December 23, 2024

Teens reflect on ‘Christ’s humble entry into creation’ at Advent retreat

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

The Diocesan Youth Leadership Team poses for a picture at the Advent retreat with chaplain, Father Stanislaus Achu, Dec. 14. (IObserve photo/Courtesy of Joe Austin)

WESTFIELD  – More than 70 teenagers gathered at St. Mary High School in Westfield Saturday, Dec. 14 for the Office of Youth Ministry’s “In the Stillness of the Night Advent Retreat.” The retreat was open to middle and high school youth, allowing teenagers to reflect on “Christ’s humble entry into creation.” The evening was led by the Diocesan Youth Leadership Team.

“Our Diocesan Youth Leadership Team has grown into such a community and it’s amazing to see our newest class of ambassadors getting out there and leading. For many of them, this was their first time attending a youth ministry event as a leader – leading a small group, MCing the retreat, giving the witness,” said Joe Austin, the director of the Office of Missionary Discipleship, which oversees youth ministry. 

“As the team has grown, it’s been amazing to see the community of youth come alive and we really saw that at this retreat. The team has become one big family of devoted young Catholic leaders,” he said.

Youth Ambassadors alumni Niko Coelho and Julia Rubin were the featured speakers. The evening included ice breaker games, personal sharing, and Eucharistic adoration.

“It was so amazing to also see three of our alumni youth ambassadors return from college and ministry to participate in the retreat. They were greeted by a hero’s welcome from the team – like relatives returning for the holidays,” Austin said.

“What we are seeing is that this youth ambassador family extends beyond the high school years. It continues; we’re training them for lifelong mission,” Austin continued.

Diocesan Youth Team member Katie Corriveau has been an active member since the inception of the group.

“It was a night of food, fun and the Holy Spirit,” said Corriveau, a senior at St. Mary High School.

“What a blessing to await Christmas together. What is more beautiful than a bunch of teens awaiting Christ together,” she said.

The Psalm 33 Music Ministry provided the music throughout the evening.

The youth team is planning a diocesan youth rally Feb. 8 at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. The featured speaker is Bishop Joseph Espaillat, from the Archdiocese of New York. Known as New York’s rapping priest, he hosts a podcast “Sainthood in the City.”

To register, go to westernmasscatholic.org/youthrally