2008 Youth Supplement
Pope’s U.S. visit still resonates with youths
Youths from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis have fun showing their dance moves as they wait in the sunshine on April 19 for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI at a youth and seminarian rally in Yonkers, N.Y.
(Submitted photo)
By Katie Stergar (Special to The Criterion)
(Editor’s note: On April 19, 44 youths and six chaperones from the archdiocese were among a crowd of 25,000 people in Yonkers, N.Y., who watched and listened as Pope Benedict XVI shared a message of faith and hope.
Seven months later, Katie Stergar and three other youths on that trip talk about the impact that experience has continued to have on their faith lives.)
Katie Stergar, 17, a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis:
“That day changed my life. The Holy Father was telling us that as the youth of the Church we were also the future of the Church. What we did for our Church now would change everything in years down the road.
“I already led the high school youth group at my parish, but I realized that I wanted to be a part of it in a deeper way. I mean, I led those other high school youths and helped them come to know and understand Jesus, but it never actually hit me what I was doing for those teens. I was leading by example. No matter where I went or what I did, someone was watching me. I was a role model. ‘But that means that if someone was always watching me,’ I told myself, ‘what do they see?’
“So I made the decision to live according to what Jesus taught us. I made the conscious decision to live in a way that when people would tell me that they wanted to be like me, I wouldn’t ask why. I would say thank you and move on. Shortly after this, a young girl came up to me and told me she wanted to be just like me. That was one of the scariest moments in my life. I never realized how many lives I had touched until that moment. Pope Benedict XVI brought that to light.”
Andrew DeFeo, 18, St. Lawrence Parish in Indianapolis:
“Whether I realize it or not, I am a leader in the Church and people do look up to me. I have become more of a leader and I am taking charge more at group events.”
Andrew also offers this advice to youths: “No matter what, you can overcome any obstacle if you put your mind to it. Silence is golden, too. You don’t always have to speak to express yourself or pray. You also need to spend time reflecting as well.”
Timothy DeCrane, 16, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Indianapolis:
“It was incredible to see how much the Holy Father loved America and how much excitement there was from all the teens that were there. My attitude has changed since going on the trip. Before, when my mom would tell me to go to daily Mass, I would not really want to go, but now I jump at the opportunity to do so. I am also more prayerful since being on the trip.”
Kaleb Bramer, 16, St. Gabriel Parish in Connersville:
“I learned that we need to take more time to listen to what is going on around us. I definitely pray a lot more than I used to. The trip strengthened me spiritually. I feel I am closer to God.” †
