The first day of prayer for Byzantine Catholic Young Adults on May 24, at Mt. St. Macrina was a great success. 13 participants representing all 4 Ruthenian eparchies attended. The group cohered almost immediately, old friendships were renewed and new contacts formed. In addition to lively group discussions, Metropolitan Basil led an impromptu open discussion on what young adults need from the Church. This exchange lasted more than an hour and surfaced an array of excellent issues for further consideration. The newly renovated "Academy" at Mount St. Macrina provided a welcoming environment. The Basilian Sisters were warmly hospitable as always.

The next event scheduled is a 3 day retreat, November 7-9 at Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown PA. This event is open to all Byzantine Catholics between the ages of 18 and 25. Byzantine Catholic young adults are invited to suggest themes, topics and formats for this retreat which is still in the planning stages. Coordinators for this event are Christopher Pullella, Elizabeth Hritz, Sr. Barbara Jean OSBM and Fr. Jack Custer. Post all suggestions in this topic to keep the discussion open.

Fr. Jack Custer

Father,

Annunciation of the Mother of God Church in Homer Glen, Illinois had its inaugral Young Adult Meeting last Sunday. I'm no young adult and we were away last Sunday and so don't know who the leadership is, but will you be working with local groups? Have you and Father Loya been in contact?

Dan Lauffer

Bless me a sinner, Father Custer!

I hope this won't be your "last stand!"

Seriously, though, I had students in my Saturday religion classes that held "all-nighter" prayer vigils, with the permission of their pastors.

They would do these on Friday and Saturday evenings until 6:00 am in the morning.

It was always most inspiring to see some of their parents come out for these and helping to organize them.

Before the USSR fell, they would pray for the Underground Church and would bring barbed wire to place near the tetrapod etc.

We are all hungry for prayer, but not all of us know it yet!

Alex

Dan: Fr. Loya and I are indeed in contact. Leadership will be determined by the Metropolitan and the hierarchy--a commission or subcommittee seems to be in the offing. Sr Barbara Jean and I are just laying groundwork. This first event was a bit local since it didn't really repay the effort to travel long distance to Uniontown for a 5 hour event.

Fr. Jack

Hi Father Jack!

I saw that the youth from the Johnstown Diocese were invited to attend as well. From your run-down I'm guessing that none attended, but did you at least have any interest from any Orthodox youth?

Even if none attended, it was a wonderful gesture, both on your part and Metropolitan Nicholas' part!

-Dave Mastroberte

Dave, belated Christ is Risen! and regards to your family.
Everything about this event was a bit rushed. I was able to communicate with the editors of the Church Messenger by email and they promised me they'd do what they could.
The good news is that, for a few years now, Pittsburgh Metropolia catechetical events and now young adult events have regularly reached out to our "cousins" in Johnstown. This is due above all to the wonderful spirit of cooperation inaugurated by the late Metropolitan Judson and Metropolitan Nicholas, who has gone out of his way at every turn to support the things we can do in common at this stage in our ecclesial relations. Ministry to Young Adults is a natural area in which to find common ground. Maybe you should consider coming out for Nov 7-9 and bring a vanload of your friends (and some of your prosfora and icons!!!!) with you.
God bless you!
fr. Jack