DYC 2014

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Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

april 10, 2014 • Special SEction

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Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton

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Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

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Diocesan Youth Celebration

Craig Pittelli photos

Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River

A Look at the Celebration: The Main DYC Event S2 • Teen Talk Interviews S3 • Worshipping Together S4-S5 • Timothy Award Winners S7-S8

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DYC 2014

The Monitor • April 10, 2014

Christ connects teens in Diocesan Youth Celebration

By David Kilby Correspondent

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s the Bible teaches, God wants to connect with youth as with all people, and by the signs of the 2014 Diocesan Youth Celebration March 30 in Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River, the youth want to connect with God also.

“Connected” was the theme of this year’s celebration, sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life, which brought together over 500 teens and youth ministers from all corners of the Diocese and everywhere in between. The day included a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., keynote speakers and opportunities for the gathering to participate in Eucharistic adoration, prayer experiences and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

How to Connect In his morning presentation, keynote speaker Scott Anthony, who currently serves as director of youth and young adult ministries for St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parishes, York, Pa., turned on some music, and told the youth “If you like the song, you’re gonna start cheering. If you hate the

Bringing Youth Together • Rudy Gomez, diocesan coordinator of youth ministry, speaks to the crowd of some 300 youths who attended the DYC in Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River.

The Voice of a Generation • The

band Sibling Rivalry and the Ken Perry Band lead praise and worship in the Monsignor Donovan High School Gym during the DYC. Hundreds of teens had the chance to worship, learn about the faith, and get connected with one another at the diocesan-wide celebration.

Our Bishop •

Holy Eucharist Parish Youth Group, Tabernacle, joins Bishop David M. O’Connell.

C.M., in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, during the Diocesan Youth Celebration March 30. Craig Pittelli photos

song you’re gonna start booing.”

The teens identified most of the songs after hearing just a few notes. Some of them cheered for all of the songs, and almost all of them cheered for some – which were predominantly pop and classic rock music.

The song “Strangers in the Night”

by Journey was apparently most popular among the crowd. In fact, the teens cheered so loud when it came on that Anthony let them start singing it together.

“We have such an instinctual desire and need to be connected,” he then said to the youth, explaining how some of them were connected through the songs they liked, or didn’t like. “I think God actually made us that way. You and I were not created to be alone. It’s amazing the lengths we go to in order to be connected.”

Anthony, 43, is from York, Pa. and has eight children. He has been a youth minister for 19 years and travels around the country helping and hosting youth conferences, especially the popular Fan the Fire Youth Rallies. He said people are so focused on fitting in sometimes that they lose sight of who they really are. Then he told the youth how they were not made to

live in isolation but in community.

Our Papa • Teens “Eighty to 90 percent of you, by the take a picture with a time you’re 23, will not be Catholic, won’t cutout of Pope Francis at DYC 2014. go to church, won’t practice your faith anymore,” he said to the crowd. “I don’t think the vast majority of (that 80 to 90 percent) were seeking to lose their faith.”

He explained a lot of these college-age youth get stuck in a dorm with people they don’t know, and they want to be connected. “You meet other people who are also desperate to connect. We’re afraid of being lonely, afraid of not being loved.

Then you start hanging out with others and say ‘These are good people and they don’t go to Mass.’

“I think they just To view DYC quietly drift away because they just want gallery of photos to be connected,” and videos go to he added. “There’s TrentonMonitor.com strength when we’re Multimedia in community. Maybe you’re the only person that believes sexuality is precious ... or that abortion is wrong. It’s important that we go to events like this. When you’re connected you’re empowered.”

He then read the prayer Jesus prayed to God the Father shortly before being crucified, when Jesus said “’Father, I pray for

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unites youths in faith

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them ... so that they may be one just as you and I are one.’”

“No matter where we’re from ... there’s one thing that can connect us ... the Cross of Jesus Christ. The reason we can be one is because of the grace he merited on that Cross.”

He then invited the teens to write a prayer about being open to God’s grace.

Building Community “I think he’s able to connect with the youth really good,” said Deacon Robert Johnson, youth minister of St. Agnes youth group, Atlantic Highlands, speaking of Anthony’s talk. “I think he gives a nice avenue for the youth to understand their faith better.”

The youth had many chances to experience their faith in a deep way, bond with one another, and take in some rare opportunities – like taking a photo with a cutout of Pope Francis in the back of the gym.

This year’s DYC was the first one in which eighth-graders were invited.

Rudy Gomez, diocesan coordinator

of youth ministry, said the Diocese invited them to help try and build a bridge between middle school and high school youth ministries, which in turn helped build upon the “Connected” theme of the celebration.

He said religious education is a good foundation for middle school youth. From that foundation and through experiencing the DYC, the eighth-graders could see how they can live the faith in high school, in the world and outside the classroom.

Gomez also said Sibling Rivalry, Ken Perry and others from around the Diocese were able to come together “to make a rocking band” for the DYC this year.

Joseph Tun, youth minister in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, said he brought his group so they could experience faith as a teenager. “It also makes the point that they’re not alone. They get to witness hundreds of other teenagers out there who aren’t just Christian but Catholic.”

“More and more people are staying local,” said Jay Keesler, the new youth minister in St. Joan of Arc,

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Our Monitor reporter asked:

What do you like most about the Diocesan Youth Celebration?

“I really liked the workshop with Julie. She was really cool and relatable. A lot of times when you talk about chastity it’s awkward, but she made it not awkward.”

Meghan Byrne ☼ Holy Family Parish, Union Beach “It’s entertaining, very lively. There’s a lot of people.

The workshops are interesting and it’s generally a good atmosphere.”

Nick Hathaway ☼ St. Catherine Parish, North Middletown

“This helps people that feel alone. There are people out there that can help you. This really helps because it shows how people can relate since some are going through the same problems. I feel a lot of people can relate.”

Julio Ceja ☼ Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Asbury Park “It really stuck with us that we are connected to each other, that God is always with us, and that he has a plan for us.”

Kirsten Press ☼ St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

Marlton. He said events like the DYC are important because it gives young people the chance to form bonds that will make it easier to practice the faith when they’re on campus together later on.

The bond they formed with Jesus was also central to the day, especially as the youth spent an hour in Eucharistic Adoration while also having the chance to go to Confession.

Shortly before Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Gomez distributed the St. Timothy Award to youths who have demonstrated outstanding youth leadership in a parish or high school.

Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Multicultural Ministry, then spread the news about Kujenga, a multicultural experience for teens that also teaches them leadership skills. The day-long retreat sponsored by the Diocese is held in January. Some of the teens who attended this year got up onto the stage in the gym to share their experience. They sang a song they learned at the retreat that incor-

Memorable Selfie • Joyful DYC participants take a moment for a keepsake photograph with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who celebrated closing Mass in St. Joseph Church, Toms River, for the Diocesan Youth Celebration, March 30.

Courtesy photo

porated different languages, and shared how the experience taught them how to work together.

Throughout the day, teens also had opportunities to learn more about the faith through engaging workshops.

“God is always with you. Relationships are important because God helps you through them.”

Abby Dmello ☼ St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

“I love the energy of the people around me. Just to be with other people who believe what I do ... It’s the overall atmosphere.”

Annina Aracri ☼ Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle “I liked all of the different ways Christ was portrayed.

I also liked meeting other people from different parishes and getting to know what they’re about.”

John Carroll ☼ St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton “Brothers Steves’ rap was a cool way to present the Cross. The way they portrayed the Cross was surprising.”

Matt Kotowski ☼ St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton “My favorite part of the day was getting to meet new people, and learning about life skills. This is my first time here. In the Connecting to One Another workshop, I learned more about dating relationships.

You have to pick who your friends are. I learn a lot about my friends through that.”

Kailey Gaffney ☼ St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton

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Teens meet Jesus in Adoration and Mass at DYC

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Hearing God’ sCall • During the Connected to Service workshop during the DYC, Seminarian Thomas Barry answers questions from Lizzy Mirasola and Josh Greiner in the MDHS chapel.

Lessons Learned

Great In Dyc Workshops Resting the Heart • Illuminated in a darkened gym, Father

By David Kilby Correspondent

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hose who attended the Diocesan Youth Celebration in Monsignor Donovan High School and St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, enjoyed the great talks, workshops, music and games, but the focal point and climax were still worshipping Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and during the celebration of Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. “We hold onto these sins and God wants nothing more than to free us from them,” said keynote speaker Scott Anthony, as he invited youth to go to Confession being offered by various priests in and around the gym of the high school.

“We don’t bow before anyone else except the Lord of the universe.... If you can be open now to the presence of Christ in this gym, it will blow your mind,” he said.

Dozens of teens got up for Confession. There were so many, in fact, that over an hour later – once Adoration was ending – there were still people waiting for their confessions to be heard. There were also those who came closer to Jesus by approaching the Blessed Sacrament as it was exposed in the front of the gym. Meanwhile, Sibling Rivalry played praise and worship music.

Before Mass, Anthony briefly spoke to help the young people see Mass a little differently.

“There’s no such thing as a boring Mass,” Anthony said as people gathered in the church.

“Sometimes at Mass there are boring people.”

The 5 p.m. Mass for the DYC coincided with the regularly-scheduled Sunday evening Mass for the parish celebrated at the same time, so the approximately 300 Source and Summit • Youths receive youths – along with their Holy Communion in St. Joseph Church, Toms ministers and coordinaRiver during Mass. tors of the conference –

Joseph Jakub, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, carries the monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament to the front of the gym where it will be placed for Adoration. The Ken Perry Band, along with Sibling Rivalry, led praise and worship during this time of prayer. Craig Pittelli photos

He spoke of how Jesus called himself the Light of the World, while challenging the popular conception that suffering is a punishment from God. Jesus in this Gospel shows that God can use suffering to do good.

He encouraged the congregation to turn on the light, go to Confession, and seek the healing and forgiveness of Jesus.

“As we continue our Lenten journey toward the celebration of the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, let’s not walk in darkness anymore. Let’s walk forward in light, Wisdom and Blessings • Bishop David M. in the One who is the Light of the World,” he concluded.

O’Connell, C.M., was the principal celebrant for the About 15 youths joined the choir, led by the band closing Mass.

Sibling Rivalry, that sang for the Preparing the Mass with Bishop O’Connell. As they sang Heart • Teens from the recessional hymn, the Bishop blessed the around the Diocese congregation as the youths prepared to live shared the church with the regular 5 share a Sign of Peace the Gospel in their daily lives according to p.m. crowd. Those parishioners who with one another at the DYC 2014 Mass. what they learned and experienced didn’t get the memo were pleasat the daylong conference. antly surprised by the mob of young people who filled the church.

As the day marked the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop O’Connell directed his homily on the significance of the Gospel reading on the Man Born blind that Jesus healed on the Sabbath.

He recalled how as children he used to play a silly game with his friends where they spun around until they were real dizzy, closed their eyes and then tried to find each other.

“Of course, blindness is neither silly nor a game,” he shared. “To be without sight is a hardship and a burden. As kids pretending to be blind we knew we could see again, but a blind person will never see as we do.”

The Gospel, he said, shows how in Jesus’ day those with disabilities were considered cursed by God. “The Gospel of John is often called the ‘Gospel of Signs.’ Today’s passage is the sixth sign ... the cure, the healing of the man born blind,” he said. “It points to an even deeper reality that affects people with and without sight. The darkness, the blindness, that our Gospel is speaking of is the darkness of sin.”

By David Kilby Correspondent

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hroughout the March 30 Diocesan Youth Celebration in Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River, teens had opportunities to learn how to get connected to Christ, to one another, to service and to God’s vision for them, through workshops with seminarians and those involved in youth ministry.

Connected to the Cross In the “Connected to the Cross” workshop, Salesian Brothers Steve Eguino and Steve Demaio started by turning off the lights.

“When it’s dark, you’re afraid to move, afraid to walk because you don’t know what’s around you,” Brother Eguino said. But in the dark it’s also easier to cheat, lie, steal and do other things you wouldn’t do when people are watching.

“Darkness is really nothing,” Brother Demaio added. “It’s missing something.”

He said people often associate darkness with evil, so that must mean evil is missing something too.

“Evil is the absence of goodness ... We’re called to be people of the light and live in the light,” he pointed out.

The two Salesian brothers conveyed that in order to get to the light, one often must go through dark times.

“In order to get to the Resurrection you have to go through the Cross. It’s different for every one of us,” Brother Steve Eguino said.

At the end of the workshop the two religious brothers performed a rap entitled, “Who says you can’t be a

saint,” which had the audience cheering.

The rap ended with a pointed lesson: “A saint ain’t nothin’ but a sinner who never gave up.”

Connected to One Another In the “Connected to One Another” workshop Julie Ubriaco, a pro-life speaker and recent graduate of Villanova University who was involved in campus ministry and service projects, gave her witness to living a chaste life.

“You think people are going to make fun of you,” she said, “but nobody will be making fun of you on your wedding day.”

She shared how she met her boyfriend, Rudy Gomez, the diocesan coordinator of youth ministry, at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain, while not even expecting to meet someone on the pilgrimage.

To help the youths focus on chastity, she advised them to think about and pray for their future spouse.

“Do you ever think of your future husband or future bride? Where is he or she now? Maybe they’re praying for you,” she said.

Connected to His Vision In his workshop called “Connected to His Vision,” nationally-known youth and family minister Scott Anthony discussed how God has a unique plan for every life.

He shared how, when growing up, he was made fun of a lot. “I hated the way I looked. Every time I looked in the mirror I heard what they were saying,” he said.

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Making the Connection • Scott Anthony, keynote speaker for the DYC 2014, leads an engaging presentation during the morning session of the conference in the MDHS gym. Craig Pittelli photos

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The Monitor • April 10, 2014

St. Timothy Awards

“Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith and virtue to believers …” 1 Timothy 4:12

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ach year, in recognition of outstanding service in youth ministry, the Diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life honors high-school aged youth who, as examples of love, faith and virtue, follow in the footsteps of St. Timothy, a young companion of St. Paul.

Youth ministers nominate individuals who are involved in parish youth groups or Catholic high school campus ministries, who demonstrate a vibrant, enthusiastic faith in Jesus Christ, and who put that faith into action through service and love for others.

This year, 27 teens received the 2014 Timothy Award, getting their certificates from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., during the DYC. See profiles beginning on page S-7

Outstanding Service • Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., stands with 23 of the 27 proud recipients of the 2014 St. Timothy Award presented during the Diocesan Youth Celebration, March 30, Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River. Craig Pittelli photos

Proud Honoree •

Bishop O’ Connell presents Christina Goumas, St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, with her St. Timothy Award certificate.

Also pictured is Peg Hensler, associate director, Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life, which sponsors the awards.

Leader among Peers • Erik Sanchez of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, receives his St. Timothy Award from Bishop O’Connell.

Enlightening lessons on service, vocations To view DYC

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into strength. “You’re not an accident. The fact that you’re sitting here proves that you’re a conscious, deliberate thought of God. He has a plan for your life. You’re never alone. You’re always connected with God,” he affirmed.

Connected to Service Thomas Barry, a seminarian in Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, shared his call to the priesthood in the “Connected to Service” workshop. Barry said he realized his vocation to the priesthood after getting more involved in his parish,

St. James, Red Bank.

Megan Fraino, who works for campus ministry St. John University, Queens, N.Y., also participated in the workshop, which followed a talk show format with Barry and Fraino as guests, while Lizzy Mirasola from St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, and Josh Greiner from St. Joseph Parish, Toms River served as hosts.

“Don’t just think of vocation as being limited to marriage,” Barry said, advising the youth to be open to all different kinds of callings.

Fraino also talked about a ministry she is a part of called Animas Catholic, which provides retreats, missions,and intentional communities for young adults trying to live their faith in a positive way.

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In the Footsteps of St. 2014 Timothy Award Winners ☼ T.C. Chu Epiphany Parish, Brick

T.C. Chu is well known around the Epiphany Parish community. As a youngster, he would help his parents to serve as ushers at Mass. He now serves as an altar server, a reader and also helps with training and offering support to new altar servers. Chu volunteers every year at the annual parish carnival and with the parish’s Feast of the Assumption and Italian Festival celebrations.

Described as very bright and gifted, this young man is a loyal and faithful member of his parish. Chu is a senior in the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, Manhawkin.

☼ Claire Drozd St. Joseph Parish, Toms River

This recipient is a joyful spirit and a friend to everyone, humble and always willing to help out in any way possible.

Some of the things Claire Drozd, who is a senior in Toms River High School North, is involved in are running the childrens’ choir, serving as a member of her parish youth group since seventh grade, a cantor at Mass, a junior reader and a member of the teen grief group. She represented her parish at the National Catholic Youth Conference in November, 2013.

☼ Angelo Falabella

St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant

A member of the Diocesan Youth Council and senior in Point Pleasant Boro High School, Angelo Falabella has proven himself to be a leader among his peers, serving as a youth retreat director this year and a youth mentor with seventh and eighth graders, in addition to helping with the teen RCIA. In addition to youth group, he is also active in school as a member of the competition band. This year he surprised his youth group and came caroling with a few of his friends. His reward was being asked by the parish music minister to play at Christmas Mass.

☼ Catherine Felle St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold

Catherine Felle has been involved with her parish youth ministry for more than four years, and has been on the leadership core team for three years. A top student, she is also involved with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), helps with children with special needs, and volunteers at a summer camp for adopted children. She has great compassion, thoughtfulness and patience, and one cannot help noticing Christ’s joy and peace within her.

☼ Maria Giorno St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson

A leader in her parish youth group, Maria Giorno is a role model to other members of the youth group, patient and passionate about her faith. She is a member of the parish choir and

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is also very active in high school productions, playing Rose in Jackson Liberty High School’s spring production of Gypsy.

Giorno was nominated for high school senior of the month in January, 2014, and is also a member of the Jackson Roller Derby.

year, he was a helper in the religious education program in St. Agnes Parish. Iapalucci has been a member of the parish youth group for the past six years, working the parish ministry fair to welcome and register new youth group members. Iapalucci also established and volunteered his time at the youth group pancake breakfast. Active in his community as well, he has been a runner for Circle of Hope Hospice Gift Auction, shovels snow for neighbors in need of assistance and participates in the Great Race, which is a race to raise funds for education in Middletown.

☼ Richard Gonzalez

☼ Jenny Kret

A senior and honor roll student from Toms River High School South, Richard Gonzalez has been a member of his parish youth group for all four years of high school, serving with enthusiasm and acting as a leader within his group. Described as an outstanding individual, he is always looking for ways to help others. He has participated in many of the community service activities outside of his youth group, and is a wonderful example of a proud Catholic.

A junior in Red Bank Catholic High School, Jenny Kret has been a member of her parish youth ministry for the past five years, recently serving as team leader helping to organize and participate in community service activities and fundraisers. Enthusiastic about her Catholic faith, she has been a volunteer in the parish religious education program, and a member of the “Make a Wish” and “Big Day Out” clubs working with girls with special needs. Kret also serves her family, helping to care for her brother who suffered a traumatic brain injury. She represented her parish at National Catholic Youth Conference in 2011 and 2013 and has attended the March for Life in Washington each year.

St. Justin Parish, Toms River

☼ Christina Goumas St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel

A senior from St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, Christina Goumas is a contagiously joyful leader in her parish youth group and on the Diocesan Youth Council. She participates in many youth group activities and encourages others to participate, as well. Goumas attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in 2011 and was instrumental in having others in her youth group attend in November 2013. Also active in parish life, she serves as a reader and altar server.

☼ Karalee Hinz Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle

A member of her parish youth group for the past four years, Karalee Hinz is described as a leader and a person of faith. Much of her free time is spent volunteering. She helps out with the parish Vacation Bible School, serving as the chairperson as well as teaching in the religious education program and volunteering at the annual Pine Barrens Festival. Currently, Hinz, who is a junior in Seneca High School, is a host for Realfaith TV and was part of the parish mission trip to Tent City, Camden. In school, she is a varsity cheerleader, Interact club, DECA club and the Drug Squad. This past winter, she challenged her youth group to embrace a family in need in their community.

☼ Alec Iapalucci St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands A senior in Middletown High School North, Alec Iapalucci volunteers regularly as an usher in his parish for Sunday Mass.

In 2013 he volunteered to help with religious education in nearby Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Highlands, and the previous

St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft

☼ Jonathan Login

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting

This recipient is an example of living life as a humble follower of Christ and is very active in both parish life and youth group, serving as a reader and a member of the parish choir.

Jonathan Login represents his parish youth group by serving on the Diocesan Youth Council where his commitment and leadership skills are evident in all he does.

During the summer he attends Camp Veritus where he helps rebuild houses at Good Works. In November, 2013, he attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, and is currently a junior at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft.

☼ Mia Lombardi St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold

Described as dedicated, trustworthy and with a willingness to serve, Mia Lombardi takes responsibility to a new level. Friendly and outgoing, she is a member of the Diocesan Youth Council, a role model to her classmates, fellow youth group members and her two younger sisters.

She is always first to volunteer for everything and has supported the efforts of her youth group for the past two years. She is dedicated to her family, her faith and her studies.

☼ Katie McAlick

St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel A senior from St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, Katie McAlick was president of the Junior CYO and a spirituality youth leader in her high school CYO.

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Currently serving as president of the parish youth ministry, her deep faith, commitment, and compassion brings a positive attitude to all that she does. She has been an integral part of her parish youth ministry, giving to others and living her faith.

☼ Jillian McGough St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

A junior from Robbinsville High School, and a member of her parish youth group for the past three years, as well as a member of the Peer Leadership Team for two years, Jillian McGough is described as active, humble and blessed. Whether working on Project Appalachia rebuilding homes in West Virginia or a member of the Diocesan Youth Council, she is a leader in all aspect of her life, including church, community and school where she was awarded the Principals Honor Roll. McGough is also known for being welcoming to new youth group members, making them feel comfortable and part of the team.

☼ Matthew Nicosia

St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

As a junior in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, Matthew Nicosia is highly committed to the campus ministry program.

He can be counted on to assist with setting up for and serving at school Masses, earning a unique record of having served at almost every Mass celebrated in the school during his three years as a student.

☼ Sarah Polichetti St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor

A senior from Pinelands Regional High School, Sarah Polichetti is very involved in parish life and youth group. She has stepped up to be a spiritual leader in her youth group and attends every fundraiser and parish event, including portraying Mary in the Stations of the Cross prayer service. She loves to make new friends with members of other youth groups, and makes every effort to reach out to other youth groups to join them in their activities. Described as intelligent, motivated with a heart to help those in need, Polichetti is a role model who, having received Confirmation in 2013, proves it’s never too late to display one’s faith.

☼ Luke Quinn Holy Family Parish, Union Beach

Luke Quinn, a junior in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, has been active in the youth group in Holy Family Parish, Union Beach, for the past three years. As a member of the youth group, he can always be counted on to bring his insights to discussions and activities. Along with being an altar server in the parish, he is also a Boy Scout and has been presented with a variety of awards. Quinn is constantly learning and eager to embrace his faith and educational goals.

The Monitor • April 10, 2014

☼ Erik Sanchez St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

This young man takes the lead when planning activities and encourages others to help as well.

A junior in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, Sanchez is a mentor to the younger members of his youth group and uses his gifts to inspire others. He has used his musical talents to play in the Christmas Carol concert, and is also a dedicated Boy Scout, who has received his Pope Pius religious medal and will soon achieve Eagle Scout rank. Sanchez is also an altar server and helps with special liturgical celebrations in the parish.

☼ Chelsey Sands St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville

This senior in Central Regional High School, has many gifts and talents that she shares willingly with those around her.

Chelsey Sands is very respectful, kind, thinks of others before herself and will go out of her way to help and stand up for those in need. Her personal drive to live her faith and her enthusiasm to put her faith into action has had a great impact on all aspects of her life and those around her.

☼ Sarah Stearn

St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford The parish youth minister describes Sarah Stearn as being “the light of Christ that shines forth in all that she does each and every day.” A junior in Shawnee High School, Medford, Stearn has been an active member of St. Mary of the Lakes Youth Ministry Program since the fifth grade. She participated in the junior high program, and continued into high school youth ministry where she has been an active member for three years A true disciple and witness to her faith, she shares her time and talents with younger students by serving as a catechist in the parish religious education program and during the summer at Vacation Bible School.

☼ Jen Suter

St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton Described as a leader, Jen Suter has served on the executive board of the parish youth group, where she has been a member for the past four years. A hard worker, she steps up and takes charge of planning and running events.

A friend to everyone, she reaches out to new members to make them feel welcomed.

☼ Sophia Trinidad Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Highlands

Serving as a member of her parish youth group for the past six years, Sophia Trinidad is a member of the executive council and also participates in many service activities. A junior in Middletown High School South, Trinidad is also very active in her school’s Key Club, serves as a peer

leader for incoming freshmen and coordinates the freshmen orientation. In her community, she shares her gifts volunteering in Riverview Medical Center where she helps serve the patients.

For Trinidad, service is very important as she helps in her parish, her school and her community.

☼ Casey Tumblety

St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown

This senior from Middletown High School North, Casey Tumblety, is a dedicated member of his parish youth group, taking on the role of mentor to the younger members this year. Tumblety is not afraid to express his faith openly. He is described as being spiritually and emotionally strong and a diligent and conscientious student. In school, he is a member of the National Honor Society and is also an avid bowler on both his high school varsity team and recreational leagues. He is an inspiration to those around him, stepping up when needed with a positive outlook on life, focusing on the good in people and letting others know he cares.

☼ Connor Varley St. Rose Parish, Belmar

Connor Varley, a senior in Marine Academy of Science and Technology, Highlands, brings the joy of the Gospel to others.

With his enthusiasm for all opportunities – social, service or spiritual – he draws people to him with his compassionate and gentle spirit. He brings his all to activities, which includes bringing his own set of knives to showcase his mastery of vegetable chopping for monthly soup making benefiting the St. Vincent de Paul Conference in St. Rose Parish, Belmar.

☼ Michael Voyack

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown Described as an authentic witness to his Catholic faith, Michael Voyack has been an active member of the parish youth group for the past four years, serving on the leadership team for two years. Involved in his community, this senior in Moorestown High School has volunteered with Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services in Delanco for four years. In Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, he is a member of the parish Praise Band where he shares his musical talents at parish liturgies including as a musician for the annual Lenten presentation of the Seven Last Words of Christ.

☼ Jessica Yuhas

Divine Mercy Parish, Trenton

Grounded in her faith and a role model to all young people is how Jessica Yuhas, a sophomore from Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, has been described. An altar server for seven years, a member of the children’s choir for four years, a volunteer in the parish religious education program and summer Bible camp are just a few of the ways she is involved in parish life. As a volunteer with the parish youth group, Yuhas regularly helps with the monthly food distribution. In school, she has performed in the school play and with the concert choir. She has a joyful exuberance for life, sharing her enthusiasm with everyone she meets.