On Nov. 23, the middle schoolers of St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville gather to watch the recording of Pope Leo XIV’s virtual conversation with the National Catholic Youth Conference, which had taken place a few days earlier in Indianapolis. COURTESY OF AMY ROACH
Middle school youth gather to learn about Pope Leo’s message for young people
BY WKC STAFF
The middle school youth of St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville were not old enough to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis this past November, but that did not stop them from having a meaningful experience together.
The young people gathered on Nov. 23, a few days after the pope’s virtual conversation with NCYC attendees held in the morning of Nov. 21, to watch the recorded livestream.
“We still tuned in, soaked it up, and wow – Pope Leo XIV came in strong with a message for every young person in the USA and the world,” said Amy Roach, the parish’s coordinator of youth ministry.
She cited some of the pope’s most impactful statements that he shared during his virtual conversation: “You are not only the future of the church – you are the present,” and “If you want to help the Church prepare for the future, start by being involved today. Stay connected to your parish, attend Sunday Mass, join youth activities and say yes to opportunities … where your faith can grow.”
Originally printed in the January 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
