The day started with Mass at St. Matthew’s Chapel in Mary, Queen of the World. Approximately 30 young people showed up and were responsible for all parts of the liturgy, including music ministry, reading and serving at the altar.
The archbishop spoke of forgiveness during his homily and invited congregants to add their own insights. After Mass, the group ate a gourmet meal with Currie.
“It was spirit lifting to see professional young people committed to their faith, especially in our society where a lot of young people are not so committed. In fact, the majority are not,” Currie said.
The archbishop told the young people he believes they have a particular advantage in evangelization because they can “minister in their workplaces and the marketplace.”
“They are able to touch lives because many people are more open to them than to the archbishop.”
One of Currie’s main concerns is parents who do not pass on the faith to their children. "A common example is during sacramental preparation, there will be 50 children attending Mass, but the following week, only five will return,” he said.
He fears many parents are unable to pass on their faith because they are not well catechized. He sees this as a major concern in the province, and feels the young professionals can have a positive impact in this area.
The response from the young people in attendance was positive. Jennifer Huang said, “I thought last night was a night that inspired hope in my heart. Hope that a generation surrounded by a world full of sin may rise up, unite and return to the ways of the Lord.”
Andrew Montes, an engineer from Alberta, said, “I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with many young people, passionate men and women who share my Catholic faith.”
Eleri Dymond, the main organizer of the event, said, “I have heard nothing but good feedback.”
“It is really wonderful to have a bishop who was so interested in meeting young faithful adults,” she said. “He made an effort to come and spend this time with us despite driving for five to six hours earlier in the day.”
Dymond said there is a great deal of interest for another event of this sort.
“The event went over so well that the group has already started talking about having another,” she said.
(Lynch, 27, works in marketing and web site maintenance in St. John’s, Nfld.)