Diocese of Covington - Messenger at 402 E. 21st Street, Covington, KY 41015 US - YOUTH 2000 Core Team holds rallies at high schools
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YOUTH 2000 Core Team holds rallies at high schools
Laura Keener Assistant Editor |
The first-period religion classes at St. Henry District High School in Erlanger gathered in the school chapel Sept. 8 to hear about the upcoming YOUTH 2000 retreat. Seniors Louie Tobergte and Ben Bessler, who have attended each of the four previous retreats, talked with their fellow classmates about their positive experiences at the diocesan-wide Eucharistic retreat YOUTH 2000. They encouraged St. Henry students to participate in this year’s event, coming up Oct. 9, 10 and 11 at Thomas More College, Crestview Hills. The three-day retreat will be from 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $40 per person. Youth ages 13-30 are encouraged to attend. (Youth under 18 need to be chaperoned by an adult who has completed the diocesan Safe Environment Program or VIRTUS.) The Covington Youth Retreat Committee, comprised of representatives from parishes throughout the diocese, brings the retreat to the diocese. The retreat is made possible in part by financial contributions from the Knights of Columbus. Local adults, all of whom has been certified in the diocesan-required Safe Environment Program, will oversee the retreat. Mr. Tobergte said that in addition to great talks by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, loud music and food, what he has found most powerful is time spent in quiet adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He also enjoys meeting teenagers from the other high schools in the diocese. “You get to meet new people and make new friends,” he said. Youth 2000 concentrates on the most fundamental and powerful belief of the Catholic faith — the Eucharist. Participants learn more deeply about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Eucharist is celebrated each day with Mass, followed by adoration at which participants are invited to experience the presence of Christ speaking and working within them. YOUTH 2000 is an international organization that, according to its website, “ promotes, organizes and directs retreats based on the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 6, ‘I am the Bread of Life.’” Its national office is located in Dallas, Texas. The Covington Youth Retreat Committee, with the approval of Bishop Roger Foys, is responsible for bringing YOUTH 2000 to the Diocese of Covington. For complete information and registration forms visit www.nkyouth.com.