Summer Youth events show the goodness of God

As I reflect on the various events for youth that took place over the summer, I am drawn to a song written by Bethel Worship titled The Goodness of God. “All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.” Whether we were hosting an event at the Pastoral Center in Fargo or playing games at Camp Summit, we witnessed just how good our God is to us.
           
Cor Christi Missionaries
The Diocese of Fargo welcomed four individuals into the Cor Christi (Heart of Christ) Missionary Program for the summer of 2023. The team consisted of young adults throughout the diocese, who assisted my office by leading weekly events for youth, directing the Service Team at Camp Summit, and facilitating small group discussion at the Steubenville Youth Conference. Along with creating and leading opportunities for the youth to encounter Christ, they were tasked with creating two opportunities for the young adult community to come together for fellowship and formation.

The Cor Christi Missionaries were formed last year as a response to the various discussions that I had throughout the diocese on engaging youth. Their primary task was to work with me in creating a schedule of events for youth (7th through 12th grade), which would invite them into a deeper relationship with Jesus. The main event we led was called XLT (exalt). It consisted of ultimate Frisbee games, dinner, praise and worship with a keynote speaker, Adoration, and Confession. Other nights we learned more about Mary and the Rosary, served at an organization called Farm in the Dell, and traveled to Park Rapids for the Character Challenge Course, which is a high ropes facility that helps with team/community bonding and leadership formation.

Camp Summit
Camp Summit completed its second year at Red Willow Bible Camp, and we saw a significant increase in youth attendees and Service Team members. The theme for this year was “Be Not Afraid,” and we unpacked the life of St. John Paul II. Youth attendees heard keynotes on John Paul II’s devotion to Mary, how he embraced the cross during difficult times, the Eucharist, and human love. 

Along with listening to speakers, the camp was blessed to have Jon Martin, a musician from California, come and teach us about the desire on our hearts for worship. Each morning he guided us in prayer through music, and in the evening, he would invite us to go a little deeper in our worship while we were in Adoration. During those evening sessions with Jon, you could see that the youth were having an encounter with Jesus. Some were in tears because they experienced a love that they had never felt before, and some were so moved that they began to pray with their friends. These were profound nights that will remain with them forever.

Besides Mass, keynotes, and worship, Camp Summit provided a space for the youth to hang out and have fun. During open time, campers were able to relax, go swimming in the pool or lake, visit the craft house, play schtick (a frisbee game), or visit the canteen for snacks.

Camp Summit could not have happened without all those who gave up their time and talents to put on such a successful week. Sixteen young adults served as staff counselors, 13 sophomores and juniors were on our high school leadership team called the Service Team, our cooks kept us well fed, and Father Robert Foertsch was our spiritual director for the week.  
           
Steubenville Youth Conference
Another highlight of the summer was the Steubenville Youth Conference, hosted by Franciscan University. Roughly 200 students and chaperones from the Diocese of Fargo joined nearly 2,000 other Catholics across the Midwest to be inspired by national speakers, engage in small group discussion, and learn more about how the Lord is our refuge. Throughout the conference, we heard from various national speakers about how the Lord rescued them from a former way of life and ultimately became their refuge. Each speaker concluded their talk with inviting the attendees to hold fast to the faithfulness and goodness of God.  

Cor Christi Mission Partners and Scholarship Support
I want to thank all who have spent time praying for the ministry that we do. Your prayers have significantly impacted our work, and I ask that you please continue to pray for us. Along with the spiritual support, I want to thank all of those who have generously donated to our Diocesan Scholarship Program. This summer we were able to assist 40 families who were in need of financial assistance. As we continue to provide more opportunities for youth to encounter Jesus, we know that there will be a greater need for financial aid. If you would like to make a donation to our scholarship program, please fill out the attached form below and send it back to me at the diocese or scan the QR code.

Along with supporting the scholarship program, I want to create a fund to assist our Cor Christi Missionary Team. To help offset their costs, we are looking for mission partners who are willing to support us as we develop and grow this program. If you would like to learn more about the program, call me during normal business hours to learn more about the future of this team.