Youth 2000 reflections

Here are reflections from some of the youth and young adults who attended this past youth 2000:

I think the retreat went very well. It was an awesome to see the youth excited and pumped for Jesus. I went on Monday to CCD and some of the students gave awesome testimonies; it is good to see that they got something from this reatreat and are closer to God than they ever have been. One said that he had opened his heart for a smidgen of a second and it was "like a police raid" within him. I think that's an awesome reflection in that if you give God even the slightest chance, He's in... "BAM" you don't know what hits you, but it feels incredible.
-- Rosalee Duenas

Youth 2000 has been an indescribable event which I am soooooooo happy to have had the privilege of being a part of. This Youth 2000 has brought me closer to Christ in the Eucharist. I love the focus on Christ throughout the weekend. This retreat has helped me in my spiritual life. I no longer think about prayer as an obligation but a privilege. We can talk to God throughout the day whether it be in thanksgiving or a prayer request...God listens to us. How awesome is that?
-- Elizabeth Figueroa

Well as a week ago, I went to Youth 2000!!! Ohh man was it an awesome experience. I’ve only been to 2 retreats and it was the one at OLQW 2 years ago and the one we had last week. I have to say that the last retreat we had really changed me. It made me open my eyes and see the world in a whole different light. Not only did I get to make new friends but I also strengthened my relationship with God. So as Friday night came, I was really pumped up to go but I wasn’t really in the Jesus high zone yet. When it was time to see the burning bush, I totally felt his presence and I was pumped for the next day. Friday night was a good way to start off the weekend off as I start to get in touch with my Jesus frenzy side. So Saturday comes by, and I freaking explode in excitement for the Lord. I was popping up and down for every song we sung, and dang I have to see that we had a good music ministry. Although some of these songs I haven’t sang in a long time and some I’ve never even heard before, I felt as if I already knew the lyrics to them. Amazing and Hungry were just simply amazing to me, I would tear up almost everytime we sang them lol. Anyways as the day goes on and Fr. Joseph came around with the monstrance and as he came around towards me, I said to myself “come into my heart”, after that I just started to burst into tears. Seeing him right in front of me got me thinking… if I was even worthy of being able to touch him. Cause no human is perfect, we all sin at times. I cried because I knew I was sinful and have done many bad things in the past but yet he still loves me. As I kept on making waterfalls out of my eyes they start singing Amazed… and that just made me cry even more! And when they sang these words “Lord im amazed by you, how you love me” I knew in my heart that it was so true. I AM amazed by how much he loves me, this sinful person that’s not worthy of love by such a great person. Even though I committed so many sins that hurt him, he still loves me. And then after Amazed, they freaking play Hungry… -_- now at this point im in a pool of tears. This song was also true! I was hungry for him because without him there is no motivation or inspiration to go on further. Now Sunday came by and I just wanted to show everyone what the retreat did for me, I wanted to show how much faith I have in me to everyone. I was glad that I came to the retreat but sad that it ended already. It’s been a week since Youth 2000 ended and even now im still listening to all of those songs we sang. Although the retreat ended, I still feel his presence with me all the time.
-- Vu Nguyen

I have been going to Youth 2000's since 2004, and every time it's a new experience with new excitement and anticipation as the retreat draws closer and closer. This year, as the retreat approached, there was an excitement within me to see familiar faces all there to worship, and I was looking forward to that "on-fire" experience I always ended up with after the retreat, ready to share my faith with anyone who would listen. This retreat however seemed to be a totally different experience but in such a wonderful way. The past semester before the Youth 2000, I had fallen off faith in the strangest way. I kept God in my heart, thanked Him everyday, and knew that He played such an essential part in my life. However, I never went to mass, held off going to confession for the longest time, and I never prayed. When the retreat rolled around, everyone was getting to know each other, and CORE was running around (with their heads cut off) helping youth get excited. And while everyone went on snack breaks, I felt the need to stay inside, and pray. I kept to myself a lot of the retreat, always in a meditative state, which has never really happened while I was on these retreats. And as the retreat drew to a close, I realized that God was re-enforcing in me, the basics of living faith: mass, confession, and constant prayer. I was missing the essentials to faith and had rediscovered them in a way I didn't even realize could happen. Jesus in the Eucharist is what drew me closer into faith, and Jesus in the Eucharist is what brought me back. God is so good.
-- Roxanne Pasibe

Prayer Relay Guest reflection

This reflection was written by Pauline Talens, a journalism student at San Francisco State. She attended prayer relay this past December, and wrote an awesome reflection. Sorry for posting this so late! But here it is:

December 21, 2008

Prayer Relay 2008

Spiritual Milestone

I called my dad on Thursday to cancel my flight to San Diego, which would’ve been that Friday night of the Prayer Relay. I had a feeling inside of me that was pulling me to go.

This was my first Prayer Relay, and I didn’t know what to expect, but I was open to whatever was going to happen. When I first arrived with CeCe to the church, I already felt a warm welcome from the youth. In particular, I was introducing myself to Marcelena, and extended my hand for a handshake, but she opened her arms to give me a hug instead=)

After mass and confession, the night started off with watching video testimonies of people who’ve participated in previous Prayer Relays. So from that, I had a slight idea of what was going to lie ahead for the night. Listening to the people speak (some were speechless) about their experience during their one hour adoration, I wondered how I was going to feel.

Then we watched The Passion of Christ. The scene when he was getting whipped made me think of every time I did something I knew wasn’t good, but did it anyways, because I felt like I was one of the men hurting Jesus. This scene gave me a visual to refer back to if ever I’m put in a situation of sin.

The heart-hitting moment was during the community prayer at 3 am. First off, I thought it was beautiful in itself that I was with these people praying and singing together at that hour of the day. During this time, I reflected on how school just ended and how much I’ve been waiting for winter break to really dive back into my spiritual journey. I was thanking God for bringing me to this blessed community of young and strong believers.

At the later end of the community prayer session, I took the chance to go to the back of the church to have people pray for me. I didn’t really know what was going to happen while walking up to them. I was nervous, because I thought I had to do a personal prayer out loud or something, but I didn’t have to speak at all.

I got into the middle of the tight knit circle and faced the altar. Anna started saying a prayer for me, and then everyone else joined in simultaneously. I closed my eyes, and felt the intensity of the moment. Then CeCe in her tender voice started to say a prayer for me that completely surprised me, because I felt like she was exposing my soul.

She’s only really known me for the past 4 months, but everything she was saying was like she knew me for years. I only caught bits and pieces of what everyone else was saying, but a lot of what I did catch seemed like everything I’ve been praying for the most, such as patience, strength, and healing. The experience amazed me because of how I started off being nervous of the thought of me having to pray out loud, but it was as if they spoke what was in my heart for me. Right there and then, I felt God’s love for me like no other time in my life. I knew that this moment wouldn’t be possible, and the words from the prayers wouldn’t be said if God wasn’t there with us and in each one of the people around me.

I started to cry, because without a doubt I knew Jesus was there with me, telling me not to worry and that I AM LOVED.

For the past couple months, I’ve been praying to build a closer relationship with Jesus and after that moment, I felt the closest I’ve ever been to him. It was past 4am, which was my hour, and I was like, “wow…just a couple hours ago I was wondering how I was going to feel.” I wouldn’t have imagined that I was going to gain something so special and impacting within my hour. I felt peaceful, hopeful, and more ready to say “yes”.

I was confirmed in 2003, but throughout the past couple months I’ve had the chance to go through an extended confirmation process. My confirmation song was, “I Will Choose Christ”, and I’ve loved the song since then, but it has so much more meaning to me now because I feel like I’ve gone through more life experience and gained more knowledge to be able to choose Christ because my heart wants to, not because I feel like I have to or forced.

“I will choose Christ
I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart
I give my life
I give my all to You

Some days are hard
And I fight to see the truth
But I'm gonna take a stand
In all I say and do

I will choose Christ
I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart
I give my life
I give my all to You

Some fall away
And some refuse to see
A willing and humble heart
I pray You'll find in me

I will choose Christ
I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart
I give my life
I give my all to You

You are grace
You are peace
You are hope and healing
You are faith
You are joy
You are God revealing
Jesus
My Lord and King

I will choose Christ
I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart
I give my life
I give my all to You”

In the beginning of night when I went back into the hall from evening mass, I was talking to Jesse. He was explaining how his past experience with Prayer Relay is what made him think about being Catholic, and I said, “Wow, I think I’m going to get sucked in tonight.”, and I forgot what he said exactly, but it was along the lines of, “Yea, sucked into Jesus’ love.” We were both right.

Prayer Relay is a milestone in my spiritual journey that I pray will never end.

~*Thank you so much to the youth of Our Lady Queen of the World for being the beautiful, inspiring individuals that you are, and sharing the light of God inside you with each other and your community. You’ll be in my prayers, and I’ll see you at Youth 2000!

Prayer With Heart-Prayer Relay Testimony

Although this past Friday's prayer relay was not my first encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and neither was it my first prayer relay at all. I experienced something I hadn't experienced before. This time in prayer with The Lord, I found something new. I found peace with God, peace with myself, and total trust in Him. After my many years of struggles and pain I have come to terms with my past and have come to truly be excited about my future. I know that I am not perfect and that I may never be, but with God's help I can be the best I can be. From seeing my testimony from almost two years ago and who I was talking about how much I had grown and how much God had changed me, I figured, "wow, that girl doesn't know anything, if she only knew what she has coming." And probably in the future looking back to now, I will see that I don't know anything either. I am determined to take a journey with The Lord and see where he takes me. Getting a chance to get prayed over and to sleep in the church really touched my heart. It released stress and brought me even further to this state of peach which I am in. I have a lot of faith because I know that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament can change lives as He has changed mine. Experience Christ in true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity and experience a special beauty which feels a lot like Heaven on earth. I was so happy and so proud to see my fellow young people at this event and I hope that they were touched that night as I was. It was amazing to see new faces as well as familiar faces and returning faces. I know that God will work in you. I noticed that Cecilia noticed that we used the term "church friends" a lot in our testimonies including myself. I would like to correct myself and say I am so glad I have a church family, an incredible family in Christ that I love very much. I pray a lot for my fellow brothers and sister in Christ. That they may get to truly know and truly love God. I love you all, please pray for me!

In Christ through His Blessed Mother,

Erika Aliana Barraza

Meet Our Core Members!

Here are short autobiographies of a few of our core members!
(I'll continue to post these as they come in from the core.)
These youth and young adults have been and will be working and praying diligently for the Youth 2000 and for all of the youth and young adults coming to take part in this wonderful experience!

ROSALEE DUENAS
FOOD COMMITTEE CO-HEAD
My name is Rosalee Duenas and I am 22 years old. I am a shy, quiet person, but when I feel comfortable enough I tend to come out of my shell. I am a cradle Catholic who grew up into and still a part of Our Lady Queen of the World Church. It hasn't been until this past year that I really took a big leap into my faith. Joining the Youth/Young Adult group and going to Australia this past summer for World Youth day has made my relationship with God Existent. Before I went to Mass on Sundays but that was it, now I can't get enough; I am always at Church doing something. I started teaching the fourth grade Catechism class at my parish on my own this year and I am enjoying it.

I can't wait to meet those of you who are coming to our parish to help us out in sharing the faith with the youth.

JESSE BURGARD
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE CO-HEAD
Hey there everyone! Most of you do know me but for those very select few that don't, let me introduce myself. My name is Jesse! I recently became Catholic in March of this year. I am very active in my parish of Our Lady Queen of the World and I am the so called "Youth Group President" When I am not attending church, you can either find me at work or at school, as those take up the rest of my time.

I am in my third year at a community college and I plan to transfer within the next year. I very much enjoy playing tennis, even though I watch it more than I get to play, and I am now taking piano lessons so I can become more sophisticated. I also just recently completed my first degree of the Knights of Columbus and will be taking my second degree very shortly. Oh, and even though I may look white, and be totally white, I am filipino at heart =]

ERNESTINA "ERNA" CUENCO
HOSPITALITY & MUSIC
Hello fellow Core Team members!! Ernestina Cuenco here. Basically everyone at OLQW calls me Erna, so those of you who are coming from far away parishes, feel free to call me Erna as well! I am currently a junior at Ygnacio Valley High in Concord. I am sixteen years old and one the youngest members of the Core Team. I was just confirmed in May of this year. 2008 has definitely been my "breakthrough year" in terms of my spirituality. Receiving the Holy Spirit and also attending WYD08 in Sydney this summer has strengthened my religious outlook.

Personality wise, I'm rather shy at first, but once I feel comfortable, I'm really friendly. I love to be surrounded to people who love to be at church and praise Jesus Christ! My life is composed of five main things: church, family, school, volleyball, and music. Overall I'm a hardworking person. I've been playing volleyball for four years and the violin for about seven years. School work consumes most of my time. If it wasn't for my church, I'm sure I would have gone crazy! Despite all of my obligations I always try to keep in mind that I should be offering it up to God. I like to sing and dance, especially when it includes hand motions!! This coming Youth 2000 will be my 3rd one; now it's my turn to help out! I'm looking forward to January!

DOMINIC FIGUEROA
INTERCESSORY TEAM CO-HEAD
I've grown up in the bay area and am currently living in the Napa Valley. I am 16. I was born on April 8,1992 in Castro Valley. I attended school at a Catholic private school up until highschool and now I'm homeschooled.

By being educated in a private catholic school I learned the teachings of the faith, but I didn't have a strong relationship with God. I knew of God but not personally...intimately. I went to mass everyday, had a religion class, went to a catholic school, tried hard to do what was right, but didn't have a relationship with Jesus. Because of my parent constantly telling me what Christianity is about and some awesome retreats, I've come to realize how a relationship w/ God is what He wants and what we need so badly. I would have traded all that knowledge for a relationship w/ him. Nothing else satisfies.

CECILIA MARIE FLORES
OVERALL CORE TEAM COORDINATOR/MUSIC
Youth 2000 will be my last event as the OLQW youth group coordinator. Shortly after the retreat I will be leaving Pittsburg to join a missionary lay community in Honduras. It has been a wonderful 5 year journey in youth ministry since my conversion, and I am glad that I will be closing this chapter in my life the same way it started - at a Youth 2000!
For a better bio than this one, check out my mission blog:
lukeninetwentyfour.wordpress.com

Fun WYD Coverage!

So it's been almost 2 months since our group of 27 pilgrims was in Australia. We are extremely grateful for all of the support that we received from parishioners, friends, and family members! Here is a clip from an Australian news segment about the WYD pilgrims arriving at the Sydney airport. Our group is wearing bright green sweatshirts and many of us can be seen dancing in the circle. We're also on during the time discussing prayer, where we are seen praying the Liturgy of the Hours. So much fun, and so many wonderful memories!!

To Already Confirmed Soldiers!

Were you confirmed in the past few years and have been struggling to keep up the faith?

Have you just been confirmed and are wondering what steps you can take to make sure you keep growing deeper in love of God?

Are you yearning for a support-system of fellow Catholic Christian older-youth/young-adults who understand what you're going through as a young soldier of Christ in today's world?

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, we've got just the thing for you!

Every Monday night during regular CCD time (7-830), we're inviting all past-confirmed students to come back for their very own meeting. This won't be sitting in Joe or Evy's class – this will be a separate group that will be planning upcoming events (LIKE YOUTH 2000!!), studying deeper issues of the faith, and growing deeper in love of God and love of neighbor.

CCD Classes start Monday September 15th. Please come and meet in the hall at 7pm.

This is something new that we're trying to jumpstart, so spread word to all of those that you know and invite them to come and join us!

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail/call me:

Cecilia.v.flores@gmail.com

415-646-5960

PAX,

Cecilia

Karaoke Night!

Our wonderful welcome sign.
Special thanks to Ygnacio Valley HS leadership class
for "providing" the materials! :)

Our simple and subtle table set-ups.
NEW MECCA BEAN DIP IS THE BEST!

Pilgrim Jason Carulla
striking a pose.

A junior soldier in the making,
Kateri Alvarez.

The BFFS, Rox and Bettina live in action.
I want to say it was an N'Sync song...

Some of our pilgrims and our youth.

That would be the insane youth group coordinator...

Highlight of the night:
"All the Boys in the Room"

Ambergrace and Camille

Emily, Rox, and Dea -
Our Church family also includes many blood family members.
These three are all first cousins, and Jason is part of their crew, too!

OLQW and Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fairfield, CA.
We love our Fairfield Friends!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Karaoke Night fundraiser! It was an amazingly successful event, which raised about $1,500!