'God strengthened me throughout the retreat'
The Michigan Catholic
Published June 29, 2007
Editor's note: Kevin Roelant, 18, graduated this year from St. Mary Catholic Central High School in Monroe. Last weekend, he traveled with 48 peers from the Downriver Vicariate to Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, to attend the Catholic university's annual High School Youth Conference. Roelant shares his thoughts on the conference and how it impacted his relationship with the Lord.
This was my third conference, and each time I go to the Franciscan University High School Youth Conference, I grow so much in my faith.
The first time I went, I started my relationship with God. The last two have strengthened my relationships with God and others.
I knew how life-changing and moving this retreat could be, so I started praying a while in advance that everyone would be open to the Holy Spirit and that people would listen to what God wants to tell them. Also that they would come to understand the deep and generous love God bestows on all His children.
Personally, I was struggling with balance in my life. I need a strong prayer life to live and love as Jesus did. I have been quite busy since graduating, trying to balance my prayer life, work and hanging out with friends. My friends call me to hang out practically every day of the week.
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Joe Kohn | The Michigan Catholic
Fr. Stephen Rooney, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Monroe, blesses 49 teenagers and severalchaperones June 22 before they leave for Franciscan University in Steubenville for a weekend retreat. | People, especially teens, feel a need to always be occupied and entertained. We are always looking for another fun activity to do. We're pleasure-seekers and we spend our time in pursuit of these pleasures.
With work and my friends calling me all the time, I would become stressed about when I had time for prayer and just for God. This retreat is a great opportunity for teens because they stop their everyday routine and they have a weekend to just focus on God and what He has to do with their life.
This retreat has helped me balance my life between having fun, work, and my time with God. God strengthened me throughout the retreat through daily Mass, reconciliation, praise music, talks, and Eucharistic Adoration to live the message of Christ no matter what.
I asked Him what he wanted me to do and He said to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.
I know I can do this through Him.
God made it known to me that this would not be easy, as He pointed to the cross. He told me always to love unconditionally, even when you feel despised and that no one loves you.
God also helped me unite with my friends who were with me. I was able to share my faith more openly and I know that I can grow in my faith together with those friends. And to my other friends, I can speak more courageously and openly about how I feel about God and about how much He loves us and wants to help us.
I know that I am not done reaping the fruits from this retreat and that God wants to give them to me for the rest of my life. I highly encourage all teens to attend this conference and to seek the truth in their lives and to look to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
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