Youth Retreats

Hello my name is Brandon and I use the pen name The Traveling Shepherd to record and share the diversity and depth of the Catholic Church. The past two weekends I've been fortunate to attend two different youth retreats in the Diocese of Charlotte. First was a Hispanic youth retreat organized by the lay people of a local Church. The second retreat was the 39th annual DYC diocesan youth conference. Both had amazing imapct on the youth attending, below is a short description of the expereince with the Hispanic youth along with the video.

“I am!” …… “Alive Again!”

This was the chant of the weekend with the Hispanic youth of St. Joseph’s in Newton, N.C. and they lived up to these words (Also in participation were the Diocesan Office for Youth Ministry, St. Aloysius in Hickory, St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton, St. Francis in Lenoir, St. John’s in Wilkesboro).  Friday night began with the usual uncomfortable gathering of youth that were away from their families and around people they did not know.  As the weekend moved on these bored, lethargic and insecure teenagers quickly came to life under the direction of the young leadership group and the assistance of many involved parents, many of who participated in past events.  In total over 100 participated (between volunteers and retreatants) and several hundred attended the Mass Sunday evening which was followed by a banquet of homemade food, pizza and desserts.

Edith Gonzalez who was part of a group that began lay retreats several years ago in her parish (St. Aloysius) shared with me that she was inspired to begin doing retreats, which she had hoped, would inspire parents and kids to become more involved in their faith and each other’s lives.  She noticed many of these children including her own kids, did not have others they can relate to and/or share their faith with.  As things built momentum Shayla Diaz, her family and many others joined and formed the retreat that was currently given for this group of youth in their parish (St. Joseph in Newton).  From the phenomenal, energizing, edifying and invigorating charismatic Hispanic music to the inspiring individuals that shared their “Lumen Fidei” as Pope Francis calls us to, these teens left on fire with the Holy Spirit and a new joy in Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church.

 In addition there was beautiful adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the first night in a nicely arranged chapel the youth made up. The second night, Father Jim Collins blessed each one of the youth individually with Jesus (The Blessed Sacrament) as well as hearing confessions.  There were stories and testimonies of faith shared during some of the talks, a great play showing the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross followed by a short pilgrimage.

The night wrapped up with a lengthy praise and worship gathering with the band that no one wanted to end, reflecting the joy and excitement these youth were experiencing in their faith with one another.  Sunday continued with the changes and by the end of Mass all the youth were one singing songs together in unity, smiling, laughing, praying and loving. They exemplified what it was to be Catholic.

Their parents received their children after the Mass and we all enjoyed the beautiful meal together. I put on another 5 lbs. thanks to their kindness and good food as well this weekend.  This was the first time the diocese had worked with the group in hope of expanding these types of retreats throughout the diocese and inspiring others to grow into living an intentional faith.