The Diocese of Corpus Christi Office of Youth Ministry is hosting three "Mini Youth Spectaculars." These smaller scale events will culminate in the main event in September, which will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Youth Spectacular in the diocese.
The first of these events was held on March 23 at St Theresa Community Life Center in Premont, Texas. The theme for the "Mini Youth Spectacular" was FAITH. Omar Javier Pena, youth minister at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus in Premont, headed this event.
The idea for dividing the events into more intimate groups came first from the Diocesan Youth Council. Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey liked the idea, and planning for the "Mini Youth Spectaculars" began. The focus of the events is the theological virtues: faith, hope and charity.
Speakers from within the diocese spoke at the event. Benjamin Nye and Deacon Alfonso Ramirez delivered keynote speeches focusing on different aspects of faith. Father John Ouellette, pastor of St Theresa Catholic Church, and Father Scott Brossart, SOLT were with the youth for the entire day and gave talks during breakout sessions.
Priests from neighboring parishes were available to hear Confessions. Youth from the Christians In Action Youth Group of St Theresa shared a mime of the Lord's Passion they had been preparing for weeks.
“The Passion Mime was a huge hit for the youth in attendance,” Director of Youth Ministry Jaime Reyna said.
Bishop Mulvey celebrated the vigil Palm Sunday Mass, and met with the attendees of the conference afterwards.
“Youth ministers and their youth were very excited about being able to greet the bishop and take pictures with him. Overall, the first Mini Youth Spectacular was a success,” Reyna said.
The next Mini Youth Spectacular will be held June 15 at Our Lady of Victory in Beeville.