Greetings from the SouthWest Catholic Youth Conference
Our team is on the road again. This evening we arrive in Farmington, NM, where youth from southern Colorado, New Mexico, and other neighboring states gather for the annual October SouthWest Catholic Youth Conference. The SWCYC is an amazing event organized by LifeGuard, a Caring Pregnancy Center in Durango, hosted in Farmington, bringing together youth, clergy and lay ministers through inspired presentations, games, music and fellowship. This year the theme is taken from Psalm 40: RISE UP! Those who Hope in the Lord Shall Renew their Strength. They Will Soar on Wings Like Eagles.
The focus of the SWCYC is intentionally faithful to Catholic teaching in its approach to the moral, human and spiritual formation of our youth. The foundational Theology of the Body of St. John Paul II is channeled through teaching, understanding, respecting and promoting the dignity of the human person, in relationship with family, peers, and society. The Holy Spirit is invoked and actively engaged to awaken, inspire, guide, and accompany all into deeper relationship with Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother. Through celebrations of the Eucharist, Adoration, Confessions, presentations, testimony and prayer, friendships are formed, conversions take place, and all of us, God’s children, come closer to Jesus.
"The focus of the SWCYC is intentionally faithful to Catholic teaching in its approach to the moral, human and spiritual formation of our youth."
The challenges these youth must confront are far-reaching, immediate, and concerning. These are good kids of diverse cultures who struggle to understand the role of faith in their lives, amidst the confusion of the school, public and political environment which disparages Catholic teaching. The structures of personal, family and community integrity, indeed, any faith at all is being tested, constantly and severely, and these kids feel it keenly. They struggle, as do all of us, on a personal level with social media, with finding appropriate, healthy resources and outlets for their energy, and with innumerable negative societal pressures. The SWCYC gives them a pause for reflection, interaction, guidance and encouragement.
As to the societal issues now facing our youth, families, and communities, by now you have heard pulpit announcements urging your vote on three propositions (133, 134, 135; please vote “YES” on all 3) in the upcoming November Colorado ballot. This information is available on our website. Passing these propositions will, at least, make a start towards protecting our youth, strengthening our families, and providing a safer environment for a happier future for all of us.
"Passing these propositions [133, 134, 135] will, at least, make a start towards protecting our youth, strengthening our families, and providing a safer environment for a happier future for all of us."
We will be praying for you this weekend. Giving thanks to God for this opportunity to grow in faith and formation to Our Lord, you also, please pray for us. Through the work of the Holy Spirit may we all find that ever closer relationship with Jesus as is eternally offered, and may the work of our hands be blessed.
For more information on SouthWest Catholic Youth Conference/Lifeguard, please visit SWCYC / Lifeguard
For more information on Propositions 133, 134, 135 and other Colorado Catholic voter resources, please visit 2026 Colorado Catholic Voter Resources
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
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