and spiritual metaphor for our common journey to God who is at the center of our lives. Come learn more and experience this meditative prayer.
Café Soul: Providing Spiritual Food to Nourish the Hungry Soul
Come taste the richness of Catholic spirituality! Here, in dialogue with others, enjoy a shot of "espres-soul" that can transform your spirit in a lasting way. Gather in the Staircase Lounge on Thursday (3:15-3:45 PM), and on Friday and Saturday (1:00-2:15 PM).
National Awards
The National Catholic Youth Ministry Awards will be presented at the Friday afternoon general session. See the ten categories of awards...
Performer/ArtistA person whose ministry through performance, music or artistic contributions has influenced the field of youth ministry. |
AthleticA person who has made a significant contribution to youth ministry in the particular areas of athletics, camping, or special population. |
DiocesanA person who has made a significant contribution in youth ministry on a diocesan level and who has served as an outstanding model of service to others in youth ministry. A person who has served as a keeper of the vision for comprehensive youth ministry. |
Girl Scouts/Camp Fire/Boy Scouts AwardA person who has shown exemplary leadership in their work with Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, or Boy Scouts and has made a significant contribution to the vision, goals, and programs in the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Camp Fire organizations. |
Gospel Values of Justice and PeaceA person who provides models and programs to educate the church community in fulfilling its responsibility to educate youth for justice and to call young people to action on behalf of others. A person whose life models the Gospel values of justice and peace. |
Multicultural GiftsA person who has made a significant contribution to youth ministry by recognizing the gifts and charisms we share as a multicultural church and has enabled others to share their gifts in the larger church. A person who has helped the church understand and call forth the giftedness of all, especially the young church. |
NationalA person who has made a significant contribution in youth ministry on a national level impacting the field of youth ministry and/or the NFCYM. A person who has influenced the national church on behalf of the young church and/or those who serve in youth ministry. |
Publisher/AuthorA person whose ministry through publication reflects a comprehensive vision of youth ministry and who has influenced the field of youth ministry through their creative contributions. |
RegionalA person who has made a significant contribution in youth ministry on a regional level impacting the regional structure of the NFCYM and/or serving as a model of collaboration with her/his neighboring dioceses. |
TrainerA person who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of youth ministry skills and the professionalization of the field through innovative techniques, creative materials, and practical applications. |
CYFUSA Events
Catholic Youth Foundation-USA will again host "fun-" and "fund-" raising experiences to benefit the Foundation...
Catholic Youth Foundation-USA Wine and Cheese Reception
Please join us for a special celebration of good friends, great wine and cheese, an etched CYFUSA Wine Goblet, and a chance to support the CYFUSA! On Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. gather at the Crowne Plaza and meet the CYFUSA board members who wish to thank you for your support. Cost: $50.00 per person. All proceeds support scholarships to the NCCYM and the National Catholic Youth Conference. Sign up during the registration process.
Catholic Angels Bowling Tournament
As a sequel to the Catholic Angels Golf Tournament from the 2006 NCCYM, the Angels have moved indoors for another friendly competition designed to raise funds for CYFUSA. This tournament features challenging bowling for the avid bowler and fun bowling for the amateur bowler, including pool tables allowing a tournament for nonbowlers and bowlers as well. (Read/download a two-page flyer 1.5MB.)
Tournament Entrance Fee:
$75 person/$250 per team of four
Registration fee includes shoes and bowling for two games, ten raffle tickets for grand prizes, drink ticket, dinner buffet, a CYMA pin, awards, and lots of free gifts from our collaborating member sponsors. Format: Teams of four (individuals can register and will be placed in a great team of dynamic participants). Nonbowlers can enter the Pool Tournament (same benefits as above but play billiards instead of bowl).
Additional Challenges (fees to be paid on site)
- Alley Challengers Tournament: Bowl five frames blindfolded with highest score winning award. Cost: $25
- Corner Alley Coordination Competition: Bowl three frames backwards, ball between legs with highest score winning award. Cost: $20
- Pool Table Tournament: Show off your skills in this continuous pool tournament before or after you bowl. Cost: $20. Register online before October 17 and receive twenty extra tickets for the grand prize raffles. Download the bowling tournament flyer here which includes sponsorship opportunities.
Regional Gatherings
Gather with colleagues from your area to learn more about what is happening in your region as well as some "inside secrets" to making NCCYM the best experience possible...
Thursday, December 4, 2008 • 4:00-5:00 PM: Check out the map and find the region to which you belong. (Participants attending from other countries are asked to gather and meet one another to begin some international networking.)
Service Opportunities
Spend a few hours bringing the Gospel to life ...
...by serving the poor and homeless at the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center. Located in downtown Cleveland, the facility provides a daytime Drop-in Center for persons that are homeless, working poor, unemployed, and senior citizens on fixed incomes.The NCCYM Service day is Thursday, December 4. Select from two time options: 7:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sign up by e-mailing Lynette Taylor or by calling 216-334-1261 x10.
Don’t have the time to serve? Bring toiletry items to donate to the shelter. Drop donations off at the Diocese of Cleveland booth across from registration in the main lobby of the Convention Center.
Resource Expo
Once again, the Catholic Youth Ministry Resource Expo is the center of many conference activities . . .
Exhibitors
Nearly one hundred fifty exhibitors are expected in the Exhibit Hall, which will also be the site for:
- Exhibitors' Evening Social
(Thursday, December 4, 2008 • 8:45 p.m.) - Living Waters Catholicteria (every day)—see "Entertainment" on this page
- Innovation and Technology Center—see the section below.
Passport Prize Program
NCCYM attendees can win prizes from exhibitors at the Catholic Youth Ministry Exposition by completing an Exhibitor Passport. Passports are included in your on-site registration packet. Get it stamped by the required number of exhibitors and then turn it in at the NFCYM booth to be entered in the prize drawing.
Innovation/Technology
More than just a cyber cafe: learn new skills and find new tools to improve your ministry ...
Come and sit in on a 20 minute presentation or training program to upgrade your skills and knowledge of computer programs and learn some of the latest computer programs to help you minister more effectively to the young church of today. A list of session times and topics will be posted by the entrance to the Catholic Youth Ministry Expo. Free WiFi.