Tri-parishes exceed state test scores
June 2, 2011"Rythms on the River" (Morgan City)
June 6, 2011
As summer kicks into gear, so does the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux with its 6th annual Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference.
Teens from five states, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and Florida, gather June 17-19 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center to share their faith, grow in fellowship and learn the skills to live their lives to the fullest for Christ.
Co-sponsored by the local diocese and the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio – the conference’s namesake, Steubenville on the Bayou is one of 18 conferences the college holds annually in the U.S. and Canada.
This year’s theme, “Rooted,” is based on the biblical passage Colossians 2:6-7, which directs Christians to be rooted in Christ and follow his teachings, according to conference coordinator Shawn Lapeyrouse.
“In today’s culture, truly believing and living the truth of the Church makes someone a radical,” Houma-Thibodaux Diocese Bishop Sam G. Jacobs said in a release. “But what we are really asking teens to do this summer is to be rooted. To be truly radical is to be deeply rooted in the love and person of Jesus.”
“Rooted” is based on the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI, who first appealed to teens in 2009 to witness socially via the digital world.
“Employ these technologies to make the Gospel known, so that the Good News of God’s infinite love for all people will resound in new ways across our increasingly technological world,” the pope said from the Vatican City.
Lapeyrouse said this year’s “Rooted” Steubenville conferences serve as a prelude to World Youth Day Celebration 2012, at which Pope Benedict XVI will minister to young people in Madrid, Spain. As a forerunner, Jacobs is challenging local youth to grow their faith now in Christ.
“We are constantly asking teens to be radicals for Jesus,” he said. “But, the Church cannot expect teens to make radical decisions for Jesus if their lives are not firmly rooted in him.”
Steubenville’s various activities revolve around the sacraments: Reconciliation, Mass and the Eucharist. Lapeyrouse said the events are designed to help teens understand that following strong convictions or extreme principles in Christ is achievable.
“Our teaching is that by living the faith, we lead others to Christ,” she explained. “Everyone has to be fed in a different way. The conference is a way to reach [young people] on their level.”
A successful weekend is celebrated with a sense of peace and a new depth of prayer and openness, Lapeyrouse noted.
“We gather the teens to express prayer making the person of Jesus Christ real to them through dynamic talks and worship,” she said. “We spark faith, conversion and ongoing discipleship.
“The message is simple: Jesus Christ is Lord and he loves you passionately, so come follow him.”
Performers include Music Ministry, Alexandria native Paul Hood, Lonnie Lapeyrouse, Doug Hamilton and Matt Bourgeois. Also performing are John Lyons of Alexandria, Sarah Rabalais of Lafayette and Erick Porche of Biloxi, Miss.
Veteran musician/composer and youth minister Steve Angrisano is the host. He’s been featured at six World Youth Days, several National Catholic Youth conferences and many diocesan youth conventions.
Also slated to speak are Chris Padgett, Jackie Francois, Deacon Ralph Poyo, Bishop Jacobs and the Rev. Leo Patalinghug.
To register, contact your church parish or call (985) 850-3171. No registrations will be taken during the event.
