MARIST BROTHERS: YOUTH ADULT LEADER
On April 6th through the 9th, I was able to volunteer as a Marist Young Adult Leader for the April Marist Youth Encounter 2017. Being a part of the Marist Brothers community as a young adult leader, we acknowledge the footsteps that St. Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, took to work towards ensure the education of young people in many areas including faith. For the Marist Encounter Retreats, many students from Marist School meet at the Marist Brothers Center in Esopus, NY to separate themselves from troubles of everyday life and have a chance to reflect, meet new people, and learn more about themselves and their faith. During this retreat I help organize events for the weekend including preparing ice breakers, games and prayer services. As a Young Adult leader (YA), I led a small group consisting of 6 school students in activities and facilitated discussions on individual reflections. In addition, I prepared and delivered a 15-20 minute talk on various spiritual topics (faith, relationships, etc…) to the whole group of “encounterites” which was around 90 teenagers ranging from ages 16-18. These encounterites must be in their junior or senior year of high school. We believe that during these times of high school, many students become to caught up with their life when it comes to school, family, and college decisions. Before transitioning into college or the next step of life, it is imperative that we refresh the minds that people have to allow them to see that they are not defined by what they have or want in life but what you give or make of your time.
One of the major highlights of the weekend or talks at the retreat is the talk about being a “Palanca” or lover for someone. This can be taken in many ways but we focus on the idea of being there for someone or being an individual who impacts others lives. This talk is different from the others as the encounterites receive multiple letters from their families, loved ones, teachers, friends, acquaintances, and many others. The encounterites do not know about the letters and go into the retreat not knowing what to expect. These letters are enclosed with words of encouragement, reassurance and gratitude for all that the encounterites has done for others. Many tears are shed here and this is the turning point of the retreat for many as they first begin as a shy, reserved individual but then transform into an open book and share their perspectives or stories more in their small groups.
Through experience I believed it served as a purpose in working on one of the 4 Pillars of Sustainability: Social/People Responsibility. By working with other the Marist Brothers and others on the YA team, we were able to help bolster the well being of future generations on how to work with others and reflect to realize their true potential in bettering society.
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