In the 17th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, you will find the Evangelist’s telling of the Transfiguration. This is one of several moments when Jesus takes Peter, James, and John aside to reveal something special to them. In this particular event, Jesus’ face “shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light” and appearing alongside him are Moses and Elijah. Peter responds saying, “It is good that we are here.” In reflecting upon the events that happened in Binford on Oct. 22, I get a similar impression: “It is good that we were there.”
Now, the “it” that was good was the Diocesan Youth Rally, Relit, and the “we” was the nearly 200 youth and chaperones who gathered at Red Willow Bible Camp. An event of this magnitude has not taken place for the youth in the Diocese of Fargo since April of 2019 due to both pandemic restrictions and untimely autumn snowstorms. The last opportunity for these young people to experience something like this locally was when this year’s 8th graders were 6th graders. This year was not business as usual. In many ways, the youth that attended this year’s rally were in the position of Peter, James, and John during the Transfiguration. They chose to set aside a day to be with Jesus, and Jesus, in turn, revealed a glimpse of his glory to them, something they may have never seen before.
The vision for the day was set by Brady Borslien, director of youth and young adult ministries with the assistance of youth and advisors of Ignite Ministries, formerly Catholic Youth Advisory Council (CYAC). The day centered on Christ in a way that was positive, refreshing, and joyful. Partly a product of Borslien’s previous experiences as a youth director in the Diocese of Crookston, partly a product of living in a world winding down from a pandemic, this year’s rally looked different from rallies in the past. Though all attendants were still able to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in adoration, and be challenged by different keynote and workshop speakers, Borslien also wanted to give the youth a positive and impactful experiences to associate with the faith. A clear example of this was the presence of a praise and worship band leading the students in charismatic and reverent worship of the Lord.
The location was also new. Red Willow Bible Camp is centrally located in the diocese, making it a natural choice for an event drawing from parishes in the eastern half of North Dakota. The site has a chapel to hold 210 people, a dining room to seat 120, and both indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate for crafts, contests, and inflatable games.
The keynote speaker for the day, Leah Butalid, spoke to the students in an inviting way, reflecting on the power they’ve been given in baptism. We are all adopted by God the Father, and with that comes tremendous power and deep intimacy. Both of these realities are made apparent in a flame, both powerful and passionate. In order to kindle the fire into a flame, all Christians must look to Christ as the determining factor in our lives.
As I reflect on the happenings of that day, I don’t see dozens of middle schoolers having a blast bouncing on inflatable games and enjoying friendly competition. I don’t see youth ministers pleased with the ease and comfort of their day, sipping some coffee and delighting in a mini cinnamon roll. I don’t see the countless phone calls, paperwork, and struggles that went into making this day happen. I don’t even see the young Church alive with a newfound appreciation for charismatic prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and holy friendships. No. When I look back on this event, I’m left looking with raised eyes, as Peter, James, and John did, seeing “no one else but Jesus alone.” That is what I hope these young people left with.
The feelings and desires of this day may fade. The circumstances and challenges of life may distract them from the convictions to break habitual sins, live life more virtuously, and commit to prayer. My hope is that when the excitement and novelty fade, these young people don’t go back to “business as usual,” rather they see “no one but Jesus alone.”