Fearless CICM Youth Encounter

The 2026 Fearless CICM Youth Encounter exceeded all expectations, welcoming about 400 participants after about 100 walk-ins. Amid rescheduling and uncertainty, God was still at work, preparing something even more meaningful for all of us. A youth event that was originally planned in January 2026 but had to be postponed due to the winter snowstorm had finally took place this March 14, 2026. What seemed like a setback became a blessing for us.

The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, filled with high-energy worship, dancing, games, and plenty of time for teens from across the Diocese of Raleigh to connect. Young adult speakers led the main sessions with bold, heartfelt messages that resonated deeply with the youth and challenged them to pursue holiness with courage.

The first session a gender-based theme, highlighting the unique gifts of each person and how these reflect aspects of God’s likeness. Participants were reminded that being created male or female is both meaningful and good. The session emphasized that our bodies matter, our gender matters, and that each of us reveals something about God through both body and soul. The speakers encouraged everyone to embrace their identity fully and to pursue the path to sainthood according to how God has created them. The morning session ended with a song where the men sang and prayed over the women and vice-versa. It was a powerful testament of lifting each other’s as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The second session shifted focus to the lives of the saints, presenting them as powerful examples of faith in action. It highlighted how the saints placed Jesus at the center of their lives, enabling them to become bold and fearless witnesses of the Gospel. Through their stories, participants were inspired to deepen their own relationship with Christ and to live out their faith with courage and conviction.

The organizing team selected seven patron saints for the event, choosing individuals who were young and exemplified boldness and fearlessness in their faith. These saints included St. Francis of Assisi, St. Tarcisius, St. José Sánchez del Río, St. Carlo Acutis, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, and Blessed Columba Kang Wan-suk. Throughout the event, participants were blessed to be accompanied by the relics of these patron saints, serving as powerful reminders of their witness and holiness. At the midpoint of the day, a Holy Mass was celebrated, highlighted by a procession honoring these saints.

The day culminated in a powerful time of Eucharistic Adoration, where hundreds of teens gathered in reverence and prayer. Overall, it was a vibrant, Spirit-filled retreat that left everyone inspired and spiritually renewed.

Thanks to the many efforts and sacrifice of the organizing team from St. Catherine of Siena Tarboro-Lifeteen core team in collaboration with the Missionhurst-CICM parishes in the diocese and the Renovacion Misionera worship team.