“A Simple Guide for Understanding the Spirituality of Our Rally”

Adapted from the Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference Adult Leader Manual

We are living in grace-filled times.  Even as we witness the painful purification of our Church and weather attack after attack by forces opposed to the Church, God cannot be stopped.  Across this country we are witnessing the renewal of Eucharistic Adoration and lives are being changed.  It is a simple, yet profoundly powerful devotion.

“Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. To visit the Blessed Sacrament is . . . a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord.”  CCC 1418

Wherever Jesus is adored in the Blessed Sacrament, there is spiritual growth.  Yet many Catholics are simply ignorant of the tremendous blessings poured out through this form of prayer.  On Saturday night, we invite the young people to enter into Eucharistic Adoration, to put themselves into the presence of Christ.  For many of the youth, despite regular reception of the Eucharist, this is their first “breakthrough” encounter with Christ.  Our priests and hosts do all they can from a pastoral perspective to prepare the young people. Helping them in that moment of encounter also falls upon you and your adult chaperones’ shoulders.

Adoration is Christ-centered, not youth centered.  You should not allow an overly emotional display from any of your youth to distract others from Christ.  If this happens, you should remove the youth form the main room until they are back under control.  You should also avoid group hugs and other displays that are not focusing on Jesus. There is plenty of time after the Holy Hour for group bonding.  Please assist in making the Adoration as reverent and Christ-centered as possible.  Setting a reverent example, participating in praise and worship,  being attentive to particular prayer needs within your group, will all help to ensure the best experience on Saturday evening.

PRAYING WITH YOUTH

Another powerful aspect we incorporate into the weekend is giving leaders time to pray with their young people. Taking the time and effort to bring youth into the presence of God is a very powerful and moving experience. There is also no way to downplay the power of your prayer with them during this time. As Catholics we are more comfortable with traditional group prayer. Spontaneous one-on-one prayer can be intimidating.

SPIRITUAL MANIFESTATIONS

It is important to emphasize that both Scripture and Church teaching support manifestations of the Holy Spirit. It is not unorthodox, it’s simply a stirring up of the gift of the Holy Spirit we all received in the Sacraments of Initiation. During the conference often God will anoint the Praise and Worship. He pours out the Holy Spirit in power. He gives peace and tears. He gives strength and encouragement. He gives the gift of tongues. All these things are given as gifts to those who will receive them. God does not force these things upon people. At all times we are free to accept or reject the gifts He wants to give. Adoration on Saturday night is also an anointed time for the conferences. When thousands of teens kneel before the God of the universe, He is there in power.

Emotions may come up at this time. It may be laughter or it may be tears. Sometimes the effect of the Spirit is overwhelming. Young people may experience resting in the Spirit during which they usually lie down. They may appear asleep but in most cases they are able to talk. You should direct prayer to any youth who is resting in the Spirit. This will help direct the youth to healing and a deeper faith. In very rare cases there are negative spiritual manifestations. Sometimes youth will claim they are possessed when confronted with the Gospel. This is simply a way to shift the blame on an external force and not have to take responsibility for their lives or actions. Sometimes emotions that are intense can be mistaken for a demonic presence. If you have doubts, call upon a priest or special ministers—those volunteers on the conference staff who have received special training—to assist you.

For some people, these actions of the Holy Spirit may seem foreign or unorthodox. However, expressive praise and worship and other manifestations are a genuine work of the Holy Spirit supported by Sacred Scripture and Church teaching. Allow your heart and mind to be open to the Holy Spirit’s work.

PHYSICAL NEEDS DURING THE YOUTH CONFERENCE

An important part of a successful conference experience is making sure the youth are in good health during the weekend. Youth believe they are invincible and will often neglect their own needs for food and sleep. This can be very problematic during a conference weekend. Your adult team needs to be observant of your youth and aggressive in making sure they are taking care of themselves. This includes:

- Drinking plenty of water.

- Avoiding caffeine and high sugar sodas

- Getting at least six hours of sleep

- Eating regular meals. (No living on junk food and no fasting  during the weekend.)

When teens are tired, dehydrated, or on a sugar/caffeine high, their emotional state can become agitated or skewed. Understanding the emotional impact this weekend has on young people, we do not want to confuse or constrain God’s ability to work in their lives by allowing them to lose control. It is definitely for their benefit and yours that we keep them as balanced as possible.

Be sure to understand the climate at the conference site and prepare accordingly. Young people will dehydrate more quickly at some of our Southern conferences. Be aware of any medical conditions your teens may have, especially diabetes, epilepsy, or heart conditions. Make sure all youth are taking their prescribed medications. A first aid station will be staffed with nurses and emergency medical technicians at each conference for treatment of routine injuries or conditions. If emergency services are necessary, an adult chaperone will have to travel with the teen to the hospital for support and to notify the parents/ legal guardian of the situation.