Young adults at FOCUS summit urged to help others live their faith

A procession during the Adoration and Confession Night Jan. 3 at the FOCUS summit. (Courtesy photo)

PHOENIX (CA/CNS) –Catholic school teachers, administrators, diocesan personnel, and FOCUS missionaries from the Diocese of Wichita attended the annual Student Leadership Summit of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students in Phoenix Dec. 30-Jan. 3.

Bishop Carl A. Kemme was thankful for the invitation to attend. “It was a great honor to participate in the entire SLS20 conference as a bishop observer,” he said. “With so much emphasis these days on the negative, it is refreshing and encouraging to see how so many young Catholics and their leaders are revitalizing the faith with joy and exuberance.”

He said joining nearly 8,000 people, most of whom were college and university students, to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament gave him hope. The amazing presentations regarding the call for discipleship in the 21st century, long confession lines, and reverent Masses, “really recharged my spiritual batteries,” he said. “I left with renewed enthusiasm for my episcopal ministry.”

Superintendent of Schools Janet Eaton said those attending had a beautiful experience. “The four days there were transforming of our faith and love for Jesus Christ,” she said, adding that six teachers and three priest-chaplains were part of her group. Parish representatives included a group from Church of the Magdalen. Totus Tuus, a diocesan ministry also had a booth at the event.