REVIVE: An Invitation To Young Adults

ANN BLASICK, Special Contributor

Published: November 4, 2004

A few years ago, two friends were climbing a remote mountain in South America. The climb quickly became more treacherous than the men had expected. After reaching the top of the mountain, one of them broke his leg. The other man securely fastened rope around his injured buddy’s waist and slowly began to climb down the mountain, lowering his friend as he went. It was dark, and he could barely see his friend who hung 150 feet below him. Suddenly the amount of weight on the line increased dramatically, and he knew something was wrong. He had inadvertently lowered his buddy over a cliff; the injured man now hung perilously unable to help himself. The healthy climber clung to the mountain for hours not knowing what to do. Eventually he made a decision; he cut the rope. He let go, knowing that it would mean certain death for his friend but life for himself. By a series of miracles, the injured climber was found alive a few days later.

If you were the one hanging from a cliff with only one person holding onto the rope, who would you want that person to be? Would you choose your best friend, your father, your brother, or your spouse? Is there anyone who you can say with complete certainty would not cut the rope? Who would rather give up his own life than have you die?

Think back 2,000 years and remember that Jesus made just that choice for each of us. He is truly a God who won’t let go. He has promised us love and guidance, and he is a God who is true to his word.

The archdiocesan Office of Young Adult Ministry (YAM) invites all single and married young adults, ages 18-40, to an evening in celebration of our God, who won’t let go. The evening, called REVIVE, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 20, at St. Andrew Church, Roswell, and will provide an evening packed with powerful national speakers, amazing music, eucharistic adoration and fellowship with over 1,000 young adults from the Atlanta area and beyond. REVIVE will begin with a vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m., which is open to those who wish to attend Mass. The REVIVE program is scheduled from 6:30-10 p.m., followed by social time from 10-11 p.m.

The sacrament of reconciliation will be available throughout the event. Refreshments will be available, as well as various vendors on hand to sell Catholic books, jewelry and other religious items.

The REVIVE program will feature a number of nationally known speakers.

Christine O’Donnell is a young, hip and exceptionally gifted speaker and writer who is often called upon by the major media outlets (ABC’s “Politically Incorrect,” MTV, CNN, C-Span, FOX News, MSNBC and CNBC) to share the “traditional values” viewpoint. O’Donnell was raised Catholic, fell away, became a Protestant for about eight years, and then came fully back to the Catholic Church about six years ago. She has said that adoration is one of the things that brought her back. O’Donnell has been described as sassy, stubborn and sweet, and by those who disagree with her as “the girl you hate to love.” O’Donnell resides in Wilmington, Del.

Chris and Michelle Benzinger have been missionaries for the past few years with Trinity World Missions, serving first in Europe and most recently in Mexico. They are the parents of two young boys.

Father Jose Robles Sanchez is a dynamic speaker with a passion for challenging youth and young adults to have an authentic life in Christ. He was born in Puerto Rico and ordained a priest in 1995. He was named Clergyman of the Year in 1999 by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and is frequently called on to preach at retreats and conferences across the country. He is currently the pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Church in Alexandria, La.

Praise and worship will be led by The Jon Ferguson Band. Ferguson, who leads the music for the youth Mass at Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta, teaches at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming.

Acoustic Tom will provide music during the social. The treasurer for Atlanta Catholic Sports, Acoustic Tom plays at various venues around town and is a member of the band Assembly Required, who recently opened for Sara Evans and The Beach Boys. His website is www.acoustictom.com.

Admission to the event is free, and registration is not required. St. Andrew Church is located at 675 Riverside Road, Roswell.

For more information about REVIVE, visit www.yam.org or contact Ann Blasick, director of the archdiocesan Office of Young Adult Ministry, at ann@yam.org or (404) 885-7222.