Preparing Witnesses of Hope

Idaho Catholic Youth Conference is March 7-9

“God Squad” highschool students train for ICYC at a Jan 18-19 retreat. (ICR photo/Joe Egbert )

Andrew Furphy

The goal of the Idaho Catholic Youth Conference (ICYC), March 7-9, is a deeper encounter and understanding of God and His Church. This year, we join the Holy Father in adopting the theme of Hope.

God Squad, the high school leaders who volunteer to make ICYC so impactful, will help embody the hope of the Jubilee Year with their enthusiasm and passion for the Lord. This past weekend, God Squad gathered for a 24-hour retreat where they deepened their identity as witnesses of hope. The high school leaders came from the West and West Central Deaneries.

To facilitate a deep impact with our Lord, ICYC helps youth break down barriers that prevent them from experiencing God’s mercy and love, leading to a more profound experience of hope. God Squad will assist our youth in the work of this important breakthrough.

Our youth are full of energy. Sometimes, that energy is directed toward unhealthy or unwise worries and behaviors. It is our job to help direct that energy toward hope, helping our youth to feel the truth of the divine Jubilee that offers good news to those who feel spiritually impoverished, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the spiritually blind, and freedom to those who feel oppressed (see Luke 4: 16-21).

ICYC facilitates a deeper conversion to Christ and His Church, encouraging youth to create a more Christ-like world, the Kingdom of God, a life full of hope. It prepares our youth to be authentic witnesses of hope who can share the truth of life in Christ with those they encounter. This year’s conference will be high energy and deeply impactful, with amazing speakers and opportunities to participate in the sacraments.

Registration closes in early February. Please get in touch with your parish Director of Youth Ministry for registration and cost information. To learn more about the speakers go to evangelizeidaho.com/icyc2025.