For the first afternoon workshop, David Calavitta had a clear message – we are all part of the family of God. Each and every one of us was made by God, and we are therefore God’s children. As God’s children, we have intrinsic value and worth. We didn’t do anything to earn it. There is nothing we could ever do that would rid us of that value. God is the Creator and Father of all.

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In the women’s session, Rachel Leininger shared that she believes in authentic friendship and that we as women are made in God’s image. As God is in community with the Trinity, women also need community with one another in holy friendship.

Rachel has had many different seasons of friendship in her life. When she was young, they were easy and uncomplicated. As she grew older, friendships began to encompass more “girl drama” as concern over popularity, relationships with boys, and competition began to infiltrate them.

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This morning’s Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr. Chris Martin, honored Mary: Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We are truly grateful for the 50+ priests who joined Fr. Martin, as well as the Carmelite religious sisters who have a special devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

The Homily

Like Mary, we need to be courageous and fearless in the face of the challenges in our lives and world, as Fr. Martin reminded us. When you get to the heart of every problem, the ultimate answer is Jesus Christ – the One who created us so that we may have life and have it to the full. In Mary, we have the perfect model of ultimate trust in God’s plan and love for her.

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Tonight, keynote speaker David Calavitta began by reminding the 3,500-plus members of Generation Z gathered here that each person is created fearless: made for love and from love. David shared with the teens that each of us is a miracle.

During the good times, we receive that simple, loving message easily. But, in more difficult times, the message of God’s unconditional love gets drowned out by lies from the Enemy. When we fail to live up to a certain standard of performance, behavior, expectation, status, or popularity, we might be tempted to run and hide from our loving Father. Shame drives us to hide instead of allowing us to run freely into His arms. There we would find the love and peace we seek.

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