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Eucharistic Procession To Highlight DCYC 2024
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April 13, 2024Amarillo—A Eucharistic Procession from the Amarillo Civic Center to St. Mary’s Cathedral Saturday, April 27 is the central event the 2024 Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28 at the Amarillo Civic Center, 401 South Buchanan, according to Diocesan Youth Director Oscar Guzman.
The theme of this year’s conference for students in seventh through twelfth grades is Face to Face, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church § 2715, “I look at Him and He looks at me.”
The Eucharistic Procession from the Amarillo Civic Center to St. Mary’s Cathedral at 1200 South Washington, begins at 4:00pm on April 27, followed by Mass at 5:30pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Patrick J. Zurek.
In addition to Bishop Zurek, also scheduled to speak at DCYC 2024 are Father Alvin Tshuma, chaplain and executive director of the Catholic Student Center at West Texas A&M University, Canyon; Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ Sister Margarite Marie Waghorn at Prayer Town Emmanuel; and, Deacon Michael Anzaldua of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dalhart.
Father Tshuma arrived in the Diocese of Amarillo in June 2021. A native of Zimbabwe, he was ordained to the priesthood on July 14, 2002 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bulawayo. He was appointed chaplain and executive director of the Catholic Student Center at West Texas A&M University in Canyon and parish administrator at St. Mary’s Church, Umbarger and Holy Name of Jesus Church, Happy, on Aug. 1, 2022.
A native of New Jersey, Sister Margarite Marie encountered God’s love on a parish retreat her junior year in high school. During her senior year, she first heard the invitation to religious life, a desire that grew in college. Sister Margarite Marie arrived at Prayer Town Emmanuel in 2010 and professed her Perpetual Vows during an Aug. 12, 2017 Mass at St. Anthony’s Chapel at Prayer Town Emmanuel.
Deacon Anzaldua was one of eight men ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop Zurek during a Dec. 3, 2016 Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. He serves at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dalhart, and St. Mary’s Church, Texline.
In a profile in The West Texas Catholic prior to his diaconate ordination, Deacon Anzaldua reflected on his ministry to youth and vocations.
“The fact that I chose to answer God’s calling to the deaconate, allows me to be open and gives me the ability to talk to the youth about being open to what God is calling them to be,” he said.
For those wishing to participate at DCYC 2024, Guzman suggests that youth talk with their parish youth ministry leader or pastor. He also reminds youth and adults about the Youth Code of Conduct, which will be enforced during the DCYC.
“The Youth Code of Conduct details the specific expectations of youth during the DCYC and it is to be reinforced by chaperones,” he said. “The Code of Conduct will help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. All Sponsors and Chaperones have the right to enforce the rules and regulations for the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference.”
Guzman added that there will be a workshop in Spanish geared toward adult sponsors that will be led by Deacon Andy Gonzalez of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Amarillo.
For further information about DCYC 2024, please contact Guzman at 806-383-2243, ext. 118 or via email, [email protected]. More details can also be found on the diocesan website, amarillodiocese.org, under the Youth Ministry tab.