Confirmation Retreat Stresses Gifts That Keep On Giving

By Stefanie Gutierrez

The diocesan Charismatic Renewal Office conducted its 20th Youth Conference and Retreat on Saturday, March 31, at Mary Queen of Heaven, Mill Basin.

Over 100 Confirmation candidates from St. Cecilia, Greenpoint, and Resurrection, Gerritsen Beach, joined the Mary Queen of Heaven seventh-graders for the all-day retreat that included speakers, group sharing, healing prayer and live music by the Life Teen Ministry band from St. Andrew the Apostle, Bay Ridge.

As music filled the auditorium, people sang, clapped, participated and enjoyed the upbeat songs of praise. The day brought an opportunity for the youth to be reminded that they are a part of God’s universal Church and that He has given them special gifts that are unique.

Stefanie Gutierrez Photos

“The youth are looking for an alternative to the evil and negative that they have seen and experienced in their lives and in the world, and they are really thirsting for the Holy Spirit,” said Father John Maduri, parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s, Bay Ridge, who was the guest speaker at the conference.

He spoke about the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, and then set out to help the youth understand that “every one of us has the ability to know the truth and to receive the spirit.”

He also encouraged the youth to make prayer a part of their daily routine. He related that friendships and relationships are not built if there is no communication. Prayer, he said, was the way to fostering a relationship with God so that they may know where He is leading them.

SETTING THE FLAME ON FIRE: Confirmation candidates participate in the 20th Charismatic Youth Conference and Retreat through music, Mass and share groups.

Josephine Cachia, director of the Charismatic Renewal Office, said, “There is a powerful message that God forgives us. We look at these kids and we know that they are subjected to a lot of negatives, and we have to let them see that God loves them.”

She continued, “We want them to know that they are important to the Church and that they come to receive the gifts that God has given them to serve. We don’t look at the kids as the Church of tomorrow, we look at them as the Church of today.”

Father Jamie Gigantiello, pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven, served as homilist and celebrated Mass for the youth, their religious education teachers and some parents who participated in the conference and retreat.

Gifts That Last

He challenged participants to recognize their gifts and to share them.

“We get lost sometimes, but God will direct us back to the right way,” Father Gigantiello said. “We are called to cooperate with His Spirit and the Spirit within us… Don’t look for the things that bring you instant gratification, but for happiness that will last.”

After a lunch break and informal discussion, Michael Mekako, a member of the Charismatic Renewal Office’s team, spoke to the youth.

“All of you are special. All of this is for you. No matter how insignificant you feel, God knows you by name,” he related. “God has made you to contribute to the world the gifts that He has given you. Passion for anything but God can lead you into terrible things.”

Participants were then broken up into sharing groups, where they were asked, “What does Confirmation mean to you?” and “What did you hear today that impressed you?”

A group of girls from St. Cecilia’s said that the conference gave them a sense of community. Ashley Parson, Carla Pintado, Ashley Candeloro and Dawn Kebrich agreed. Parson said, “Today let me feel like I have a support system.”

Peer Pressures

Among their group they discussed the peer pressures they felt. Pintado added, “Today taught me that it is OK to be a part of God, and to be closer to Him by going to Mass and doing good things.”

The day ended with healing prayer, where the Charismatic Renewal team was there to pray with those who had concerns in their lives. Many of the youth asked for prayer for their families, studies and friends.

“We believe in the power of prayer and we know it can change hearts,” Cachia said.

Sister Paul Maria, CSJ, who served as a share group leader, added, “The healing prayer to them is awesome. After a day like this, the youth are truly awakened.”

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