News
Diocesan Students Attend Back to Earth Weekend
More than 350 students participated in “Back to Earth,” the Diocesan wide camp-out for youth in grades ninth through twelfth. The weekend event was held at Short Journey Center in Smithfield.
This fall’s theme was “Come to the Feast” and featured as keynoter Mr. Paul Kotlowski, the youth ministry coordinator in the Diocese of Charlotte. His talk was on the Year of St. Paul.
Sessions this year included “Road to Damascus: Conversations of Paul;” “Faith Feud,” a game show style workshop where students tested their knowledge of the faith; and “Vocations,” presented by Fr. Bernard Shlesinger, Diocesan Director of Vocations, and Sr. Laura Teresa Downing, IHM-Immaculata.
Fr. David D. Brockman, Vicar General of the Diocese, celebrated Mass for the students and blessed a newly constructed Prayer Garden, which features the Stations of the Cross. The garden was made possible by an anonymous donor and aided by donors to the “Next 150 Searches Fund,” along with donations made at various Diocesan youth events.
Prayer Garden Plaque
This Prayer Garden is here by the grace of God and the work of human hands.
It is here to welcome you
to comfort you
to draw you closer to Jesus
the One who walked the Way of the Cross for you
So that when you leave this space
You walk more confidently
More peacefully
More humbly with the One who walks with you
Above: Fr. David D. Brockman, Vicar General, blessing the Prayer Garden at Short Journey Center during “Back to Earth” weekend.