Youth 2000
Formation Weekend 17th Oct - 19th Oct 2003
Personal view from Sr. Davina
When I checked my email one day in July I had received one from Martin Furman asking information about a possible weekend at Colwich, I was both dumbfounded and excited at the same time. I thought 'what Youth 2000 here at Colwich' - was this an answer to my prayer? Indeed it was I felt! For the last few months previously I prayed that if it was God's will that Youth 2000 should come to Colwich he must find a way - and here was my answer - a formation weekend in October! WOW!
So the preparations went ahead and Martin was in constant contact over the weeks ahead. When he rang the first time I said 40 people would be the maximum we could take and I prayed for God's will to be done. When I told everyone they were really surprised and shocked at the number I said but I knew it was possible as nothing is impossible for God. However, over another conversation over the phone I said that someone ought to come and look round first before any arrangements are made, so Fr. Julian, Fr. Richard, Martin and Declan landed on the doorstep one evening in time for Vespers. After, which we discussed various details and they were satisfied with what they saw! 'Perfect, our needs are basic'- was the answer.
So the plans went ahead for 17th-19th Oct, this was the weekend after the community's annual retreat finished. The days to follow were ones of anxiety, enthusiasm, and excitement but all was placed in the hands of Jesus and Mary! I knew it would go well, knowing previous Youth 2000 retreats.
On Friday 17th Oct the day was here at last, Fr. Richard and Declan arrived just on time - 4pm as he said he would, to oversee the catering and registration etc... A banquet fit for any guest was prepared for the weekend in which they catered for all their needs without any help from us. 21 people should have arrived but due to delays etc. there were 14 at the most, everything was in typical Youth 2000 style. They gathered in the choir at 9pm to have a brief word of welcome by Charlie then a talk on the mass by Fr. Julian. Mass started at 9.30pm with Fr. Richard celebrating and Fr. Julian giving Catechetical Instruction - that is, a part of the Mass is said then stopped for a quick explanation of what was taking place. Fantastic approach and it worked well. This was instead of a homily. I was a bit wary that the keyboard might cut the electricity off, as I was the only one staying up, but thankfully all was well and nothing happened.
On Saturday morning Youth 2000 started at 9am with the rosary, and how prayerful that was, singing Ave Marias at the end of each decade with the Fatima prayer. Then followed a talk in the Chapter room by Fr. Julian on Basic Kerigma - (which means the proclamation of the kingdom of God), with a testimony by Martin afterwards. The next talk was also Fr. Julian on basic Christology, followed by Fr. Jan on prayer which was held while we were at midday office, then they had mass. Lunch followed. Two more intensive talks followed in the afternoon on friendship with Christ by Fr. Richard also one on the mystery of evil and the pursuit of good. Then Youth 2000 joined in with us for Vespers, then followed a Holy Hour. After supper there was a group discussion which lasted for 2 hours!!!
On Sunday morning they joined the community for Holy mass in which they provided music for the opening hymn - Be still for the presence of the Lord, and the post communion hymn - Come into my heart. There was an extra treat in store as it happened to be the 3rd Sunday Exposition Day. At the heart of a youth 2000 retreat is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Mass, Rosary with an aim to evangelisation. What graces came over this weekend, it was also mission Sunday and Mother Theresa was being beatified too. The nuns and Youth 2000 worked together at mass, sharing the readings, music. During coffee break after mass I was asked to say a few words about my own vocation and about the community (How nerve wracking it was again!). Fr. Peter followed with a talk on morality, and various questions, answers took place. After lunch there was a half hour allotted to Youth 2000 for prayer, this was very moving for some people, there were scripture readings and music with prayers of thanksgiving for the weekend and the graces received. I truly felt God's graces being given to them and personally I felt I got a lot out of it too! They commented on the prayerfulness of the abbey and that seemed to have added to the weekend with the traditional 'Benedictine hospitality', I offered my services to help with the catering but it was not needed - this time.
The first formation weekend was truly a successful one. Will they be back? Only God knows! And if it is his will then let it be so!!!!!
All in the hearts of Jesus and Mary
DEO GRATIAS
Pope John Paul II to the Bishops of England and Wales, 23 October 2003
As a priority in your response to the call for a new evangelization, I am heartened to learn of your resolute efforts to bring further energy to youth ministry. The growth of groups such as Youth 2000 is evidence of the desire of many young people to share in the Church's life. As ministers of hope, Bishops must build the future together with those to whom the future is entrusted. Offer them an integral Christian formation and challenge them to follow Christ. You will find their enthusiasm and generosity exactly what is needed to promote a spirit of renewal not just among themselves but in the entire Christian community.
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