Got back last night around 8pm from the Confirmation Retreat. We headed out to Franciscan University for their High School Youth Conference that they hold every summer. In fact they hold several of them throughout the country during the summer. Overall the experience was excellent; although, I was reluctant to go. The amount of stress that I put on myself before an event or retreat is unfair, I really need to relax and rely more on God. I did a better job of not complaining and making others around me miserable; however, I know that it was not worth it.
We left Friday morning (16 students and 4 adults) on a bus arrived in plenty of time and relaxed at the hotel before checking into the conference. After check-in there was dinner then an opening message followed by Eucharistic Adoration. During this time the message was great. The MC talked asked the students to reflect on the crucifixion and how the amazing thing about the crucifixion was that it was God up on that cross, that it was God who submitted to authority and sacrificed Himself because He loves us. During adoration, the emotions were high and I know this experience was really new for our teens; however, it was a positive experience. Instead of being freaked out the teens were intrigued, there were concerns but it definitely opened their eyes. After the service we spent time reflecting in small groups.
On Saturday there was Mass, workshops, and other learning experiences for the teens to learn what it means to be a witness in their faith and also what it means to be a man and a woman of God. I particularly enjoyed the men’s session because the speaker (Deacon Ralph Poyo) was so effective and so dynamic. He really was able to get the message to the boys that we need to be protectors and not predators. Like Friday Saturday night ended with a message and adoration. Again, the room was filled with excitement and energy; however, this time you could see the majority of our teens open to the experience. Afterwards we went back to the hotel, had pizza and enjoyed the fellowship.
Sunday, you could see the change in our students as they rode back on the bus. They were excited, they were more friendly and open towards one another. It had definitely been a life changing experience.
I had such a great time and it was awesome to see the teens bond and just get closer. I reflected a lot about these trips and just how important they are; however, I want to come to the reason why I’m so anxious beforehand. I don’t know if it’s because of past experiences, if it’s because this trip hasn’t been a popular one among parents, if it’s because we lose a little bit of money because we don’t fill every spot…I don’t know. I just hate that it has to be so complicated. I just want people to be excited about the trip. I want to be excited about the trip… and maybe that’s the problem, maybe because I’m not excited, I can’t get others excited. I guess we’ll find out with the next trip.