“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim 4: 12)
Youth Ministry
We must keep our mission - to empower young people to live as Disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today - in the forefront of our minds (Jn 13:34-35). The world will know we are His disciples by our love. By drawing young people into the source and the summit of our faith, the Eucharist, not only do they grow to love Christ intimately and sacrificially, but so do we. As we grow in personal holiness, we become the change that we long to see in the world, we become visible disciples of Christ.
In challenging them to be the change they long to see in the world, we should draw them into active participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic Church. For the Church is the place where God's people meet Jesus in word and sacrament - coming into contact with the source of the Churches life. Through the sacraments the youth should be welcomed and encouraged to grow in Christ, working side by side with adults as they grow into mature adults in their own faith.
As we work side by side, we should be the image of Christ to them, giving a good example that will foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person as we nurture and lovingly guide them to a deeper understanding of Christ and his Church. Our lives must be a witness to our Catholic identity, opening up the door to address the obstacles on the path of spiritual growth. We must have the courage to speak to the issues of this day brought about by the changing tides of a culture rooted in secular humanism.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8). He is the rock, which we must trust in all things. In Novo Millenio Ineunte, John Paul the Great said, "Our Christian communities must become genuine schools of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion, until the heart truly falls in love." These communities of love are crucial for the spiritual growth and development of our young people. These are the communities we want to continue to build here in our diocese, communities that beat with a universal heart - the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Youth 2000
Click here for more information about our recent YOUTH 2000 Retreat!
On March 20-22, 2009, the Diocese of Madison had the privilege of welcoming the Franciscans Friars and Sisters of the of the Renewal from the Bronx, NY, and the Community of St. John from France here to the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center to lead our youth and young adults in a weekend retreat. They brought powerful preaching and witness to the young people of south central Wisconsin, facilitating this weekend-long event aimed at helping all participants "meet Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, in a life changing way." The retreat was an outstanding success, and will certainly be brought back to the Diocese in coming years!
World Youth Day
Austraila was amazing! Stay tuned for more information on how you can join us in 2011 in Madrid, Spain.
Stuebenville North Youth Conference
This year’s conference in St. Paul, MN, was literally life changing for many of the young people that went. Next year's conference carries with it the same hope! Save the dates, 07/17/09-07/19/09 in Rochester, MN, and 07/31/09-08/02/09 in St. Paul, MN. For more information on how and when to register check out www.partnershipforyouth.org
St. John Bosco Youth Day
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Holy Hill was an amazing event for the youth. It featured Fr. Stan Fortuna, Gianna Gessen, Martin Doman, and of course the Lord of the Universe! Great teaching, fun times, prayer, and Jesus! Take your youth next year and be amazed as Christ transforms them in a powerful way! For more information check out www.holyhill.com and look for St. John Bosco youth day in the events drop down.