NET Ministries spent the end of October with a visit to Bishop Amat’s Faith and Action students, teaching them the importance of spreading the word of God through the Gospel.
On Oct. 21 and 22, the traveling youth group came prepared with an abundance of activities to entertain the students participating in the retreat. From prayers to games to interactive group work, the organization made an afternoon to remember.
Campus Minister Michael Reynaga said he was excited for his students to get to partake in this kind of event during the first semester.
“I’m very happy that my classes could experience something like this,” Reynaga said. “It’s a great little break to do a small retreat.”
NET Ministries has spent the year going all over the country, hosting events for middle and high schools, looking to deepen the faith of young people. They look to connect with those they are presenting to, whether they are in a big or small group.
When the retreat started, the leaders welcomed the Faith and Action classes with warm smiles and enthusiastic voices.
They then jumped into a game called “Hot Seat,” an action-packed activity where students call on each other to share opinions on various topics. Anything can be said as long as it’s appropriate.
After the laughter died down, Mikayla, one of the young leaders, gave a testimony. Her story of finding her faith through difficult times was a powerful homage to what NET Ministries wants to accomplish; a relatable experience regarding God and personal struggle.
“Sometimes you have to go down to go up again,” she said.
Afterward, the engaged audience learned about one of the most important acronyms they said a young Catholic should know: “J.O.Y.”
“Jesus. Others. Yourself” is something that the organization decides to teach because it gives an idea of what makes a person truly happy in life.
Christ, of course, is meant to be the center of everyone’s life, and that is why “Jesus” is the first word, they said.
However, the second words come in when we think about how people need a community to grow in, and need a good support system to boost personal growth. The NET ministers said they believe that once these three elements come together, true joy can be found in life.
“Life is always improving,” said group leader Blue. “Where you are at is great, but never stop trying to improve your life.”
As the 80-minute retreat came to a close, Mr. Reynaga was happy to hear mostly positive feedback from his pupils.
“Those I talked to said they enjoyed it, and found it to be quick but impactful, and a nice break from the classroom,” he said.
This occasion marked a special chapter in Faith and Actions’ year-long course. When participating in hands-on activities and hearing speeches from young people like themselves, students are exposed to what life could be like for them after high school.
Mr. Reynaga acknowledges that faith and evangelizing are often put in the back of minds when thinking about what adult life holds. However, he feels it is important to remember that taking a year off or two off in order to sort through your own beliefs is a healthy choice.
“It is always an option,” he says.
