The Bishop Writes

(From the April 9, 1998 edition of the Inland Register)

The Catholic Youth Celebration (CYC) this year was held on the last Sunday of March at Gonzaga Prep in Spokane. More than 850 youths from around the diocese along with their parents and chaperons gathered for almost two days of prayer, faith sharing, workshops, music, talks, and fun. The whole event was planned by the DYC (diocesan youth council) involving several months of preparation. The DYC had its own web site on the Internet to help promote the celebration.

Youths came not only from the parishes in the Diocese of Spokane, but there was also a small group from the Diocese of Nelson, B.C., and the traditional attendance of a group from the Bremerton, Wash., area in the Archdiocese of Seattle. I found the spirit of the gathering of these young folks to be enthusiastic and joyful. I wish everyone in the diocese could have seen what our young people do as Church when they come together. They are the masters of ceremony for the event, share their stories of struggle and conversion, attend workshops on pertinent topics of the day, present creative skits and prayer services, and participate in the celebration of Eucharist.

Jesus in the Gospel speaks of how we should become like little children in faith. I would also say that all of us would be greatly inspired by the vibrancy and enthusiasm of our young people so much in evidence during this event. They also take a weekend aside to be with one another to grow in appreciation of Church and their mutual faith journeys. After attending these gatherings over the years, I have found each one to be a spiritual experience of inspiration and a source of gratitude.

The logistics and supervision of the CYC demand a lot of generous volunteering and dedication. Over the years I have noticed the same adults from parishes around the diocese bring the young people as well as help on the sidelines with the organizational aspects. That kind of consistent dedication is a wonderful example and witness not only to our young people, but to all of us who also have our particular gifts and opportunities of service.

During lunchtime on Saturday, not all could be fed at the same time. Various activities were available then that I thought were very creative. A group was preparing an altar covering for Eucharist later on in the afternoon. They were placing their hand prints in different colors on the cloth. A board with various evils of our day written on it provided the opportunity for anyone to put down a virtue or action which would counteract that evil or help overcome it.

I was especially touched by a large poster on which anyone could put down the name of someone who died with a brief message alongside. The names included classmates, close friends, and family members. The losses of loved ones become significant moments in our lives, and we need to remember. The Church has a wonderful way of bringing to mind the saints and martyrs of our tradition as we also keep their memories alive.

The Eucharist was prayerful and well prepared. The parishes in Pasco and Walla Walla provided the music. There was something about gathering as a diocesan family in this particular way that was especially meaningful and profound. So often we can take Eucharist for granted, but how wonderfully this sacrament keeps us always connected with the Lord Jesus and with one another. Our commitment to the Mass should be paramount in our lives as Catholics, and we encourage and inspire others by our own example of committed particpation.

One hears periodically that our youth are the hope for the future. While that statement is true, it is even more true that our young people are an important part of the Church right now. We need to appreciate them, support them, give them the opportunity to be involved and participate in the life of the Church, and be grateful for their exuberance and vitality. They are gifts not only to families, but to all of us in the Church. We thank God with them and for them.

I extend to all of you this Easter prayerful best wishes for a blessed and joyful Easter and Easter season. Easter is the greatest feast day of our church year, and may the spirit of this day give us joyful hope and gratitude for the presence of the Risen Jesus always in our midst. We rejoice in that presence knowing that someday our time will come for the great transformation. Alleluia!

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