The annual Youth 2000 retreat is currently taking place at Brescia University, attracting over 600 young participants for a weekend filled with faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Despite significant storm damage to the Moore Center, the event continues to inspire and uplift attendees.
Key Takeaways
- Over 600 youth gathered for the retreat, which runs from Friday to Sunday.
- The event has been held annually for 28 years, even during COVID-19.
- Activities include daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and small group discussions.
- The retreat aims to empower young people in their faith journeys.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The Youth 2000 retreat, now in its 28th year, is coordinated by the Diocese of Owensboro, with support from the Marian Shrine Committee and the Office of Youth Ministry. This year, the event faced unexpected challenges when a hailstorm caused significant damage to the Moore Center early Saturday morning, leading to water damage in the facility.
Despite these obstacles, participants and organizers have shown remarkable resilience. Lori Etheridge, Dean of Students at Brescia, noted, "They’re making the best out of it. They’ve been navigating the challenges well. They’ve even been helping us with squeegeeing and using shop vacs."
A Longstanding Tradition
Lisa Bivins, a longtime committee member and former participant, shared that this year’s attendance is approximately 610 youth, ranging in age from 13 to 30. "Our first Youth 2000 here was in 1998, and we’ve never missed a year — even during COVID," Bivins stated. The Owensboro retreat is recognized as the longest continuously running Youth 2000 event in the United States, inspired by Pope John Paul II’s call for youth engagement during World Youth Day in 1993.
Engaging Activities for Spiritual Growth
Throughout the weekend, attendees participate in a variety of activities designed to deepen their faith and foster community:
- Daily Mass: Central to the retreat experience, allowing participants to engage in worship.
- Eucharistic Adoration: A time for personal reflection and connection with Christ.
- Panel Discussions: Featuring speakers who share insights on faith and spirituality.
- Small Group Sessions: Divided by age and gender to facilitate open discussions and personal sharing.
Priests from across the diocese are available for confessions and spiritual guidance, ensuring that participants receive the support they need on their faith journeys.
Empowering the Next Generation
Bishop William Medley, who will celebrate the closing Mass on Sunday, emphasized the importance of the retreat for the Diocese of Owensboro. He remarked, "Youth 2000 is a powerful experience of faith, renewal, and community for the young Church in our diocese. Each year, I am deeply moved to see hundreds of young people come together in prayer, worship, and fellowship, encountering Christ in the Eucharist and one another."
The Youth 2000 retreat is open to youth and young adults from all backgrounds, although most attendees come from within the Diocese of Owensboro and surrounding states. While overnight accommodations are not provided, participants are encouraged to stay in nearby hotels.
The retreat will continue through Sunday afternoon, concluding at 1 p.m., as participants leave with renewed spirits and strengthened faith.
Sources
- Youth 2000 retreat continues strong despite storm damage to Moore Center, The Owensboro Times.
