June 28, 2009 edition
New venue, revamped
learning sessions planned for CYX ’09
by Steve Euvino
MERRILLVILLE –Kevin Driscoll, director of the office of Youth/Youth Adults,
reports that this year’s Catholic Youth Xperience has moved to a new and
larger site on the Valparaiso University campus. In addition, the diocesan
retreat for high school (incoming freshman through graduating seniors) youth
will feature revamped learning sessions.
The sixth annual retreat will be held July 31 to Aug. 2 at VU, with many of
the activities taking place at the new Harre Union building. This large
facility will host all CYX general sessions, workshops, meals, and the
closing Mass that Sunday with Bishop Dale J. Melczek.
As in past years, CYXers will be staying in VU dorms, with St. Teresa of
Avila Catholic Student Center as the site for evening adoration.
Driscoll describes CYX as “three days of faith and fun.” This includes
contemporary music, guest speakers, and opportunities for devotion and
reflection.
“CYX is an Xperience to, with, by, and for teens,” Driscoll said.
This year’s CYX theme is CROSSroads. As Driscoll explained, youth faith
difficult decisions almost daily and must decide which path to take in their
life’s journey.
“CYX 2009 reminds us that Christ is with us at the crossroads,” Driscoll
said. “Jesus as Christ was with the two men on the road to Emmaus, we, too,
are called to recognize Christ’s presence along our own journeys.”
Each day of the retreat will focus on a different part of that journey,
Driscoll explained. Youth will first discuss the journey they’re already on,
after which they will discuss challenges and deceptions while also
recognizing that Jesus is with them on their journey. Finally, young people
will examine how they take that next step with Jesus to continue their
journey.
This year’s program features more large-scale prayer experiences, including
separate reconciliation and adoration services. The revamped learning
sessions format will feature workshop style session for grades 9-11. In
addition, Driscoll said, learning session the3mes have been brought into
compliance with the U.S. Bishops’ catechetical standards for high schoolers.
Freshman learning sessions will include Jesus’ birth in a manger, why bad
thins happen to good people, and the Bible as depicted in the media.
Sophomore sessions will include the Church as one, holy, Catholic, and
apostolic, how to pray, and grace. High school juniors will discuss
sacramental symbols, the Mass, and life issues.
High school seniors will again be involved in a service project. This year
the youth and adults will be bused to a worksite coordinated by Lakeshore
Area Regional Recovery of Indiana to help families still suffering from last
September’s flooding. Through this project, Driscoll said, young people can
experience “our Catholic tradition of lending a hand to neighbors.”
Guest speakers at CYX ’09 include Mike Morelli, a finalist on NBC-TV’s The
Biggest Loser, and Mike Patin, a former youth minister from the Archdiocese
of New Orleans.
Morelli, a Catholic high school graduate from Detroit, lost 207 pounds,
dropping down to181 pounds. The current Michigan State University student
will share his story of personal transformation. Patin, who has spoken in 95
dioceses, uses energy, humor, and stories to affirm the goodness of God’s
presence among all people while inviting others to take the next step in
their journey with God.
Because CYX is designed to enhance local levels of youth ministry,
registrations are taken as parishes, schools, or organizations, not as
individuals. While at CYX, Driscoll said, “parish time allows groups to
process the day and reminds teens that when it’s all over, the challenge is
in finding God back home. Plus, it allows adults a chance to build community
with young people on some what neutral grounds.”
(Article from NWIC, June 28, 2009 – page D “Summer 2009 Fun Guide” Volume XXIII number 25)