The sixth annual Columbus Catholic Young Adult Conference (CCYAC) was held at the Powell St. Joan of Arc campus of Columbus St. Peter and St. Joan of Arc parishes on Saturday, Oct. 19, with more than 200 young adults and volunteers in attendance.

A number of priests and religious also attended the one-day event, which carries out the mission of CCYAC to empower young adults to transform their communities through their identity in Jesus Christ. 

Father Patrick Schultz, a priest from the Diocese of Cleveland, was one of the featured speakers. He joked that he knew the event was for young adults when he spotted a fancy coffee bar.

He began his presentation with a question about God’s proposal to man. Father Schultz asked the attendees if they are “turning off the lights and hiding when the ‘Solicitor’ (Jesus) comes and knocks?”

The priest reminded his listeners that the love of God the Father is in every detail and that He is the Creator of all things, including a snowflake.

Father Schultz concluded with asking the attendees to consider opening the door of their hearts because everyone matters to Him.

The conference included multiple breakout sessions with topics that included Theology of the Body, building community and faith and mental health. The day’s schedule also allowed for personal time, lunch and fellowship.

A priority for CCYAC since its inception has been Eucharistic Adoration, which was made available during the day to provide an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Young adults expressed their gratefulness for his sacred time.

The second feature speaker was Sister Meredith Boquiren, a member of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles who shared her story about woundedness and struggles with  receiving God’s love.

She explained that her first encounter with Eucharistic Adoration was accidental and a turning point for her life. She realized she was in the presence of God, who revealed to her that the deep desires in her heart were unmet.

That moment was the catalyst for her to begin a new life in Christ. She returned to the sacraments and joined a young adult community. 

Sister Meredith offered the young adults four practical life challenges: daily prayer; an open disposition to the Holy Spirit; detachment; and to live in the present moment.

She closed by saying “Each moment is a Eucharistic moment because God is present now. He waits at the door of our heart.” 

The event ended with the parish’s Vigil Mass and an optional dinner in the social hall.