From the exterior, Reitz Memorial High School looked like just an academic building but this weekend it was transformed into a spiritual place of worship. Every spring our diocese hosts Source + Summit, a youth and adult retreat led by Franciscan Friars and other lay ministers. The culminating event was family Mass and Mason and I joined in.
The pictures just don’t capture the spirit of the youth and the ministries that participated. The retreat began Friday night, ran all day Saturday and half day today. The days were long—starting very early and ending at 10 and 11 PM—but there was an enthusiasm kindled in each person that gave them strength and stamina.
According to the website, this weekend included adoration, prayer, Holy Mass, confession, rosary, catechesis, games, skits, music, personal testimony, fellowship and fun.
Walker was on the gym floor for Mass and sat with a whole cohort of peers. After Mass concluded, the retreat leaders encouraged any of the youth to come forward and share how they were moved during the weekend and how they were going to move forward now.
Then they concluded with a few of the songs that had been integral to this weekend’s retreat.
As the crowds were dissipating after Mass, friends invited us to join them several St. John families in the post Source + Summit tradition of lunch at Five Guys.
I could not have been more delighted to be included in that. For me, this weekend was reminiscent of some of my own youth activities and weekend bashes with friends. I could see in Walker the joy and connection with friends over his faith. I hope the fire continues to burn in him and that the re-entry to real life is a gentle one.
Blessings on all of you.