Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

More than 100 students from the Diocese of Orlando attended the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, from November 20 to 22. Of these participants, 70 were from St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Orlando, making it the largest group representing the diocese at the event.

Elina Del Rosario, who participated as a young adult leader, reflected on her experience at NCYC two years earlier. She said, “I went in 2023 and it was transformational.” At that time, she was 17 and facing personal challenges. “I was starting to find myself. I had started serving at my church and trying to find my way and my place in my community while also dealing with teenage problems — relationships, drama, and people talking. It was a lot of confusion going into the trip.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. The diocese is home to 79 parishes, 11 missions, two basilicas, and 43 Catholic schools. It is currently led by Bishop James Noonan.