Develope A Mature Faith

In early 2004 the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council recommended three pastoral priorities for the Archdiocese of Portland: Faith formation at all levels, youth and young adult ministry and multi-cultural ministry. Individual parishes and institutions may have their own particular priorities, but together, as an archdiocesan church, we have all been focused on these three strategies for carrying out our evangelizing mission. This is the way we have been trying to make disciples for the Lord.

The second priority, youth and young adult ministry, wasn’t a surprise. After all, our young people represent the largest single age grouping of Catholics. Most adults want our youth to experience a vibrant and meaningful faith. When they are on fire with their faith, they give us much energy for building the kingdom of God and they themselves become actively involved in parish and service activities.

For several years there had been much conversation about establishing a center for youth in the archdiocese, a place “where youth can come to know each other and learn how they can live their human lives and their faith lives more fully.” Those are the words of Father Bernard Sander, OSB, chaplain and honorary board member of the Father Bernard Youth Center in Mount Angel. The FBYC has been an answer to the prayers of many of us.

Last month, Tony Morris, the FBYC executive director, came to see me with an update about the wonderful works being accomplished at the Center ever since its dedication on January 17, 2006. The FBYC is a retreat center for Catholic youth, 16 to 38 years of age. The mission of the Center is “to provide a special place for prayer and personal growth, focused on assisting youth and their mentors in their spiritual development.” Whenever I receive letters from young people who are being confirmed, inevitably they will say that a retreat experience was the defining moment during their time of preparation for this sacrament.

Today’s popular culture presents values, attitudes and behaviors that run contrary to Gospel living. Our Catholic young people need support from friends and from the church if they are going to live as Jesus calls them to live, disciples in mission with the rest of us.

The Center is located along the southern edge of the Benedictine Queen of Angels Monastery in Mount Angel. The building is an ideal setting with nearly 15,000 square feet of working space. The centerpiece is St. Anthony’s Chapel which features six 4 x 7 foot icon-etched glass panels that create a beautiful backdrop for the bronze tabernacle. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle, a very special feature of the youth center. The chapel can seat 80 people and the adoration area is able to accommodate up to 24 people. Reconciliation chapels are provided adjacent to the chapel, as well as three additional meeting rooms for small group discussions. Overnight lodging for retreatants and mentors can be found at Marmion Hall, located across the street from the center.

Some of the events sponsored by the Center are varied, to say the least. “Dancing under the Stars” was provided for teens on July 27 and for those over 21 on July 28. A Veterans’ retreat was scheduled for August 10 through 12, an opportunity for veterans of the armed forces to be nourished mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically after all the challenges and difficulties of the military life. The Center will be hosting a golf tournament and a one-day spectacular described as the “Oregon Youth Day Battle of the Bands.”

The Center is named after Father Bernard, a native of Tillamook who himself entered Mount Angel Seminary back in 1935. He was ordained a priest during World War II and served for 25 years as an administrator at our seminary and then for 23 years as guest master of the Abbey Guesthouse. He was always associated with outreach to youths and young adults. It was his example of faith, hope and love for people of all ages that provided the vision whereby the Center came to life.

Tony Morris is an energetic and capable director of the Center. But like all folks on a mission, he needs support. On behalf of the Center he is looking for generous donors who can help make this new and exciting facility a sustained reality. The place already has had a tremendous impact on our young people. Many of our parishes and schools have taken advantage of its availability. Bishop Kenneth Steiner, our auxiliary bishop, has provided invaluable assistance by serving as an advisor to the Center’s Board of Directors.

The folks at the Center are quite capable of reaching out to donors and convincing them of the worthiness of their cause. I simply want you to know that I support this initiative and pledge to make a donation from the archdiocese on your behalf as well as a personal donation.

For its motto, the Center has chosen these words from the tenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” This was the vision of Jesus himself. This is the vision of the Center. Our support of this important ministry will be crucial if the Center is to be successful in its goal of helping our young people develop a mature faith.