More than 700 youths and young adults ages 14 to 30 from across the 20 counties of the Diocese of Sacramento gathered at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville July 21-22 for the diocese’s annual youth and young adult convention with the theme, “Can You Hear Me Now?”

The convention, which included music, prayer, workshops, community building, adoration and benediction, was one activity offered for youth and young adults in preparation for World Youth Day, which will be held in 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Pam Stenzel, a former crisis pregnancy counselor who travels the country speaking to youths, addressed participants at the convention about the medical, economic and moral consequences of having sex outside of marriage.

Her message about teen pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases and long-term poverty as some of the serious consequences of premarital sex “struck a cord with many of the young people,” said Victor Alvarez, diocesan coordinator of youth and young adult ministry.

Christian recording artist Curtis Stephan, who led prayer services and worship at the event, “helped the young people open their minds and hearts to a new form of worship by his style of music,” Alvarez added.

In addition to Stephan, two bands who play Christian pop and rock music, Someday Superheroes and Forever Temporary, played at concerts during the convention.

Participants attended workshops in English and Spanish, on topics ranging from life transitions to missionary work, youth ministry and vocations.

One of the event’s most popular offerings was the Vocations Café. There youths and young adults could meet and talk with priests and men and women religious from some 16 different religious communities in a “laid back, low-key setting,” while enjoying an expresso drink served by one of the diocese’s seminarians studying for the priesthood, Alvarez said.

“They could ask questions and find out what priesthood and religious life are really all about,” he said.

Alvarez said a similar diocesan event will be planned to be held in 2009 following World Youth Day.

Copyright © 2007 Diocese of Sacramento - All Rights Reserved