11 parishes join inaugural Diocesan Youth Camp

One-hundred-ninety students from 11 parishes diverged on the grounds of Mount Carmel School last Friday for the Inaugural Diocesan Youth Camp hosted by the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.

The parishioners include teens and youth directors from San Antonio, St. Jude, Mt. Carmel Cathedral, San Jose (Saipan), San Vicente, Santa Soledad, Kristo Rai, Santa Remedios, San Roque, San Jose (Tinian), and the El Shaddai church group.

Coordinator Sister Emma Lusterio described the camp as a way for youth to come together in faith, fellowship, and prayer.

According to Sister Lusterio the one night camp is one of the many programs the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa has held to close the Year of Faith—which ended last Nov. 24.

“We decided to create this Youth Camp to strengthen the bond of the youth ministry in the Diocese,” Sister Lusterio said. “We want to increase their faith day after day in their life. This is a venue for them to develop their faith through each other.”

An opening mass was held by Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez together with the clergy in the diocese followed by a pilgrim walk.

Co-coordinators of the Youth Commission team Vir Abueme and L.J. Castro expressed the same sentiments.

“I am glad that we have many teens joining us. This is truly a time for us to come together through Christ,” Abueme told the Saipan Tribune.

Students participated in fun-in-the-sun activities and also watched presentations given by each of the parishes on how to be closer to the Lord. Participants also joined in confessions.

Special guest speakers presented speeches at the camp. Guam Youth coordinator Fr. Michael Crisostomo, Fr. Ken Hazel, John Hosono, and Carol Hosono were among a line of speakers who discussed vocation, prayer, and marriage life with the young participants.

“I had a lot of fun in the youth camp. I got to see old friends and make new ones as well. The activities were creative, and I learned of some of the past experiences different people had and gave them some of my past experiences as well,” said Mount Carmel youth parish member Sam Soledad at the end of the camp. “The camp taught me a lot about devotion and about the things we go through for the Lord. All in all, I had an enlightening experience and fun time, and I hope we do this again soon.”