The title doesn’t do it justice. NCYC Rocks!!
I have never been in a stadium with over 22,000 people with the same goals and the same faith base. What an awesome experience. The most impressive part of the conference for me was Benediction Friday morning. Over 22,000 people respectful, pray-filled, worshiping the same God. I can barely get my six kids to do that. I believe it is a testament to the gift of Christ among and within us over the weekend.
Thanks to all who attended our “What About Now” discernement track.
Pictures to follow.
Pease,
Chris and Beth Carlin
www.living-hope-ministries.com
The more we do retreats with teens, the more I am CONVINCED that what they crave the most is quiet time with God. We did a retreat this past weekend with 50 teens at St. Edwards. We had three wonderful peer leaders and we talked about God, the movement of the Spirit and the gifts they are over the course of the day. At one point, I had 30 in the chapel and we were meditating. You could hear the light bulbs humming it was so quiet in there. When we finished, they asked if we could do it again. So we prayed Lectio Divina. And when we were at the end of the day, a group asked me if we could meditate again. Now, it is entirely possible that some of them liked the concept of nap time, I would argue that was true of at least 5 of them, but the majority liked the inner time with God, the restfulness of His presence, the peace He left with them for the journey. The disciples went to Jesus and asked “Teach us to pray” and I believe we need to do the same with our young people, so they too can hear the voice of God calling in their hearts.
Also want to mention the wonderful peer leaders from AHN who are working to provide four retreats this year for their fellow students. I am priviledged to be working with them again.
Much to do. Families sharing faith about Creed this weekend, new Youth ministers being trained and next week, 21,000 Catholic teens getting together to praise God. We are truly blessed to be included in all these things and more.
peace-
beth
So this weekend and last weekend we meet with teens and parents at St. Henry’s. It was a real blessing to explore sexuality one weekend and then be able to follow-up on other topics, like boundaries and communication this weekend.
It was WONDERFUL watching teens share and parents listen in an environment where they could all safely hear “you are valued and important, your thoughts are valued and important.” The parents really supported the teens in their sharing about difficult (hypothetical) situations and we really appreciate the opportunity to facilitate that sharing and be present for it.
In the end, teens wanted to hear more about prayer, always a wonderful thing. I guess after realizing mom and dad care to listen, God must care to listen too!
Amen