New Life Teen Leadership Conference Testimony

Paulo Coelho, author of the book The Alchemist, said, “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” Despite the need to go on the leadership conference to understand the true depth of the experience, I will try to give a summary that just might give an idea of what went during this amazing week. Because I was brave and took a risk, I was able to experience the true presence of the Holy Spirit.

To be specific, I was brave in being open. I was open to growth and the reception of God; as a result, I had such a powerful time in Kansas. This openness wasn’t possible without the right atmosphere: the fellowship of 500 other Christ-hungry teenagers. There is nothing more encouraging than seeing a vast amount of people the same age that were just as receptive as I was. Not only were the kids my age open, but the great ministers of Life Teen lead us in being receptive of other teens. An inviting atmosphere supported by everyone immediately convinced me there was something greater at work. Followed by this immediate yet cordial welcome, we immediately received reconciliation which lifted burdening weights.

Dispersed among the days in Kansas, we had mass and sessions that taught us various teachings of the Church and how we can incorporate it into leadership. Mass was daily and we had at least 3 sessions a day. At the end of each day, we had “parish download time” where we discussed our experiences of the day. However, the deepest parts of the day had to be prayer. During the conference, we experienced myriads of types of prayers including prayer of the hours, silent reflection time, the rosary, and adoration. It was in these times that I knew that God was in that place with us. The only way I could know this was by being open to his presence and the atmosphere the other teens created. I saw other teens crying because the joys or sorrows they found in being with Jesus, I saw people resting in the Spirit, and others lifting their hands in praise all during adoration. On Wednesday, I was able to meet a spiritually powerful girl named Olivia. Only knowing her for a few hours we went on our rosary walk together. We ended up being late for the next session and hurriedly walked into the auditorium, but just in time to see Mark Hart the Bible Geek hand the microphone over to Eric Porteous—two men St. Patrick’s knows very well. Eric began to talk about his hardships which included his family issues growing up. Olivia was able to relate to Eric; consequently, as soon as Eric turned the session to Mark, Olivia burst into tears. Despite knowing her for a few hours, I felt the call to comfort her. To put it shortly, God put me there for a reason. I met Olivia for a reason. Bringing Olivia to Eric, he ever so willingly talked to her which gave her new strength. The Holy Spirit brought me to Olivia, so that she could find a link to Eric. The fact that I was able to console her in a great time of need despite our unfamiliarity was moving. But it wasn’t my work at hand. To be honest the small amount of time I got to know her as well as the time I spent comforting her went by so quickly, I wasn’t even thinking. I humbly give credit to the Holy Spirit working through my being only because of my openness. By being submissive and receptive of God’s will, I was able to do great things.

Also, I took the risk of being open with my friends within our parish. By doing this, I was able to create the deepest possible bond with Emy, Nick, Nico, Shannon, Sarah, Kyle, Becca, and Nicole. Our honesty brought us together like no one could believe. I was able to share so much with them and grow in faith with them. I can proudly say they are my second family.

The sessions, led by many different great ministers, were not only spoken well, but they were direct and blunt—in the good way! And it seemed that each lecture applied directly toward my life and spoke so clearly to me. It was as if God was speaking to me directly through these ministers.

Ian Dominguez