“Do not be afraid to say ‘yes’ to Jesus, to find your joy in doing his will, giving yourself completely to the pursuit of holiness.” With those words Pope Benedict XVI urged a new generation at World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney to “transform the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop Larry Silva has also made the youth and young adults a top priority in his diocesan strategic plan. And our pastor Father Thomas Purayidathil readily supports the growth of our youth and young adult ministries in our parish.

Do you see a recurring theme? The youth and young adults are the keys to the future of this church, but it is important to nurture them here and now.

To help achieve this goal some Big Island churches took a few of their young adults to Mauna Kea State Park for an overnight camping trip, July 25-26. Many had never been up to Mauna Kea before, let alone spend the night. In all, 13 young adults from Hilo, Pahala and Pahoa said “yes” to Jesus’ call and ventured up the mountain to deepen their faith.

Diocese of Honolulu seminarians Anthony Rapozo and David Soares guided discussions on topics such as: “How should I pray,” “How should I read the Bible,” “Where in the Bible can I find topics like lust, commitment and fear,” and “What are the differences between Christian churches?”

Using Scripture, Anthony led the campers on a meditation of the rosary’s sorrowful mysteries. At a small campfire, we roasted marshmallows for s’mores and drank hot chocolate. Card games and a jam session completed the fellowship. Then after a very cold evening, the young adults welcomed the warmth of the morning sun with a prayer service.

The event was organized to bond the young Catholics into a community of support to develop closer relationships with God, to develop leaders who will bring weekly activities to their own parishes, and to give them ideas with which to build their own communities.

Finally, the overnight trip was a wonderful way to send the young adults forth with confidence to say “yes” to Jesus as the Apostles did at Pentecost. The retreat gave me time to seek God in the wondrous landscape he created in the fellowship of my peers. We all left with a sense of connection to God and our ministry.

Jesus, send us your spirit and renew the face of the earth. You know our strengths and weaknesses. Transform us into messengers of your Gospel for those who yearn for you. You know our history, with its beautiful and painful experiences. Help us to be untiring promoters of a society based on love, justice and peace. You know our longing for love and community. Make us instruments of unity and service, especially for those who are weak and those who are lonely. Amen.