The weekend of July 12-14, 2024, more than 800 high school youth representing five Dioceses from across of Florida attended the 15th Annual Ave Maria University’s “CALLED” High School Youth Conference.
This year’s conference was based on the scripture “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have CALLED you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the closing Mass on July 14 at the newly opened Ave Maria University Field House encouraging the youth to work at having a personal relationship with Christ and listening to His voice because each one of them have been CALLED to a greater purpose for their lives.
“We are all called to serve the Lord in a particular way, using the grace, gifts and talents granted to us by the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Dewane said. “You must do this by opening your hearts to the Lord; because when you do that, you will be able to become more that man or woman of God you are called to be.”
The youth were able to hear talks from many nationally known speakers including Father Timothy Anastos, the Director and Chaplain of the St. John Paul II Newman Center in Chicago, Illinois; recording artist and conference speaker, Noelle Garcia (Mc Hugh); chastity speaker Pam Stenzel; and Ave Maria University’s Director of Campus Ministry, Father Joseph Lugalambi, PhD.
The music ministry was led by the Miami based group “EPIC the Band.” In addition to the great speakers the youth were able to attend daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation offered by 22 priests from across the Diocese of Venice.
At the end of the weekend, during a time for student testimonies, many shared their experiences of the great love and presence of God that they experienced at the conference realizing that He is true and real and not just up there somewhere but present to them now.
Youth from Our Lady of Grace Parish in Avon Park posted photos from their experience at the conference and expressed their gratitude to generous sponsors who allowed them to attend the event and for the opportunity to experience the beauty of their faith with youth from across the Diocese and Florida.
