Youth take part in leadership institute
BELMONT — Surrounded by more than 140 years of Church history, 25 youth of the Diocese of Charlotte spent five days learning how to be effective Catholic leaders during the annual Faithful Servant Leadership Institute held June 17-22 on the grounds of historic Belmont Abbey College.
Mary Help of Christians Abbey Basilica, built by the Benedictine monks who moved to North Carolina in 1876, provided a temporary spiritual home for the young men and women who participated in the conference.
Pictured: Twenty-five youth participated in activities and workshops during the annual Faithful Servant Leadership Institute June 17-22 at Belmont Abbey College. (Photo provided by Christie Silvestri)
“Since 1981, the Diocese of Charlotte has maintained an unbroken and strong commitment to the formation of missionary discipleship of our youth, first as a pilot diocese for Christian Leadership Institute and now through Faithful Servant,” said Paul Kotlowski, diocesan youth ministry director.
Twenty-five participants, five youth mentors and eight adult team members participated in activities and workshops during the week-long event that focused on current leadership skills and Catholic teaching and practice.
“It’s always such a rich reward to see how this program transforms lives, emboldens commitment to Our Lord and His Church – giving them skills to face life’s challenges that lie ahead,” Kotlowski said.
Topics covered during the event included: Christian leadership and leadership styles, communication skills, negotiation and consensus building, morality and natural law, group dynamics, the New Evangelization and “The Eucharist – Our Source and Summit.”
“Faithful Servant lights a fire in your heart that burns with a passion for leadership and service for Jesus,” said participant Victoria Yercheck of St. Luke Church in Charlotte. “You make loyal, steadfast friends to help you on the journey through life and towards sainthood.”
First-time participant Joanna Cloutier of St. Michael’s Church in Gastonia admitted that she arrived at Faithful Servant 2018 praying that she would find one single person to bless, lean on, help and love. “I left Faithful Servant with not just one, but 38 people to lean on, help, love and have them love me back. Never before have I experienced the pure, strong, burning love of friends in my life.
“I have received the gift of another family – a family so beautiful, honest, generous, and selfless that words fail me.”
Andrew Torres of St. Barnabas Church in Arden looked forward to attending the leadership institute after seeing some of his siblings attend prior events.
“I experienced authentic Catholic community and beautiful examples of how to live a Catholic life of servant leadership,” Torres said. “Now I am applying the skills I learned at Faithful Servant to being an active college student, taking initiative on campus and in the local Catholic community to serve those around me and do the work of the Kingdom.”
“I just completed my second Faithful Servant Leadership Institute week as a team member,” noted Christie Silvestri of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte. “Last year’s week was a life-changing week for me. I had looked forward to this year since leaving Belmont Abbey College Campus last year.”
Silvestri shared that, for her, Faithful Servant 2018 was every bit as powerful an experience as last year’s event.
“To see the youth come in on Sunday a little bit hesitant, a little nervous and very unsure of what to expect, and then grow into confidant leaders on fire with the Holy Spirit ready to share their faith with their friends and all they meet – in the space of five days these groups become family,” Silvestri said.
“There are no words that can explain the bonds forged there,” she continued. “My heart is full. If I have so much love for them, how much greater is the Father’s love for all of us.”
Participant Katelyn Meyer of Holy Cross Church in Kernersville summed it up: “Faithful Servant isn’t just somewhere you go to meet wonderful brothers and sisters of Christ. Faithful Servant is where you go to transform your life and focus your life on Christ.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
