Teens find commonality at first-ever conference

More than 200 teens from the seven Catholic high schools in the Albany Diocese filled Corpus Christi Church in Ushers last week with singing, dancing and praise for their schools.

The occasion was the first-ever diocesan youth day, "Called to Be One: Celebrating Unity and Diversity." It was planned by 30 students from the high schools over a five-month period.

The schools represented were the Academy of the Holy Names, Bishop Maginn and Christian Brothers Academy, all in Albany; Catholic Central High and LaSalle Institute in Troy; Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady; and Saratoga Central Catholic.

All for one

The goals for the event were to gather representatives from the schools for a day of non-competitive sharing; to celebrate the unique gifts of the individual schools as well as the united mission of Catholic high schools; to explore current topics which are of interest to youth; and to introduce youth to one another off the sports playing field. It was also an opportunity for students who don't normally get to attend conferences to have that experience.

"We chose kids who might not get a chance to go to a conference," said Brother Peter Furlong, campus minister from LaSalle Institute. "We want them to realize they're part of something bigger."

The day began with prayer and video presentations on each of the schools. While each of the presentations highlighted unique aspects of the individual schools, there were common themes -- the dedication of the faculties, for example, and the importance of community service.

Praise for teachers

Bridget Heilsberg of Bishop Maginn High said, "We work hard and we work together. The faculty are our friends; they push us to our limits. We are all part of a family at Maginn."

Emily Marcason of Saratoga Central said, "We are proud of our academic program. Teachers work hand-in-hand with us. They listen to you. They are there when you need them."

Students also shared important traditions from their schools. Giving Day, when students, staff and alumni of Saratoga Central provide service to the community, was mentioned, as was CBA's LaSallian Youth Group, the school's service club, and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons' service program whereby each student provides a certain number of hours a service each year.

Advantages

The participants also shared what a Catholic school education meant to them. Said Barrett Rowse, a senior: "LaSalle has done a lot for me. I feel I'm prepared for the rocky path ahead. When I was a freshman, an announcement for volunteers at a soup kitchen was made. My friends and I made fun of it. A senior heard us and told us we should try volunteering. We did on Thanksgiving and liked it. LaSalle gave me the opportunity to get involved."

Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons student Melissa Lazzaro shared that while attending a local public school, she skipped classes and was thrown out of classes. She was getting into trouble so her mother sent her to Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons.

"My mother forced me to go," she said. "I thought it was a joke -- all the rules to follow." Through eighth grade, she and a friend continued to defy the rules of the school. "We were two punks," she said. "Then I met new friends, and I thank God for sending them to me."

Changes

Her new friends changed how she talked and dressed, and the music she listened to. She also spoke of the influence of Angela Ciervo, vice principal of the school, and Linda Neidl, campus minister. Miss Ciervo helped her keep up with her school work when she became seriously ill, while Mrs. Neidl helped her with her faith.

"I never received my first communion," Miss Lazzaro said. "With Mrs. Neidl's help, I received it at the Junior Mass."

Miss Lazzaro has nothing but praise for her Catholic school education. "If I wasn't in BG, I'd have dropped out a long time ago," she said.

Topics of interest

The youth had the opportunity to participate in several workshops, including ones on liturgical music, spirituality, conflict management, stress management and stereotypes.

The day ended with the 200 teens singing with enthusiasm during the closing prayer service in the church. It was decorated with a banner created especially for the day. Made by the planning committee, pieces of cloth with symbols for each of the schools were sewn together into a cross.

Participants were pleased with the day. Joseph Betancourt, a junior at LaSalle, said, "Honestly, it was a great experience for me. It was really inspiring. I'm glad I came."

Jesse Kendall, a junior at CBA, said, "I liked the meaning and purpose of it. I know the schools more personally and what they're focused on."

Stephen Frey, a student at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, said, "I found it amazing that we can agree on so much even though we are different. We're individuals. I think the banner says it all -- we are united in the faith."

(02-12-98) [[In-content Ad]]