Than 1100 Teens Attend Annual Youth

12/3/12 More than 1,100 teens attend annual Youth 2000 Eucharist-centered retreat

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Deacon ‘Butch’ Amos, former diocesan Father Luke Fletcher, CFR, speaks to the gathered crow d of more than 1,100 teens and adult chaperones director of Permanent Deacons, dies at during the annual Youth 2000 retreat held at Nolan Catholic High School April 8-10. (Photo by Joan 91 Kurkowski-Gillen / NTC)

Stormy Blythe doesn’t look like the type of teenager who would stand up in front of strangers and TCC speaks out against HHS rule, calls reveal her thoughts about religion. The 18-year-old’s short cropped hair and penchant for plaid for action shirts are a little offbeat, and her sophisticated hipster style seems better suited to a rock concert than a church choir. Bishop Vann urges pro-life workers to not give up hope at second annual Vigil So why did this self-assured, cool high school senior want to profess her love for God, faith, and for All Nascent Human Life Catholicism to a roomful of peers? She credits Youth 2000 for adding spirituality to her life.

"I really didn’t want to come to my first Youth 2000 because I thought I had more important things to do," remembers the St. Stephen parishioner who attended the 2009 retreat with her youth group. "I wasn’t a very good Catholic. I didn’t know if I really believed in God."

The Weatherford teen was one of several speakers who talked about the transformative power Participating in National March for Life of Youth 2000 at this year’s gathering held April 8-10 at Nolan Catholic High School in Fort strengthens youths’ convictions Worth. TCC speaks out against HHS rule, calls for action Every April, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) lead a retreat in Fort Worth that brings together Catholic youth and their chaperones for a weekend of fellowship, Eucharistic adoration, Oklahoma City Archdiocese presents music, and the Rosary. The hours of prayer and personal reflection are focused around a cause for Father Stanley Rother to the monstrance and tiered platform of candles organizers call "the burning bush." Congregation for the Causes of Saints Blythe was seated around the makeshift altar two years ago when she experienced her epiphany during the Saturday evening Eucharistic procession. To help young people understand Archbishop Dolan Welcomes New that they can "see" and "meet" Jesus in the Eucharist where He is present and close, a priest Nuncio to United States carries a monstrance with a consecrated host through the crowd of worshippers. SVDP National Meeting helps leaders "The girl in front of me was weeping," Blythe explains, remembering how teens around her learn how to better serve the poor reached up to touch the humeral veil. "I was in awe because in my entire life, I had never felt close to an emotion like the one that girl was feeling. I wanted that feeling." Fort Worth diocesan pilgrims strengthened their faith at WYD in Madrid Mystified by what she saw, the teenager decided to study her Catholic faith and became more involved in parish life. Heritage of American College In Leuven, Belgium Preserved By USCCB And "Today, I consider the church my home," says Blythe, a youth group leader who cherishes two K.U.Leuven collections she keeps in her bedroom — a bookshelf filled with catechism and Catholic literature and Beatles memorabilia. St. Josemaría Escrivá biopic 'There Be Dragons' generates local buzz ahead of Visitors sometimes ask about the rosaries, scapular, and religious medals draped near her May 6 release bed.

"A lot of people freak out because the kids I hang out with don’t realize I’m Catholic," she admits. President of USCCB Reiterates Bishops’ Resolve to Deal Firmly with www.fwdioc.org/ntc/Pages/Youth20002011.aspx 1/2 12/3/12 More than 1,100 teens attend annual Youth 2000 Eucharist-centered retreat Bishops’ Resolve to Deal Firmly with "If I see an opening I’ll discuss my faith, but I don’t press it on anyone." Clerics Who Abuse Children More than 1,100 teens and their chaperones attended the 2011 Youth 2000 retreat and celebrated Sunday Mass with Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann. Father Luke Fletcher, CFR, who USCCB, Illinois Bishops Laud State’s gave the homily, advised the young audience to "plug into" the Mass the same way they focus on Death Penalty Repeal computers or music.

"We’re formed by a culture of noise. We’re used to eye candy and being entertained." he explained. "That’s why young people think coming to Mass is boring."

But liturgy isn’t about entertainment. The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth experiences Christian Unity "Wondering what we can get out of it is the wrong way to think," Fr. Fletcher added. "You should think about what you can put into it. Bring the joys and sorrows of your week and unite the Transforming our hearts and minds offering of your life to the offering of Christ crucified and risen." Holy Week, Easter and Octave of Easter, Tinu Pulickal, a repeat participant in Youth 2000, believes the retreat and a devotion to the Divine 'liturgical triptych' Mercy Chaplet helped her recover from a serious dance injury that caused constant pain and depression. She was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disorder. Is Sunday Mass optional?

"In 2009, my mom and I started praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet before I went to school every We're eager to text, but this Word was morning," she said, giving her testimony. "I believe it helped me excel in school and gave me the Incarnate. hope and courage I needed to deal with my suffering."

The Keller High School sophomore has been relatively pain free for the past seven months. Sharing her story with other young people at this year’s retreat is important, she says.

"I want them to know that if you trust in God, He will help you," Tinu affirmed. "Anything is possible."

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