Ascend

ASCEND 2026: ENCOUNTER CHRIST. LIVE BOLDLY. RISE HIGHER.

Calling all Catholic students in grades 5–8—and their parents, youth leaders, and chaperones!

Get ready for an unforgettable day at ASCEND 2026, the annual Middle School Youth Conference hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita!

Join hundreds of young Catholics from across Southeast, South-Central Kansas, and beyond for a day packed with faith, fun, music, laughter, powerful stories, and an encounter with Jesus Christ.

🎤 Be inspired by Catholic speakers, artists, musicians, and storytellers, including PJ Anderson, Mike Debus, and Noelle Garcia, who will bring incredible talks and music to the stage.

🎶 Worship. Music. Stories. Entertainment.
🍗 Chick-fil-A lunch provided!
🙌 And most importantly—an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in a whole new way.

PARENTS, THIS INVITATION IS FOR YOU, TOO!

ASCEND isn't just an event for students. It's an opportunity for parents to walk alongside their children in faith and make an impact that lasts far beyond November 7.

Come experience the joy of hundreds of young people living boldly for Christ—and discover a new way to connect with and encourage your child in their faith.

PERFECT FOR CONFIRMATION GROUPS

Parishes can also use ASCEND 2026 as a Confirmation retreat experience for 5th- and 6th-grade students. Bring your group and let ASCEND help ignite their faith!

WHO SHOULD COME?

ASCEND is open to:

• Students in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
• Parents and families
• Youth ministry leaders
• Chaperones
• Parish Confirmation groups

📅 November 7, 2026
📍 Bishop Carroll Catholic High School | Wichita, Kansas

Come ready to laugh. Come ready to worship. Come ready to be inspired. Come ready to ASCEND.

We can't wait to see you on November 7!

All registrations are final. Registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please complete the forms below to be able to attend ASCEND 2026.

Necessary forms to be completed and either given to your local parish chaperone(s) before the event, or brought with you on the day of the event.

     Medical Release Form
     Youth Code of Conduct and Parent Permission

If you plan to transport students that are not your own children, please complete this form: Volunteer Driver Form 
If you are an adult that is planning to attend as a chaperone, please complete this form: Adult Code of Conduct

All chaperones and parents that attend need to be VIRTUS trained by November 7^th. Click HERE for a listing of upcoming VIRTUS training dates in the Wichita Diocese.