By Kathi Stearns, Staff Writer

DAHLONEGA--When 89 teens get together for a week anything might happen.

Those who packed their bags for a retreat at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort July 30-Aug. 4 had few expectations. But they returned home at week’s end having learned both to accept their leadership gifts and to put them to use in their parishes and schools.

The teens, aged 15-19, represented approximately 22 parishes at the Christian Leadership Institute (CLI), which is sponsored by the Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

“It was the most phenomenal experience of my life,” said Leigh-Ann Campbell, a participant from Holy Spirit, Atlanta. “I was amazed that teens could come together to pray and build such a strong sense of community.”

The annual institute provides opportunities for growth in faith and furthers the development of leadership skills through prayer, worship, a series of workshops, structured presentations, free but directed discussions and social time. Workshop topics included leadership styles, communication skills, group dynamics, planning skills, prayer, consensus-seeking and ministry to youth.

“This is one of the most important things we do in youth ministry every year,” said Patti Jugenheimer, youth minister at St. John Neumann, Lilburn, and one of the support group leaders who worked at CLI. “We are empowering the teens to take a more active role as leaders in their church and that their voice needs to be heard.”

As students learned the skills discussed in the workshops they planned liturgies, prayer services and other events as part of the program.

“The hope is that when these young people go back to their parish communities that their pastors and parishes will not only recognize them as leaders, but will utilize their gifts to reach other teens,” Ms. Wolf said.

“The workshops taught us how to be more effective leaders,” said Nicholas Litsas, a participant from St. John Neumann, Lilburn. “But the best part was that the leaders allowed us to use the skills we learned to plan Masses and group discussions. We actually applied what we learned.”

“They are a vibrant force and their enthusiasm and energy need to be tapped into,” Ms. Wolf said. “We as a church won’t be whole without them.”

The staff, which included four adult directors and 12 support group leaders, stressed the importance of self-esteem and spiritual development.

“You can see their lives change dramatically in six days,” said Ms. Wolf. “It is one of the few times in youth ministry that you get to see the end result of your work. It’s amazing; there is no other word to describe it.”

“I learned to trust and respect other people’s point of view,” said Caleb Stuarez, a participant from St. Joseph’s, Dalton. “In some churches the opinions of the youth aren’t always heard, but CLI taught us the skills necessary to become leaders in our church and to ensure that our voices are heard.”

Father Tim Hepburn, parochial vicar at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta and Father Roy Meehan, parochial vicar at St. John Neumann, who used a week of his vacation to be with the teens, served as spiritual directors.

In addition to teaching leadership skills, the retreat was designed to remind the teens that they are never alone; God is always walking by their side. Father Meehan told teens of his personal struggles in order to illustrate the unconditional love of Christ.

“His story really helped me realize that I can’t let the trials of life get me down,” Leigh-Ann said. “I know that as long as I have faith in God, I’ll make it. No matter what happens in my life, God will always be there for me.”

On the final day the adult leaders retold the stories in Scripture in which young people were called by God to assume leadership roles. The stories of David, a small child called by God to fight the giant Goliath, and Esther, a young maiden called by God to plead to the king to save the Israelites from death at the hands of Haman, were explored as the leaders asked the teens to “hear God’s voice speaking to you alone.”

The leaders then laid their hands on each of the teens signifying the calling forth of leadership from the community.

“The ritual action is a public sign that you are being called to lead,” Ms. Wolf told the CLI participants. “We send you forth in God’s spirit as leaders in your parishes and schools.”