‘Great in the world’

By Steven Polley

Director, Office of Youth Ministry

Joe Wise, a popular Catholic musician in the 70s, had a song with the lyrics, “Is there anything at all great in the world as you?” As I think back to last week’s NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) where 18,350 young people and their adult chaperones gathered in Columbus, Ohio, I guess my first thought would be to change these words to, “Is there anything at all great in the world as youth,” or youth ministry.

As I reflect on the three days of NCYC, I think that it would be safe to say that we all returned home, a little tired, a little sad, out of adrenalin, but most of all filled with an overwhelming amount of joy and hope.

I have found myself fully engulfed in this ministry and wondering why would anyone not want to be in some way involved in youth ministry and the lives of our young people. As our group was preparing to leave Columbus, I was able to once again share these thoughts with them. I began by simply saying, “Well you did it again.” As I attended the Saturday daily briefing for group leaders, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry was able to report that the employees of the Convention Center and the Columbus Police had said that never before had they seen a group as well behaved and respectful as this group. They must have been a little overwhelmed and maybe scared at the thought of working with this large a group of kids for three days. But once again, we were able to walk away feeling very proud of the example set by our young people. “Is there anything at all great in the world as youth?”

And the highlight of this NCYC, or any gathering of our young people, has to be the strong statement they make regarding our Catholic faith. Young people from all over the United States and Canada. Students from all walks of life and yes, even some from schools in our diocese that find the competitive spirit in sports, here found a common bond and friendships that grew stronger with each moment. If we need a reason to fall more deeply in love with the Body of Christ, then we need to look no further than these young people gathered in Columbus. Just imagine, 18,350 reciting the Lords Prayer, offering one another the sign of peace, joining in song, forming such long lines to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation that they had to open up walls to create a larger space to accommodate this powerful Sacrament of healing. “Is there anything at all great in the world as youth?”

I mentioned a little earlier that we came home a little sad. I am sure that every youth was not quite ready to leave when it was all over. But for this NCYC our sadness runs much deeper, but through it all, I for one remain very proud to be part of youth ministry and the National Federation. Once again they came through with flying colors. Through their mission statement, “Serving those who serve the young Church,” everyone found a greater meaning in Pastoral Care.

For you see, tragedy struck this NCYC. There was a small delegation from the Diocese of Las Vegas. There flight was delayed so they did not arrive in Columbus until 1 a.m. on Thursday morning. After a long trip they were hungry, so two adult chaperones and two girls walked to McDonalds, the only restaurant that was open this time of the night. On the way back to the hotel, a hit and run accident happened. A pickup literally swerved at them and 16-year-old Veronica Gantt was struck and killed immediately. I ask that you keep Veronica, her family and friends you your prayers during this time of grief.

I share this story because of what happened over the next three days. With this tragedy the delegation had to return home, so Bob McCarty, executive director for the National Federation, his wife Maggie, and Anna Scally a national presenter from California, met the group at the airport at 6 a.m. Thursday. They met in the chapel at the airport, spent some time talking and praying prior to the group returning home. That evening Veronica’s parents arrived to claim her body. Once again Bob and Maggie met them at the airport.

On Saturday during our daily briefing, Bob shared this. He said that when they arrived they were quite angry, which would be expected. But on Friday afternoon, Veronica’s parents chose to have Bob and Maggie drive them downtown to the Convention Center where the activities were. Upon seeing this large group of young people celebrating there faith in the same way Veronica would have, helped ease some of their pain and anger. Through tragedy and grief I was proud to be associated with this national organization. “Is there anything at all great in the world as youth ministry?”

The young people continued to celebrate NCYC to its fullest, but every moment of every day, thoughts and prayers were being offered for Veronica and her family. They found a deeper meaning to celebrating life and faith, and they moved more deeply into embracing God’s unconditional love. We can be proud of our young Catholic Church. I have returned home with joy and hope, knowing that through the giftedness of each of these young people youth ministry in our parishes and diocese will only grow stronger.

“Is there anything at all great in the world as...?”