Youth “Rise Up” at DCYC

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VICKSBURG – More than 300 youth from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered March 20-22 for the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) at the Vicksburg Convention Center, embracing the theme “Rise Up.” The weekend featured keynote presentations, small group sessions, games, Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration and a high-energy concert with Catholic hip-hop artist Joe Melendrez and DJ Code.

“This weekend is about helping our young people encounter Christ in a real and personal way and giving them the confidence to rise up and live their faith,” said Abbey Schuhmann, diocesan coordinator for the Office of Youth Ministry.

The conference concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the presentation of the Bishop Chanche Youth Service Awards to 12 youth from around the diocese.

Can you solve it?

Youth react during a group game at DCYC, using emoji clues to identify moments from Scripture. Can you solve the emoji clue above?
Bishop Joseph Kopacz is pictured with Bishop Chanche Youth Award recipients, from left, Cheyenne Vrbicky of Holy Cross, Phildelphia; Jessie Torres of Sacred Heart, Greenville; Gabriel Theunissen of St. Joseph, Greenville; Edwin Sebastian of St. Michael, Forest; Amenia Rozzelle of St. Alphonsus, McComb; James Ross of St. Joseph, Meridian; Dori Paczak of St. Jude, Pearl; Arely Gomez of St. Patrick, Meridian; Alexander Glass of St. Francis, Madison; Kameron Fox of Holy Ghost, Jackson; Hayden Bell of St. Paul, Vicksburg; and Anna Christine Antici of St. Joseph, Gluckstadt.

Click here for more photos from DCYC 2026