ATLANTA--When 185 teens get together for a week anything might happen.

Those who packed their bags for the third annual SonFest Beach Retreat June 25-29 at White Sands Christian Retreat Center in Panama City Beach, Fla., had few expectations. But many returned home relaxed and more committed to Christ and the Catholic Church.

Father Tim Hepburn, pastor of St. Gerard's Church, Fort Oglethorpe, was the spiritual director for the retreat.

"At SonFest, teens are given opportunities to meet the real and living Jesus Christ," he said. "I find that when we come expecting the Lord to work powerfully, he does so through conversion, sacramental reconciliation and the experience of the Holy Spirit."

According to Barb Garvin, youth minister at St. Pius X Church, Conyers, the program has had a wonderful effect on the teens who have participated.

"We had a young man who went to SonFest '96 with his girlfriend, who is a member of our parish," she said. "The young man was so touched by the Holy Spirit during the retreat that when he came home he asked if he could begin instruction to become Catholic. He came into the church this past spring and in preparation for college, he has already gotten in touch with the other Catholics at the school. SonFest was a turning point for him. If that doesn't speak for the program, I don't know what does."

In July 72 teens, ages 15-19, representing approximately 23 parishes attended the Christian Leadership Institute at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort in Dahlonega. The event is sponsored by the Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

The annual institute for teens 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 include leadership styles, communication skills, group dynamics, planning skills, prayer, consensus-seeking and ministry to youth.

"The teens return to their parishes with a renewed sense of their giftedness and their leadership ability," said Kathy Wolf, archdiocesan youth consultant and director of CLI. "Many of these young people begin to take on more leadership positions in their parishes. That is what CLI is all about. We must continue to empower the teens of the church. We have an untapped resource in our youth and if we don't nurture them and help them realize their value, we will lose them."

Sharon Loiselle, director of religious education at St. John Vianney Church, Lithia Springs, who also served as a CLI director, had 10 teens from her youth group attend this year's program.

"The youth who participated were definitely empowered to take on roles of leadership," Loiselle said. "To see them fired up and ready to jump into things was great. Teens who were not sure of their role in the church have come back to take on leadership roles in vacation Bible school, liturgy planning and in the religious education classes."

Directing the program along with Wolf and Loiselle were Merlin Todd, youth minister at St. Paul of the Cross Church, Atlanta, and Jim Norris, parishioner of the Cathedral of Christ the King. Spiritual director duties were split between Father Hepburn and Father Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv., parochial vicar at St. John Vianney. The rest of the 16-member team was made up of youth ministry professionals and volunteers.