Indianapolis — More than 270 youths from parishes across the Archdiocese of Detroit joined 20,000 of their closest friends Nov. 16-18 at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis.

The biennial conference, which gathers young people together for three days of faith-sharing, friendship-building and adoration, was held at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“You hear so many different stories and learn more about God and you can just feel everyone’s love for God and each other,” said Sydney Kowalczyk of St. Cyprian Parish in Riverview.

Reed Barker, who attended the conference with a contingent from St. Thomas a’Becket Parish in Canton, said he was grateful to meet so many other Catholic young people from across the country.

“The message of being called is both empowering and inspiring, as it tells us that we are both loved and have an amazing purpose in this world,” said Barker.

Three young people from Detroit were part of the 15-person choir that performed on-stage before and after the keynote addresses, said Laura Piccone-Hanchon, associate director of youth ministry for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Maggie Huber of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak said the praise and worship sessions “changed my life.”

“It was amazing to meet teens from all over the country who have the same beliefs as you and that share the same struggles,” Huber said. “I have started a countdown to NCYC 2019.”