October 15, 2010

Faith and fun are at the heart of middle school jamboree

Members of the 2010-11 Youth Ministries Activities Team perform a skit for Middle School Jamboree participants on Sept. 18 at St. Mary Parish in Lanesville. Fifty youths attended this year’s daylong gathering. (Submitted photo)

Members of the 2010-11 Youth Ministries Activities Team perform a skit for Middle School Jamboree participants on Sept. 18 at St. Mary Parish in Lanesville. Fifty youths attended this year’s daylong gathering. (Submitted photo)

Special to The Criterion

LANESVILLE—Emily Horine couldn’t hide her excitement after attending the annual Middle School Jamboree on Sept. 18.

“The jamboree was a blast!” exclaimed Emily, a student at Henryville High School and a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, also in Henryville. “It was an opportunity for me to grow as a Catholic, and help others grow in their faith as well.”

Emily’s reaction was typical among the 50 youths who participated in the day of fun and faith at St. Mary Parish in Lanesville, which was organized by New Albany Deanery Catholic Youth Ministries. The jamboree gave middle school students an opportunity to learn about their faith, celebrate being Catholic and meet new friends.

The jamboree included Mass and a talk by keynote speaker and Catholic vocalist Sarah Bauer of Carmel, Ind. There were also sessions to educate youths about the Catholic faith and allow them to reflect on their relationship with God. A dance party and games were also included in the actvities.

“Sarah Bauer delivered an amazing message about the special plans that God has for each one of us,” said Leah Cissell, coordinator of programming for New Albany Deanery Catholic Youth Ministries. “She shared that each of us has something special inside, and that God has already given us everything we need to fulfill his plan in our lives.”

The jamboree was planned by high school students who are involved in the youth ministries’ program.

“It was amazing by the end of the evening to see each of the youths up dancing, having fun and engaging with one another,” Cissell said. “The difference from the moment they walked in, somewhat shy and unsure, to barely wanting to leave at the end of the night helped us know we had accomplished our goal that day. Many people contributed to making the day such a success.”

Anyone interested in learning more about New Albany Deanery Catholic Youth Ministries can log on to the website at www.nadyouth.org. †

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