Ministry seeks to set young hearts ‘On Fire’
By Anna Weaver | Hawaii Catholic Herald
It’s hard to get “cool” high schoolers to dance around, sing and clap their hands, especially in church. But it’s hard to resist the enthusiasm of the young adults of InHim Ministries.
At the March 1 “On Fire” gathering at St. Stephen Church in Nuuanu, the Hawaii-based group, which serves Catholic youth and young adults, managed to get the attention of the hundred-or-so teens in attendance through praise and worship, speakers, liturgy, fellowship, skits and food.
On Fire is a monthly event InHim has held for the last three years. The March gathering, with an “I’m Forgiven” theme, included time for confession and a talk by Bishop Larry Silva. The bishop tailored his words for his audience, even throwing in the expression, “Duh!”
InHim Ministries also runs Confirmation classes at four Oahu parishes, Bible studies, barbeques, retreats and youth groups. These activities are planned and carried out by the seven or eight young adults who commit to a year of service. Marcos Brackins, who founded the ministry in 2003, and his wife Kristen oversee the group.
Nellani Tabada joined InHim in 2007. “I felt like God was calling me to give up my life to him and to serve the youth,” said the 21-year-old, who is now discerning a call to the religious life as she spends her year with InHim.
As a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pearl City, Tabada used to attend On Fire events never realizing how much planning went into them. But it’s all worth it, she said, when she’s “watching the kids do praise and worship and especially when they’re at Mass, receiving the Eucharist.”