Worship, Learning, Life. . .
Your Parish Community
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Holy Spirit Youth at NCYC Conference, Nov 7-11, 2007
Holy Spirit Youth are attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio, November 8-10, 2007. The following posts are their reflections on the conference.
25 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I am looking forward to traveling to Columbus, OH with the three young adults from Holy Spirit to experience our Catholic faith in a "bigger" way. All of them volunteered to participate in the choir for the diocesan Mass. I believe that says something about their desire to use their talents and to serve in God joyfully. We will write from Columbus but ask for your prayers for safe travel as well as good rest when the opportunity is there. Thank you! Margaret Mulligan, chaperone
I am also impressed by these young people stepping forward to sing at the diocesan Mass. I know you all will be spreading the news about our Light on the Hilltop while you are at NCYC. I'm looking forward to reading the group's experiences!
I am terribly exited to go to NCYC because I have an interest in seeing how youth from other parts of the country express their faith. I think it will be a terribly rewarding experience and I hope to learn both about my faith and how I can go out and live it.
How awesome to be surronded by 20,000 youth and leaders all praising and singing to God! The bus ride was long, but worth it. To be witness to the "community of believers" formed at the diocesan level, and now as we watch it form with a convention center filled with youth on fire for God. May the Holy Spirit guide us during our day and empower these young people to put into action all they learn. (oh by the way if I spell wrong or make a grammitical error - sleep deprivation does that). God bless and thank you for this opportunity to share what we are experiencing! Margaret
The opening ceremony was really amazing! It was so cool to see so many kids all doing the same thing for the same reason. I'm really looking forward to meeting more new people and learning more about Catholicism.
Our Holy Spirit NCYC participants are meeting up with old friends some of whom they met at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference in Austin, MN last fall. They are also having the chance to meet new friends from across the country. Coming together to praise God with 20,000 other young people and being able to share their experiences with our parish back home-- these young people are truly discovering new ways of being Church!
Before I can speak abouit my experience at NCYC, I first have to give you a small portion of my inner being and describe myself to my loyal fans (Of which I don't have any). I am an extremely active musician, seeing that I performed in many grouops... a lot... and I like music... a lot. And my favorite thing to do on friday nights is to have my friends over, and we play music a lot. So here, at NCYC, we sing and play music a lot. And it's really fun, I really enjoy it. well, we don't play music, but all the musicis played live.... By REAL Musicians. And I LOVE live music by good musicians, it's sweet. I just think it's cool. And then I also went to, uh, what do they call it? a conference like thing? a workshop... on music in ministry... which I can relate to myself because I'm a liturgical choir director at lourdes. And I came upon the realization that music really transcends all language. We talked about the pentecost, when the apostles went out and spoke to the people and they transcended language barriers. I came to the conclusion that we can do that miracle; we can perform that miracle today through music. Today I sang in english, african laguages, in spanish, and in latin; and didn't feel unwelcome in any of the songs. It was totally awesome. So I guess what I'm really trying to say is that music is more or less (and you can debate this with galileo because he said that Mathematics is the language of God) that Music is the language of God. Also, God isn't going to let us be destroyed. We should be not afraid (not only because it appears in the bible 365 times;one for each day) because God's Word became flesh so that we might live. "Father, I am not worthy to recieve you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." God has already said the word. Jesus is the Word, the Word made flesh. What more words do we need? We are worthy in Jesus' eyes and should not be afraid to be proud of being a Roman Catholic. This is what we are doing here. We are here to learn the way of Christ, and I am learning a lot. I am very glad to be here.
I noticed yesterday how connected our society is even in this experience. It used to be that we went off to an experience like this and had to use a pay phone to call home, often waiting until we got to the hotel at night. Now people are on their phones (some times in the sessions - rude)everywhere and all the time. My observation is only that do we truly give ourselves permission to "experience" what we are doing at the moment.
The emcee is great - Steve Agrisano (Go Make A Difference is his song)can command everyone in the arena to get in touch with the God who loves us. People hang on his every word...he also makes it fun.
Another day, lots to hear, lots to learn and lots to experience. The comment that touched me yesterday is the "God is there", wherever it is that we are.
I appreciate this opportunity and think the young adults of Holy Spirit are truly enjoying this experience even if sleep deprived.
It sounds like you've all had a fantastic time. Our prayers will be with you on your looong bus ride home today. Looking forward to hearing more about your experiences.
What a wonderful opportunity for each of you. I'm eager to hear all about it from you in person. Did you take any pictures? Maybe you can share them on the Youth Page of this website.
Discover the Way! The theme for the our experience. We were given many opportunities to experience this theme. The keynote speakers truly showed the how the discovering process has worked in there lives. Tony Mendoza, who has no arms, talked and sang for us. Tony played guitar with his feet for Pope John Paul in the late 80's and told Tony he was "hope". Tony introduced us to his family :-), his brother who runs his ministry and his son. What a witness to us, what some would think a considerable "handicap" has not stopped Tony from sharing the love of Christ with others. He says hands are miracles. Fr. Tony shared his expereince of going thru Hurricane Katrina and how his parish is rebuilding but he also shared that it all comes from Christ. Finally and probably most profoundly for me was Renee Bondi who is a paraplegic, shared such a witness to us of overcoming her "handicap" and now shares her faith story through speaking but also through her beautiful voice. These speakers made me look at the "handicaps" in my own life. What are the limitations I put on myself? What are our "handicaps" that limit how we listen to God and his will for our lives?
Thank you again for this expereince. It will be held again in November of 2009 in Kansas City, MO/KS so make sure to look for this opportunity again for all 9-12th grade students plus chaperones.
Discover the Way, the Truth and the Life! God bless, Margaret
You are awesome young people! Thank you for sharing your NCYC experience with all of us. We look forward to hearing more about it and perhaps some pictures as well. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and you have a lot to teach us. Continue to share what you have gained, especially with your peers.
Posts
25 comments:
I am looking forward to traveling to Columbus, OH with the three young adults from Holy Spirit to experience our Catholic faith in a "bigger" way. All of them volunteered to participate in the choir for the diocesan Mass. I believe that says something about their desire to use their talents and to serve in God joyfully. We will write from Columbus but ask for your prayers for safe travel as well as good rest when the opportunity is there. Thank you! Margaret Mulligan, chaperone
I am also impressed by these young people stepping forward to sing at the diocesan Mass. I know you all will be spreading the news about our Light on the Hilltop while you are at NCYC. I'm looking forward to reading the group's experiences!
Have a safe trip!
Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences with the HS online community.
Way to go!
I can not wait to go!
Brian
I am terribly exited to go to NCYC because I have an interest in seeing how youth from other parts of the country express their faith. I think it will be a terribly rewarding experience and I hope to learn both about my faith and how I can go out and live it.
Sheldon
How awesome to be surronded by 20,000 youth and leaders all praising and singing to God! The bus ride was long, but worth it. To be witness to the "community of believers" formed at the diocesan level, and now as we watch it form with a convention center filled with youth on fire for God. May the Holy Spirit guide us during our day and empower these young people to put into action all they learn. (oh by the way if I spell wrong or make a grammitical error - sleep deprivation does that). God bless and thank you for this opportunity to share what we are experiencing! Margaret
The opening ceremony was really amazing! It was so cool to see so many kids all doing the same thing for the same reason. I'm really looking forward to meeting more new people and learning more about Catholicism.
Kate
it fun i am tired
brian
Our Holy Spirit NCYC participants are meeting up with old friends some of whom they met at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference in Austin, MN last fall. They are also having the chance to meet new friends from across the country. Coming together to praise God with 20,000 other young people and being able to share their experiences with our parish back home-- these young people are truly discovering new ways of being Church!
Before I can speak abouit my experience at NCYC, I first have to give you a small portion of my inner being and describe myself to my loyal fans (Of which I don't have any). I am an extremely active musician, seeing that I performed in many grouops... a lot... and I like music... a lot. And my favorite thing to do on friday nights is to have my friends over, and we play music a lot. So here, at NCYC, we sing and play music a lot. And it's really fun, I really enjoy it. well, we don't play music, but all the musicis played live.... By REAL Musicians. And I LOVE live music by good musicians, it's sweet. I just think it's cool. And then I also went to, uh, what do they call it? a conference like thing? a workshop... on music in ministry... which I can relate to myself because I'm a liturgical choir director at lourdes. And I came upon the realization that music really transcends all language. We talked about the pentecost, when the apostles went out and spoke to the people and they transcended language barriers. I came to the conclusion that we can do that miracle; we can perform that miracle today through music. Today I sang in english, african laguages, in spanish, and in latin; and didn't feel unwelcome in any of the songs. It was totally awesome. So I guess what I'm really trying to say is that music is more or less (and you can debate this with galileo because he said that Mathematics is the language of God) that Music is the language of God. Also, God isn't going to let us be destroyed. We should be not afraid (not only because it appears in the bible 365 times;one for each day) because God's Word became flesh so that we might live. "Father, I am not worthy to recieve you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." God has already said the word. Jesus is the Word, the Word made flesh. What more words do we need? We are worthy in Jesus' eyes and should not be afraid to be proud of being a Roman Catholic. This is what we are doing here. We are here to learn the way of Christ, and I am learning a lot. I am very glad to be here.
-Sheldon
Quotes of the day:
veni creato spiritus (it's latin stick it in a translator, for the exact English form)
God is here; God is always here.
Remember who you belong to and don't do anything stupid.(hereby referring to doing things you know are wrong)
--Fr. Tony
15% of popular music is "dirty" and 25+% displays Christian values
--Anna Scally
Discover the Way!
God is good! All the time!
nza mu ranza za!(x3)
anga kona wa ku fa na na na ye!
(African call to prayer song)
BOOM! (pat, clap, snap, snap, whoop der it is)
--Fr. Tony
Hands are miracles!
--Tony Melendez
Kate
It is amazing.I am tired
brian
Quotes:
Jesus gave me my swagger!
--Fr. Tony
Kate
I noticed yesterday how connected our society is even in this experience. It used to be that we went off to an experience like this and had to use a pay phone to call home, often waiting until we got to the hotel at night. Now people are on their phones (some times in the sessions - rude)everywhere and all the time. My observation is only that do we truly give ourselves permission to "experience" what we are doing at the moment.
The emcee is great - Steve Agrisano (Go Make A Difference is his song)can command everyone in the arena to get in touch with the God who loves us. People hang on his every word...he also makes it fun.
Another day, lots to hear, lots to learn and lots to experience. The comment that touched me yesterday is the "God is there", wherever it is that we are.
I appreciate this opportunity and think the young adults of Holy Spirit are truly enjoying this experience even if sleep deprived.
God bless, Margaret
It was really sad to end our experience in Ohio today. We have had such a great time and experienced so much. Here are the quotes of today:
May the blessing of God be upon you. May God's peace abide in you. May God's spirit illuminate your heart. Now and forever more.(sung 3x)
Christians have blood and water.
I lay it down(x3) at Your feet.
Christ be everything!
That's all for now. See you tomorrow!
Kate
Thank you for your prayers, financial support and for the community for us to come home to.
More when we arrive home.
God bless!
Margaret
Thank you for your prayers, financial support and for the community for us to come home to.
More when we arrive home.
God bless!
Margaret
It sounds like you've all had a fantastic time. Our prayers will be with you on your looong bus ride home today. Looking forward to hearing more about your experiences.
What a wonderful opportunity for each of you. I'm eager to hear all about it from you in person. Did you take any pictures? Maybe you can share them on the Youth Page of this website.
We're praying for your safe return to MN>
Discover the Way! The theme for the our experience. We were given many opportunities to experience this theme. The keynote speakers truly showed the how the discovering process has worked in there lives. Tony Mendoza, who has no arms, talked and sang for us. Tony played guitar with his feet for Pope John Paul in the late 80's and told Tony he was "hope". Tony introduced us to his family :-), his brother who runs his ministry and his son. What a witness to us, what some would think a considerable "handicap" has not stopped Tony from sharing the love of Christ with others. He says hands are miracles. Fr. Tony shared his expereince of going thru Hurricane Katrina and how his parish is rebuilding but he also shared that it all comes from Christ. Finally and probably most profoundly for me was Renee Bondi who is a paraplegic, shared such a witness to us of overcoming her "handicap" and now shares her faith story through speaking but also through her beautiful voice. These speakers made me look at the "handicaps" in my own life. What are the limitations I put on myself? What are our "handicaps" that limit how we listen to God and his will for our lives?
Thank you again for this expereince. It will be held again in November of 2009 in Kansas City, MO/KS so make sure to look for this opportunity again for all 9-12th grade students plus chaperones.
Discover the Way, the Truth and the Life!
God bless, Margaret
You are awesome young people! Thank you for sharing your NCYC experience with all of us. We look forward to hearing more about it and perhaps some pictures as well. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and you have a lot to teach us. Continue to share what you have gained, especially with your peers.
Post a Comment