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Other links: SONfest 04 • Program July 15 th - 17 th 2 nights, 7 meals, 200 youth, 20 CORC's, many volunteers and 1 Fr. Norbert later,
I myself, being a CORC, am not really sure what that experience must have been like, to walk up the steps towards the church and have a number of "louder" people welcoming you to SONfest, but I know for me, it was a blast! As the weekend began Friday night, we helped everyone to set up tents on the front lawn of the rectory, an area that would soon become known as our own "Tent City." Once settled in we all headed down towards the field, on the far side of St. Mary's School, where the weekends festivitie s began with introductions to the CORC's (Christians On the Road for Christ) and Hank the safety cone, as well as learning the SONfest cheer, "When I say Son, You say Fest! Son...fest!, Son...fest!, Son...fest! Yeah!" What was left of Friday night, consisted of dinner, a witness talk by Claire Cavanagh from NET Ministries, games, music, the Youth Cross Procession and story telling. If that wasn't enough fun for one night, there was also all night adoration in the Church, which meant that any point in the night I could get up and go into the church to be with Jesus, how awesome is that! We woke up early Saturday morning, well some of us earlier than others, ate breakfast and then headed down to the field for the prayer of the rosary. This beautiful prayer was followed by mass in the Church which was followed by the vocation panel, where we learned about the many different kinds of vocations God may be calling us to, including the priesthood, sisterhood and married life among others. After a wonderful lunch we were lead into more fun games and songs as well as a mid afternoon shower with the fire hoses. After tiring ourselves out, we got a chance to reflect on Christian m artyrdom when Fr. Tom Lynch graced us with his talk. After learning of many Christians who sacrificed for God, we were blessed to have Bishop DeAngelis join us for a prayer service and rededication of the Youth Cross. We then had dinner, followed by more games, music and then Mary's way of the cross, a re-enactment of Jesus death on the cross thru the eyes of his mother, Mary. The night concluded with Holy Hour, Benediction and then the Talent Show and I must say we have a number of very talented youth in this diocese! From music and song, to acting, martial arts, ballerina animals, and yet another Fr. Norbert birthday!!!! Just when it seemed like it the day would go on for ever, which I really wouldn't have minded, it was time for bed. Sunday, we were woken up bright and early once again by some enthusiastic yet exhausted CORC's, who can take pride in being able to be so energetic on very few hours of sleep. After getting ourselves ready for the day and eating breakfast, we headed back down to the field for some more music and games and then settled down to listen to a witness talk about belonging to the church, given by Szabi Stikker. Following this talk, Fr. William Slattery spoke to us on what it means to be Catholic, which after hearing him speak means a lot more to me for sure! After hearing these powerful talks, my stomach was starting to grumble but luckily, once again it was time to eat and so we hea d back up the hill for lunch, followed by more games and songs, actually lots of games and songs! After tiring ourselves out even more we headed across the school yard to the church to prepare ourselves for mass with the Bishop. Never before have I seen so many youth gathered in a church, so actively and vividly involved in the mass, not to mention bearing overwhelmingly high temperatures. However, no matter how hot it may have been in that church nothing it seemed could bring us down, in fact before concluding the mass Bishop DeAngelis graced us with the knowledge that one of our own youth would be joining the seminary in the fall! As we left the steps of the church, sadly we knew that the weekend would have to come to an end at some point, but not before a bit more music and some Christian pick-up lines... " Has anyone every told you, you have stunning scapular-brown eyes?" As the weekend drew to an end I couldn't help but reflect on the number of people it took to bring this event to the diocese. Firstly, Mary Helen Moes and Roddy Turpin, who spend hours upon hours getting everything ready for the event as well as keeping the rest of us as organized as possible. Secondly, to all the musicians who blessed us with their talents throughout the weekend, including Moments Fail, Spirit Wave, The Spicers and Kaos Radio. To all the CORC's thank you for helping to make the weekend run so smoothly. You each brought a different and unique approach to situations, and I myself feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to have worked with each of you. And lastly a very, very, very special thanks goes out to Fr. Norbert who put so much time and effort into this event it was bound to be a success. Fr. Norbert, you brought along your cheery smile, enthusiastic personality and ability to really get the youth of this diocese moving, and with each passing day I'm sure you've helped to bring at least one more youth closer to God...if not many and on behalf of them and everyone else you will meet along your way, I'd like to say thank you. In closing, I would like to thank God for everyone who helped to bring SONfest to the youth of the Diocese and I would also like to leave you with just a few of my favorite SONfest memories, which include the CORC soap opera, "Experiencing the Glory" dancing with the Bishop, Ballerina-Cow Pat, Bouncin' for the Lord outside the church, KW2-oh I finally get it, and some quality time with my best friend...Jesus! Krista Wood, (CORC) St. Anne's Parish, Peterborough
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For SONfest History, Click here
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