DBYC Witness from Addy

My name is Addy Ladner and I am a sophomore at St. Patrick Catholic High School. I am a part of St. James Catholic Church Lead Team for the youth group and a Spirit Mover for our Diocese. I am also an Emerald Ambassador at St. Patrick, a tennis and basketball player, part of the Student Council, National Honor Society and much more! This past weekend I attended the Diocese of Biloxi Youth Convention (DBYC).  This was my first time attending DBYC. As I was going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the weekend. However, looking back at it now, my experience at DBYC was incredible. Since I am a Spirit Mover, I helped put on and set up the convention. I also gave a testimony on my experience at the March for Life event, that is held here in Biloxi. If you haven’t been yet, DBYC is a youth convention held at the Coliseum.  Most local church youth groups attend from throughout the diocese.  The youth groups make their own t-shirt, banner, table, and board to display/wear throughout the weekend. It is a big competition to see which group has the best theme and the best costumes. Each year there is a different theme for the convention. This year the theme was Belong.  Many young teenagers struggle with feeling like they belong in our world.  I think “Belong” was a perfect theme for this year, because so many people my age have doubts about feeling as if they belong. They worry about fitting in and belonging at school, church, socially, etc. We got to hear from the one and only, Katie McGrady. She gave an awesome speech and multiple talks to all of the youth throughout the weekend. Her stories were very impactful and influential.

 Throughout the weekend we also have an awesome band and amazing music, small groups, adoration and Mass.  I also was able to lead a small group this year. I was very nervous going in, because most of the other teens were juniors or seniors.  On Friday night we got to meet the people who were in our groups.  I ended up getting some really awesome people in my group and we were able to connect and have great conversations. We had adoration on Saturday night. This was one of the best and most memorable adorations that I have ever been to.  If you have been to the Steubenville convention, think of DBYC as a mini Steubenville, with a bunch of people your age and in your community. On Sunday, the Bishop led Mass and we got to go to Church with everyone that had attended the conference.  This was also a very cool experience to see so many kids my age all praising our Lord together.  I met so many new people on this trip and I will forever cherish these memories. If you haven’t been yet, I highly encourage and recommend attending this amazing convention with us next year!