Rebecca Noce was among young pilgrims who traveled to Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress — journeying to the massive sacred gathering that drew more than 50,000 fellow Catholics from around the country.

Noce, 28, attends monthly Mass and other events sponsored by the Office of Young Adult Outreach of the Archdiocese of New York. She is a parishioner of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster.

“My experience at the National Eucharistic Congress was incredible. I was truly overwhelmed by the number of Catholics, particularly young adults, who were there worshiping Jesus,” Noce told The Good Newsroom on Monday, July 22, the day after the five-day congress concluded.

“It was amazing to be able to pray with the very people who have helped shape my faith life and grow closer to Jesus, like Father Mike Schmitz and Bishop Robert Barron. But by far the best time spent on the pilgrimage was in Eucharistic Adoration. I experienced such a powerful sense of love and belonging. I felt such a personal and intimate connection to Jesus during the hours spent in Adoration,” Noce added.

Joyful during a historic moment

“It was great to witness that there are many Catholics, specifically young adults, who are not afraid to practice their faith,” said Zef Aliaj, 28, who also went to the National Eucharistic Congress and is a parishioner of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church. “My experience at the National Eucharistic Congress was fantastic. To witness over 50,000 people in one stadium, all in unison singing together, worshiping together, and praying together, is a sight I won’t forget.” Aliaj also attends the Young Adult Mass and other gatherings.

Kaitlyn Colgan, assistant director of the Office of Young Adult Outreach, was also there. “My experience in Indianapolis was amazing. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by (more than 50,000) other Catholics, all there to worship God in the Eucharist. Everyone was so joyful and grateful to be a part of this historic moment for the Church in our country,” she said.

Colgan added that she appreciated the special event’s message of unity and praise, noting, “The question of ‘What if all 70 million Catholics in the United States began practicing their faith fully?’ was posed by several bishops. The answer, as St. Catherine of Siena said, is that we would set the world on fire. We need to be the light that shines in the darkness, and that can only happen when we orient our lives towards God.”

Young Adult Mass in August

The archdiocese’s next Young Adult Mass is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, preceded by a Holy Hour and followed by a social gathering at nearby Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant.

The mission statement of Young Adult Outreach says in part that the goal “is to connect Catholic young adults (21-39) to God and each other, by helping you get connected to the young adult communities. … The office aims to act as a liaison for new and seasoned New Yorkers, whether you are exploring the faith or have grown up in it, to help you find what you’re looking for.”

For more information about the Office of Young Adult Outreach, visit their website.