Diocese of Gary

Youth, Adult Leaders To Share Stories This Weekend At CYX

July 30, 2006

This is an exciting and important weekend for our diocese. Teens, young adults, and their adult youth ministry leaders are gathering at Valparaiso University for the third annual Catholic Youth Xperience. I will celebrate Mass for those attending this Catholic youth ministry conference at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center on Sunday afternoon.

Over the past two years, this "CYX" conference has played an important role in the faith formation of a few hundred teens and approximately 60 adult youth ministers. The Gospel message is presented in a language our young people can comprehend.

The theme of this year’s conference is "We Come to Share Our Story." The young people will be encouraged throughout the weekend to share their faith stories and thereby give a moving witness to one another.

I am always moved by the energy and sincerity with which our young people share their faith. I am also edified by the enthusiasm of their adult leaders. I have heard more than a few of the adult leaders say that they come to these events as chaperones but leave them as full participants.

During the conference, our Office for Youth and Young Adults provides youth ministry leaders with their own formation sessions. This year, Christine Semmel will present a workshop for youth ministers titled, "Building Bridges: Catechesis and Youth Ministry."

Youth ministers, catechists, DREs, teachers, priests, and parents all share a common goal: to bring our youth into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. While it is important for our young people to understand the teachings of the Catholic Church and the foundations for morality rooted in the teachings of Jesus, it is even more important that they understand that their faith is, first of all, about their relationship with Jesus and living their lives in response to God’s love for them.

I am very grateful to our Diocesan Coordinator of the Office for Youth and Young Adults, Kevin Driscoll, and to those who collaborate with him in arranging for this weekend. I am also very grateful to the adult leaders who participate in our annual Catholic Youth Xperience, not only for providing for the young people from your parish an opportunity for growing more deeply in their faith, but also for their own willingness to become better youth ministers and catechists.