Seattle Archdiocese

The group Young Apostles, who come from throughout the United States, led the singing during an event at the Steubenville Northwest Youth Conference at St. Martin College.

LACEY — They came from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia wearing shirts boldly proclaiming such messages as "Catholicism is not a spectator sport," "live in the light," "you are loved." 741 teens attended Steubenville NW youth Conference last weekend at St. Martin College. The theme of the conference was "Rise Up-A Catholic Revolution".

"This was a weekend to feed souls, awaken hearts, open up to the Holy Spirit," said Father Jim Lee, pastor of St. Michael's Parish, Olympia. After attending several Franciscan Youth Conferences and experiencing the impact they had upon teens and adults, Father Lee and St. Michael's Youth Director Bob Falkner began praying about bringing a conference to Washington. When they found out that members of the Youth Outreach Office at Franciscan University were praying about the very same thing, "that was our confirmation," said Father Lee. The conference went forward. Although Franciscan University at Steubenville, Ohio, has been hosting these summer conferences across the country since 1976, it was a first for the Northwest. Teens participating in the conference will be part of an anticipated 35,000 young people attending 15 of this summer conferences held throughout the United States.

"The real power comes in gathering the teens together. They learn being Catholic and praising God is cool," said Falkner. Peer fear is lost. There were times when the St. Martin pavilion erupted with hundreds of voices praising God. Sonar music group led by Australian vocalist Caroline Metzinger inspired song participation. Then there was the unbelievable quiet as 741 teenagers knelt for adoration and prayer.

Benedictine Brother Joseph Finnigan and Brother Luke Devine invited the teens to come to prayer at the abbey. The brothers made 75 prayer booklets thinking this would be an optimistic number because the prayer service was at 5 p.m. dinner time and after a full day of conference. They met the teens at the pavilion to lead them up the hill to the monastery. Brother Joseph said he looked back halfway up the hill and saw an unending line of teenagers behind him. "It blew me away," he said. "It was wonderful." An estimated 300 young people attended the prayer service.

Father Stan Fortuna delivered a powerful message in song and words.

Musician and composer Father Stan Fortuna was a featured speaker. He is one of the original members of the New York Archdiocese Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and performed at the St. Louis youth rally during Pope John Paul's visit. Father Fortuna's gray robe, long hair, gave him a St Francis-like appearance playing a guitar. He launched into a powerful speech combined with song: "Jesus did not start a religion. He started a revolution." He challenged the teens to let Jesus break down the walls separating them from Him. "Take your faith out of the box," said Father Fortuna. "Take it to the mall. Take it to Wall Street," he challenged.

Karen Reynolds, director of youth ministry for the Island of Bermuda, tackled American culture. "It is hard not to listen to the music — to be different," she said. Reynolds told the teens to use the three "d" words "discover, discern, and decide" when looking at an advertisement or listening to a song. Discover what is the message: Is it going to help me get to heaven? Discern: Will this lead me to be the person God created you to be? Decide: "be radical. Your friends are looking for someone to stand up and do the right thing." Reynolds quoted Romans 12:1-2 .... Be not conformed to the world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A large cross dominated the stage and the conference . Father Jim Northrop in his homily of the Saturday Mass, reminded the audience "We live in the world that wants to throw out the cross." He said when others ran away from the cross, Mary boldly stood beneath. "Her example teaches us in order to grow we must embrace the cross." He added, "...no cross, no glory. Easter will come."

Jessica Jo Liston, a high school senior from San Diego, said as a Young Apostle at the conference she experienced an "unexplainable beautiful process". "Be the dirt at the bottom of the cross that everyone walks on to get to Christ" is what the Young Apostles strive for. She explained the Young Apostles are from all over the United States. They come a week before the start of a conference to memorize scripture, study the Bible, make up hand motions to theme songs, and lead by example. They are there to welcome and serve participants.

Gabby James from Everett has been to other youth conferences but this was the first time she has been to a Steubenville event. She said it was more of a spiritual experience than just Catholic youths coming together. Also from Everett was Daphne Clark. She had attended Steubenville 2002 in Ohio. "It totally opened you to everything — life — the way God wants you to live," she said. She is thinking of applying to be a Young Apostle.

Conference participants pray for vocations during a service in the pavilion of St. Martin's College.

Teens gave testimonies on life changing decisions they were making. "It is good to be here watching God work in people's lives," said Chris Peterson, a Mt. Angel seminarian serving as a St. Michael youth leader at the conference. "Teens have a lot of gifts. As adults we need the courage to reach out to teens — help bring out those gifts." Peterson said there was a waiting list at Mt. Angel. He attributes the increase in vocations to making teens a priority in churches. At the conference 56 young people answered the altar call for discerning a vocation.

Peggy Martinez who agreed to organize Spiritus Ministries NW as a non-profit to handle the conference only after she was assured the others had prayed about it, said the conference went smoothly. July 29, 30, 31 are dates for a tentative conference next year. n