Florida Catholic | Youth Conference

Youth conference ‘sets hearts on fire’ for Jesus

AMY FERRARA SMITH | FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF

Published: 02.15.08

Teens take part in an event during the weekend of Feb. 1–3 at the Sandestin Hilton Beach Resort for the 22nd annual Diocesan Youth Conference, “Set Our Hearts on Fire Lord!”
AMY FERRARA SMITH | FC

SANDESTIN | In a flash, teenagers’ arms sprang up one after another, filling the room with a “wave” of motion. Just midway through a three-day conference, these diocesan youths were working together to make something happen.

What do you like about coming to the youth conference?

“I get to spend time with friends and learn more about my faith.”— Lindsey Shepherd, 16, Our Lady of Victory Parish

“I’ve come twice — this is my third year — and it’s awesome. I love the praise, the fun, the dance and the workshops are great. I learn a lot.” — Victoria Bishop, 17, Our Lady of Victory Parish

“I came to get back in touch with God from being gone so long.” — Matthew Beare, 15, Holy Spirit Parish

“I come to meet new people and to be closer with God.” — Christian Moreno, 17, Nativity of Our Lord Parish

“I come to learn more about what other churches do, too.” — Bea Sadler, 14, Immaculate Conception Parish

Many teens from various parishes throughout the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee spent the weekend of Feb. 1-3 at the Sandestin Hilton Beach Resort for the 22nd annual Diocesan Youth Conference, “Set Our Hearts on Fire Lord!” They had the chance to greet each other on Friday evening before the program revved up again on Saturday morning with breakfast and prayer.

“We wanted them to be on fire for their faith by the end of the weekend,” said Director of Youth Ministry Lisa Kurnik, who planned the conference with the help of administrative assistant Cynthia Crisp.

Between the two workshop sessions, keynote speakers Anne Marie Cribbin of Maryland and Steve Angrisano of Colorado shared their gifts of song and storytelling with the youths. It was during Angrisano’s presentation — and at his urging — that the wave erupted.

Teenagers attended a variety of workshops throughout the morning and afternoon sessions. During “Infusing Music Into the Ministry,” Angrisano taught them how teens can incorporate music into their ministries, even if they don’t know how to play an instrument.

In another workshop, Denise Pressley and Stephanie McNeill of the Department of Christian Formation showed the teenagers how they can challenge their own insights about their Christian beliefs. The “Got Faith?” session further showed them how to explore their understanding of what the Catholic Christian tradition has to say about claiming their faith.

The teens also had the option to separate to attend either “God Calls! Who Me? Come See!” or “What price are you willing to pay?” In the former, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus spoke to the young women about the offerings of religious life. In a similar fashion, seminarians of the diocese shared with the young men their experiences in the seminary and spoke to them about the principles of discernment.

“Don’t be afraid,” Deacon Chris Winklejohn of St. Mary Parish in Fort Walton Beach told the male audience. Deacon Winklejohn recently completed his four years in the seminary. “Trust in him that he will put us on that path to happiness.”

From outside the “From Crop to Cup … A Fair Trade” room, the scent of freshly brewed coffee lured teens into the workshop. Once inside, they listened as Tripp Pomeroy, president and co-owner of Café Campesino, and Caroline Bush, Catholic Relief Services coordinator for the diocese, explained the origins of fair trade as it pertains to the global coffee trade.

“The Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade program is one of the best out there,” said Pomeroy. “This is a good example for Catholics to get together for those of us in the fair trade program.” He nodded at the youths walking into the room. “They will decide if it becomes the norm.”

In “Christianity in Action,” Susan J. Mueller, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, told the teenagers, “Your purpose is to make a difference.” She encouraged them to offer their talents in order to better the lives of others within our diocese and across the world.

At the end of the workshops, the high-schoolers took advantage of a free period, some even braving the cold ocean. They returned a few hours later, the girls wearing cocktail dresses and the boys sporting ties, to attend the banquet dinner.

At the end of dinner, Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, presented the St. Timothy Awards. This award honors up to three high school youths in each parish who exemplify “Christian service, Catholic leadership and good moral standards.”

“They are doing some awesome stuff in the parishes and schools and leading others to Christ,” said Kurnik of the recipients.

The evening concluded with a Mardi Gras beach-themed dance.

After another presentation by Angrisano and a closing liturgy by Bishop Ricard on Sunday, the diocesan high school youths left the Hilton for their own parishes.

When they left, Kurnik said, “They were on fire for the Lord, and they were excited about being Catholic.”

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Youth conference ‘sets hearts on fire’ for Jesus

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