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The youth ministry of Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake sponsored a trip to the Matt Maher/John Tibbs concert at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy in Springfield, Mass., in May. Teens from Corpus Christi, chaperones and parents experienced an inspirational gathering of Christian music fans from many northeastern states. 

An ecumenical crowd of all ages shared their love of God and humanity through music. The lyrics of Matt Maher's pop songs were emblazoned on the wall of the venue, and Matt encouraged everyone to sing along with the band. He declared, "You paid to hear me sing, but this is where I go to hear the people of God sing!"

Sing we did! The large gym was alive with raised hands and voices, smiles, laughter, dancing and shouts of joy.

During the concert, Matt took many opportunities to pause and share his faith, his life experiences and his vision and mission for performing. A Catholic, he explained that he married a Methodist girl; he hopes his music will help unite people from all Christian churches to celebrate what we have in common -- our devotion to our one Lord. 

"It was a fantastic musical pilgrimage!" exclaimed Matt Duclos, a seminarian for the Albany Diocese and former director of music and pastoral associate at Corpus Christi. 

Corpus Christi's youth minister, Djemila Stevens, said that "you could feel the Holy Spirit all around us. We know his music has reached so many on a spiritual level!"

"It was amazing to be rocking and singing out loud with hundreds of fellow Christians, knowing, 'I belong to these strangers, because we all love Jesus as one!'" said a parent chaperone. "I came to listen to music, but found myself participating with abandon. I came to support my kid, but I left with a rich experience that touched me deeply."

(Jeanie is a teenager from Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake.)[[In-content Ad]]

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