March 11, 2007 edition

Sidebar with Steve Euvino
TAPPED INTO TAPT

For those who think Teens Are People Two (TAPT) is just about pop and pizza and getting-to-know-you stuff, Kevin Driscoll and Father Ian Williams say think again. TAPT XIX, coming up later this month at Camp Lawrence, goes beyond icebreakers, the diocesan youth director and LaPorte pastor say. Driscoll said the diocesan retreat for high school teens continues to evolve to meet the changes of Catholic youth ministry. He noted that recent efforts by TAPT leaders “have been aimed at presenting a solid Catholic formation program, without losing the need to present themes in a youth-friendly language."

The focus of TAPT remains Emmanuel – God with us. Youth are directed to explore their gifts and talents as a response to their baptismal call, and then to take those gifts back to their schools and parishes.

“Behind the scenes, we’re taking that role of providing a solid Christian formation program very seriously,” Driscoll said.

Yes, there may be those “teen” moments during TAPT, but Father Williams stresses that retreat billing as an “encounter with Christ” as core to the weekend.

Pastor at Sacred Heart, LaPorte, Father Williams recalled portions of Pope Benedict XVI’s Ash Wednesday homily – baptism, repentance, conversion, and new life in Christ during Lent – as describing the heart of TAPT’s theology.

“Through the activities, fun stuff, discussions, prayer experiences…we strive to bring the participants to be opened up to an encounter with the incarnate Christ present to them in the gathered community, but most powerfully in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist,” Father Williams said, “Our hope is that they will be opened up to more fully realize their role as a baptized follower of Christ and to bring Christ to others.”

Need more details? Go to www.garytapt.com or Call Driscoll at 769-9292, Ext 229.