By JORDAN MCMORROUGH
CHARLESTON — Two premier Catholic presenters for youth ministry will be featured next month at the diocesan high school youth conference, themed “Holy Spirit — Light My Fire.” The event will take place at YMCA Camp Thunderbird near Lake Wylie March 13 to 15.
Steve Angrisano and David Kaufmann are the keynote speakers for the weekend. Angrisano will open the youth conference on Friday night as well as give a presentation on Saturday morning. Kaufmann will give a keynote presentation Saturday afternoon and perform a concert in the evening.
Angrisano appeared at World Youth Day in Denver in 1993 and has performed in many different diocesan youth conferences and several national youth conventions. Kaufmann has also appeared in many different dioceses and youth conferences throughout the country, as well as performing on numerous college campuses.
“All the Diocesan Youth Council members have been working very hard to put together a spectacular weekend that will allow the young people to have a blast, yet at the same time challenge the way they live our their faith journey,” said Jerry White, diocesan director of Youth Ministry. “Along with the keynoters, we have planned a weekend designed to keep the youth challenged and excited about their Catholic faith.”
Throughout the weekend the ninth to 12th grade youth will have a chance to meet other youth through large and small group activities, mini-volleyball and mini-basketball tournaments with awards handed out to the top three teams, a dance and workshops.
On Saturday morning, the first round of workshops will be a men’s and women’s session, in which the genders will be separated. That afternoon attendees will attend one of three workshops. “Are you Walking on Cloud Nine?” will explore the different types of prayer forms, “I’ve never Heard about it?” will examine how teens can effectively share their faith with others through evangelization, and “The Power of One” will show how youth are called to service and can make a difference.
This year, in addition to the annual dance, a coffee house will be hosted. The acts are designed for youth to share their talents on stage with their peers.
For the Sunday morning liturgy opening procession, each parish group has been invited to make a banner that represents the theme of the weekend. The banners will also be judged by the Diocesan Youth Council, with ribbons awarded to the top three.
In addition, to symbolize “spirit in action,” attendees are invited to bring a canned item for a local food pantry.
“The excitement is building as the final touches are being made for this super weekend,” said White.