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When I signed up to attend the Albany Diocese's Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) at Pyramid Life Center in Paradox, I had no idea what to expect, and I wasn't particularly excited to go. I was worried that I wouldn't make any friends and that we would be praying the entire time.

Once I arrived, I quickly learned that I had no reason to be worried. Everyone was so kind and friendly; I made friends within minutes of arriving.

Over the course of the week, we took part in various workshops that taught us different leadership skills such as communication, group work and decision-making. The workshops were not only helpful, they were also fun. We had to complete tasks in groups so that we could apply the skills we were learning in an actual situation.

On the first day, we were put into small groups and, within each, we were responsible for organizing activities and prayers in order to practice the leadership techniques that we learned. Over the span of five days, we practiced and led prayers, such as Taize and meditation. In our groups, we were also responsible for creating challenges to complete before meals, as well as writing the blessing before meals.

I was nervous about participating in CLI just because it was something different from what I was used to, but if I hadn't gone, I never would have met amazing new friends and made memories I'll keep with me for the rest of my life. Thanks to this experience, I've decided to go to the St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference in Latham this month, and now I plan to promote youth ministry in my home parish of St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar.

(Olivia is entering her junior year at Bethlehem Central High School and is an altar server and a member of the pastoral council at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Delmar. She is the daughter of Mary DeTurris Poust, diocesan director of communications.)[[In-content Ad]]

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