In a week, the “winds of change” will be blowing through Atlanta, bringing with them the power to change the lives of the tens of thousands of teens who are expected to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference Oct. 27-30 at the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center.

The winds have already changed one aspect of the conference. Through the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Catholic Youth Foundation USA (CYFUSA) is networking dioceses and parishes participating in NCYC with young people from Katrina-affected dioceses. Nearly $50,000 has been raised to ensure that teens and their leaders from the Gulf Coast Region who were planning to come to Atlanta for the conference will be there.

The biennial event is an exciting experience of prayer, community and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their chaperones. The schedule includes general and concurrent sessions addressing a wide variety of topics including forgiveness, Catholic spirituality and prayer, global issues, sexuality and leadership. There are also opportunities for liturgy and special activities such as a concert and exhibits.

Each day of the conference will be based upon a theme. Thursday’s theme is “Draw Strength From God.” Friday morning’s theme is “Winds of Change Carry the Message,” while Friday evening’s theme will be “Stand Strong in our Faith.” Finally, Saturday morning’s theme will be “Praise God above all Things.”

Registration will begin Thursday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m. The thematic park will open at noon. Throughout the conference there will be opportunities to experience the sacraments, daily Mass, workshops and sessions. On Sunday there will be delegation meetings and a chance for sight-seeing for out-of-town groups.

A special Web log, or blog, has been set up through the archdiocesan youth site, www.atlyouth.org, and selected teens will be sharing their thoughts about NCYC throughout the conference.

For a schedule of events during the three-day conference, go to http://www.nfcym.org/ncyc/schedule/index.htm. Among the many speakers, presenters, and musicians at NCYC are:

Steve Angrisano, Emcee

Angrisano, a singer, songwriter and storyteller, is one of the most dynamic and effective communicators with youth in the country. Creating relevant, dynamic music for liturgy and listening, Angrisano’s unique blend of laughter, song, story and audience interaction has made him a popular choice for parish missions, concerts, workshops and youth events. He has been featured at major youth events nationally and internationally, including two World Youth Days, four NCYCs, and countless parish, school, camp and diocesan events. A parish musician, music director, and youth minister for 11 years, Angrisano lives in Highlands Ranch, Colo., with his wife and their three children.

Tammy Evevard, Friday morning keynote speaker

Evevard has been ministering to young people around the country for the past 15 years on relationships, women’s issues, and God’s love. A past member of NET Ministries and REACH Youth Ministries traveling youth teams, she has appeared on CNN to talk about natural family planning and chastity issues and has been published by YOU! magazine. Evevard, her husband and three children live in Boulder, Colo.

Bishop Gordon D. Bennett, SJ, Friday evening keynote speaker

Born in Denver and raised in Los Angeles, Bishop Bennett taught high school English, French, and music for two years before being ordained in 1975. Between 1970 and 1995, he was an assistant principal for campus ministry at a high school in San Francisco, principal at a Los Angeles high school, and rector and master of novices for the Jesuit Novitiate. During that time he also completed two master’s programs in divinity and secondary school administration. He was then president of Loyola High School in Los Angeles for two years before being named auxiliary bishop of Baltimore in 1997. In July 2004, Pope John Paul II named him Bishop of Mandeville, Jamaica.

Jesse Manibusan, Saturday evening keynote speaker

A singer, songwriter, guitarist and teller of humorous tales, Manibusan is a charismatic performer with an extensive repertoire. He is a familiar presence at diocesan conferences throughout the United States and Canada, including the NCYC, World Youth Day events, LIFE TEEN and numerous events for the Nevada Desert Experience, the faith-based campaign to end nuclear weapons testing. Manibusan holds a master’s degree in multicultural ministries from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif. He resides in Grapevine, Texas, with his wife and their two children.