I had been told by another speaker that this diocesan conference was special. I soon found out how true those words were.

After watching the opening prayer and ceremonies, I wondered if I was in a high school musical! It was well-scripted, executed and done with energy. A theme song was written…the video/media pieces were crisp and attention getting. The prayer was especially moving.

The peer ministry/evangelization team was so inspiring. Jerry White and his team of adults do some exemplary work with these fine young people. I was so blown away by their spirituality and its expression throughout the weekend. A very moving part of the weekend (for me) was their praying with other teens late on Saturday night.

Great houseband, Wannabe Stephen! Props to Mike and Joe and all the other talented guys in the band. Nice tee shirt…many thanks!

They truly were living out the theme: “Now is the Time.” Too often, still, after 20 years or so in youth ministry, I fail to realize what teens are capable of…I got a superb reminder this weekend.

And what fun it was to share time this weekend with APeX (Gene and Brad) and Steve Angrisano. I am sure we would get tired of one another if we traveled to conferences together all the time, but I experience a lot of joy hanging out with them. I love watching them get a group to interact with them and the message of God’s love and our Catholic faith. Plus they are fun! I laughed a lot too…especially at Steve playing bubble blaster on my new phone! (ask him who got high score for the weekend???)