ST. JOHN BOSCO YOUTH DAY — FIRE ON THE HILL: Annual Gathering Ignites the Faith in Our Youth

At the beginning of October, a group of 16 from our parish — including 11 students and five chaperones — attended the St. John Bosco Youth Day: Fire on the Hill in Hubertus, Wisc., at the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. This was a one-day event that welcomed students in sixth through 12th grades to experience adoration, hear speakers presenting on topics relevant to their lives, and listen to some great worship music.

“We are trying to offer opportunities for the youth to deepen their faith and grow closer to Jesus,” says Kristen Rolling, Faith Formation Coordinator. “We want them to have opportunities to get away and slow down and really connect with Christ. The Holy Spirit is the one who will do the work of bringing them closer to Christ. This is a perfect event to provide an opportunity for just that.”

“I really enjoyed the experience overall because I got to meet other people from around the area who were also interested in deepening their faith and learning more about their vocation,” says Laura Rydberg, a junior high school student in the parish. “We had a lot of fun because the hosts were so welcoming and made sure to incorporate fun games and breaks throughout the day.”

Josh Heuss, one of the chaperones for this trip, had attended the 2015 St. John Bosco Youth Day as a student. For Josh, returning to the event as a chaperone was a special experience.

“As a youth, it was a big eye-opener for me to see the power of adoration and the Eucharist,” Josh says. “It was really one of my first experiences with it as a youth. Now as an adult, I get to witness that great beauty of the experience for the students. It really is a great conference for students.”

This year, the speakers focused on the theme that God doesn’t need us, He wants us. We are loved no matter who we are or what we do.

“What I got out of the talks from the various speakers was that money and a career should not be what you think your ‘purpose’ or vocation is, but instead, it should be where God wants to take you,” Laura says. “They taught me to be more trusting in God and they emphasized that He will be with us through the ups and downs of life.”

A key part of this event is the time spent in adoration. Students are given opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and attend Mass with the Bishop of Madison.

Michael Preboski, a junior, shares his experience with confession at this event.

“I didn’t know how thrilling a church field trip could be,” he says. “This day gave me the opportunity to see the incredibly stunning Basilica, we listened to an amazing band and I had the best confession of my life. I have never had such a good cleansing, conversation-like confession.”

For many, the hour in adoration is the most powerful part of the entire day.

“I felt like it was my first time actually sitting down and being with Jesus,” says Andrea Waterhouse, a sixth-grader in the parish.

Adoration is unique at this event. With nearly 900 students, rather than just leaving the monstrance on the altar, they process around the space with the monstrance for the entire hour. They pause at different people or groups of people and make the sign of the cross with the monstrance. This brings the Body of Christ so close to the students.

“Honestly, I think the biggest part of this event is adoration,” Josh says. “Many of our students have never been to adoration. They have never experienced something like that. So to be a part of that and encounter Jesus in that way is truly special.”

We will continue to offer opportunities for our youth to deepen their faith. Consider joining as a chaperone or making a monetary donation to help cover the expenses of these trips. Your support is appreciated.