News

Retreat brings Christ to youth

By Jaye Alderson
Compass Correspondent

OSHKOSH -- More than 250 13-to-30 year-olds learned more about Jesus and their faith Nov. 10-12 in a retreat at St. Peter Church.

Youth 2000, a Dallas-based organization that sponsors retreats across the United States and internationally, presented the retreat - the first Youth 2000 in the diocese. The goal is to "inspire and prepare young people to live and give witness to the Gospel."

"Young people are really hungry to know the truth and meet Jesus, and that's what happens on these weekends," said Suzie Fusco, a Youth 2000 employee. "They come to know him as a friend and how much he loves them, and they learn about the great treasures of our Catholic faith."

Knowing Jesus better brings a great joy and peace to their hearts and lets them make new friends, Fusco said.

"Also, the weekend is for young people, by young people. They do all the readings, lead the prayers. It's young people reaching out to young people," Fusco said.

Many participants were enthusiastic about what it will bring to their lives:

• Joanna Schlund, 21, of Lapeer, Mich., was a chaperone. "There's so much power in this kind of opportunity for the youths. It gives them so much excitement and happiness at being Catholic. It's inspiring. We start getting wrapped up in the world and school. (A retreat) revamps your religious perspective and brings back how much you need it in your life."

• Sarah Schreiber, 14, of Sacred Heart Parish, Oshkosh: "It's really in-depth, and it gets you right in the heart. I base my life on God's word and what he had in mind for our lives. I live my life by his command and what he wants us to do. (Retreat leaders) teach us a lot about how to relate (their lessons) to our life so we know what we're looking for. There's so many different ways we can choose, and they try to direct us to the right path."

• Jamie Anderson, 27, of Crandon attended as a sponsor for his younger brother. "It's very powerful. I've learned a lot. There are a lot of things I didn't know. (The Catholic teachings) will be more on my mind in my daily life. As I'm working or spending time alone thinking, this will be more in my thoughts and gear my mind off of stress and what's going on in my life."

• Jesse Whitish, 16, of Greenville: "I flunked out of religion class and had to come here to pass. I thought it was going to be the worst thing in the world, but it turned out to be an awesome thing. I never would have come here of my own free will, but it's changed the way I look at things. I understand the Catholic religion more in the 25 hours I came here (than ever before). It opened my eyes. I'd try to get the whole football team from school to come. Instead of church being just being something you do because you know you have to, now I understand why."

Kris Troiber, of Sacred Heart Parish in Oshkosh, said they wanted to give youth a gift. "Why not bring in a group who is able to do that? We wanted them to take what they learned here to bring Christ closer to other youths. We couldn't touch that many people if we tried, but these kids can by reaching out to their peers."

She said when the youth arrived Friday night, many looked gloomy as though they didn't want to be there. But over the weekend that changed to happiness and joy.

"And their joy brought out Christ in us," Troiber said. "It was awesome."

She said one 15-year-old girl from Indiana was attending her seventh Youth 2000 retreat, and on Saturday night declared her intention to become a nun.

Jean Keliher, also a Youth 2000 volunteer, said, "We all are full of unexpressable gratitude, first of all to God and then to all who have supported Youth 2000. We wanted to truly bring Christ to all the youth, and in them they brought Christ to us."

Fr. Tom Long, vocations director for the Green Bay Diocese, attended part of the retreat. "It seemed like a good experience for the youths who were there, connecting to one another and to the church, especially the sacraments," he said. "The Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation were strong throughout the weekend."

Ten people from Michigan drove eight hours to attend; three people came from Indiana, as well as youth from across the diocese. The planning team included 20 people from Oshkosh area parishes. There were eight participating priests and 70 volunteers.