Diocesan Youth News

Online Confirmation Retreats
Amarillo—The deadline to register for the final Online Confirmation Retreat, being offered this year by the Diocesan Youth Office, is Friday, April 24.
The retreat is set for Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18.
“Keeping in mind that the in-person retreat is the ideal for the communal aspect it brings to the candidates, the parish may implement this virtual retreat as the Youth Confirmation Retreat,” said Diocesan Youth Director Oscar Guzman. “Candidates must have permission from their pastors, catechetical leader (DRE) or confirmation coordinator/catechist to use this retreat to fulfill the requirement of the Youth Confirmation Guidelines.”
For additional information and/or to register for any of these five Online Confirmation Retreats, please go online to amarillodiocese.org/confirmation-virtual-retreat. Parishes that need assistance in putting on a Confirmation Retreat are encouraged to go to amarillodiocese.org/booking-deanery-retreats for additional help. Guzman can also be contacted at 806-383-2243, ext. 118 or via email, [email protected].
 
DCYC 2025 Registration Continues
Amarillo—I’m Going to Walk With Jesus (Lk 24:13-25) is the theme of the annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27 at the Amarillo Civic Center, 401 South Buchanan.
Registration for DCYC 2025 open at noon April 25 in the Heritage Room, with the first event beginning at 6:00, with a Gathering and Danzando, or danceoff in the North Exhibit Hall. There will also be Lego and Connect Four competition activities.
“All proceeds from DCYC 2025 competition activities will go toward our bus fund,” said Diocesan Youth Director Oscar Guzman. “Covenant Teen has already raised over $26,000 toward this fund, with the first donation toward the fund coming in 2014 from a family in Spearman. After over 10 years raising funds to pay for a 15-passenger bus/van that will be used by parishes in the Diocese of Amarillo, it’s time to accomplish this goal.”
The evening continues at 8:00 with the Opening Prayer of DCYC, followed by the first keynote presentation of the conference entitled Being Fully Present. Opening day activities conclude with Prayer Time, which includes Praise and Worship and a closing prayer for the day at 10:00.
The second day of DCYC 2025, April 26, begins with the second keynote speech of the conference at 9:00am, Walking with Jesus—Through the Sacraments. Round “A” of workshops follow the keynote at 11:00, with lunch served at noon.
The afternoon begins at 1:30 with Praise and Worship, followed at 2:00 with the third keynote presentation Proclaiming Jesus Christ—Sharing the Truth and Love. Round “B” of workshops follow the keynote at 3:45. At 5:00, Bishop Patrick J. Zurek will celebrate Mass with the youth in the North Exhibit Hall.
After the evening meal, a fourth keynote address Bold Evangelizing Witness—Faithful Protagonist Today, will be given, followed by Adoration at 8:45 and Small Groups at 10:00.
The final day of DCYC, Family Day, on April 27, begins with Mass at a local parish, lunch and an afternoon at Wonderland Park from 1:00 to 6:00.
Confirmed speakers at DCYC 2025 include:
• Connor Flanagan;
• Susej Thompson;
• Roxana Duran; and,
• Anasthasia Tan.
Catholic musician Josh Blakesley will provide music for the conference.
Youth interested in attending DCYC 2025 are asked to contact their parish youth minister or priest for additional parish delegation details. For more information, please go online to amarillodiocese.org/dcyc-aka-youth-rally. Those wishing to donate toward the bus fund are asked to contact Guzman at 806-383-2243, ext. 118.