Catholic youth are invited to participate in an upcoming weekend retreat that will help them spread the love and truth of Christ to others, becoming “true witnesses of the Living Word.”
The ADORE Eucharistic Youth Congress will be held from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24 at St. Peter Church in Merchantville.
The weekend will be “a way we can reach out to young people…a catalyst for (their) spiritual growth and development,” explained Father Anthony Manuppella, pastor of St. Peter Parish, who is coordinating the event with Mary Help of Christians Crusades, the youth sector of Alliance of the Holy Family International.
“It’s an opportunity to be inspired, and make a commitment to their faith. ADORE will ground young people in the Eucharist, and the Blessed Mother.”
Led by “young people evangelizing other young people,” said Father Manuppella, the three-day retreat will include adoration, Eucharistic procession through the streets of Merchantville, the living rosary, talks, live music, skits and short films, workshops, and Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph A. Galante.
Bishop Galante said, in a statement promoting the event, that it will “strengthen the convictions of our young people to embrace every person with the love of Christ by preserving his true presence in their hearts and minds, especially through the Eucharist, adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation, and meditation on the life of Christ through the rosary.”
Since 2003, ADORE has been held in locales such as San Antonio; Los Angeles; Melbourne, Australia; and Hong Kong. The May 22-24 event is the first ADORE in the state of New Jersey.
“We need to hold on to our young people,” said Father Manuppella. “We need young people spreading the love, faith, and Eucharist.”
Early registration before May 8 is $25; after this date, $35. Registration includes meals, and an ADORE kit. There is also an optional, $50 two-night accommodation fee.
For more information, call St. Peter Church, 856-663-1373, or go to http://www.stpeterrcc.com/Adore2009/Adore2009_New_Jersey.htm