Print Issue: September 12, 2002

Parish 'Invests' In Youth And Helps Fund World Youth Day Trip

By Rebecca Rakoczy, Staff Writer

BLUE RIDGE - Wall Street may be feeling the punch of the economic downturn, but Father Chris Williamson isn't worried. He has already invested in a futures "stock" that continues to accrue much interest - that of the youth of his parish, St. Anthony of Padua, Blue Ridge, and Good Samaritan Mission, Ellijay.

The pastor of this tiny parish believed so much in the worth of the youth that he set about creating stock certificates to sell within the community. The idea was to raise enough funds through the certificate sales to send the group to World Youth Day in Toronto this year. He created stock certificates on his computer, selling them at $25, $50 and $100. Parish members were, in effect, "sharing in the spiritual future of our youth by purchasing stock certificates," he said.

The effort raised $18,000 within their communities within two and a half months - with just $2,000 of that amount from youth car washes and outright monetary donations. Father Williamson calls the parish and community support "overwhelming."

The fund-raiser enabled 22 youth and seven chaperones to attend the five-day event - making it the largest group sent from the Archdiocese of Atlanta. What made the stock sales even more remarkable was the size of the parish and mission. Together, there are about 220 families.

The idea for a stock sale was "borrowed" from an archdiocesan employee who had attended past youth days, and knew the need for a good fund-raiser, he said.

He also credits the enthusiasm of many of the group volunteers who made the trip a success. In particular, he praised volunteer Glen Berns, "who did a wonderful job organizing and teaching these youths on the bus as they traveled to Toronto."

After they returned from Canada, the youth shared their experiences with the congregation.

Said Christian Welch, 16, "I enjoyed the trip because it allowed me to expand my spiritual horizon and to learn more about God and his people of today. It was wonderful seeing all other cultures that share our same faith. Actually seeing the pope was a highlight for me, he is the only person I can think of who can bring so many people together no matter where he goes."

Members of the youth group and chaperones from St. Anthony of Padua, Blue Ridge and Good Samaritan mission, Ellijay, raised $18,000 to fund their trip to World Youth Day in Toronto. The tiny parish had the greatest representation at the event for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

"It was an incredible experience to be with so many people all of one faith, and to be able to see what it really meant to be one body in Christ. It was awesome," said Beth Kroft, 16.

Chris Bailey, 18, said he "learned so much more about my faith, and what it means to be Catholic. Listening to the pope and his messages and celebrating Mass with him was an experience I will never forget."