STANDISH---Looking to grow in their faith and to learn how to help others do the same, 82 teenagers from across the Diocese of Portland gathered for New Evangelization Week (N.E.W.) on July 6-10 at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish.

The five-day retreat focused on discipleship, evangelization, and leadership. Those attending for the first time were introduced to the basics of the faith and to what it means to be a disciple and to evangelize. Those returning for a second year dove more deeply into discipleship and evangelization while third-year attendees focused on the importance of living their faith out in the world.

“I hope they come to realize the importance of community,” said Maureen Provencher, the youth ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Portland. “The parish is that support system for them. It’s a place where they can utilize their gifts and share their gifts and talents and skills. These young people can be youth leaders and help to invite other young people into knowing Jesus."

Annabella Manago from the Parish of the Holy Eucharist in Falmouth said that is what she was able to do after attending N.E.W. in 2015.

“At my parish, we’re trying to get the youth very involved, and I’ve helped with that,” she said. “I’ve been on the board, and I just came back and have, kind of, been a leader since last year.”

“My faith just continues to grow every time,” said Elizabeth Leclerc from Good Shepherd Parish in Saco who attended N.E.W. for the third time. “With everybody who is here, it makes my faith more and more amazing. All the adults and youth ministers who are here continue to help me grow and become a better daughter of Christ. It just gets better year after year."

The retreat was a blend of teaching, prayer, and community building. The teens prayed the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrated Mass daily. Sessions during N.E.W. included “What is prayer and how to develop a prayer life;” “My Walk with God,” which gave the teens an opportunity to reflect on their personal relationships with Christ; an "Introduction to Liturgy," as well as the "Liturgy of the Word" and the "Liturgy of the Eucharist"; and “Leadership Styles and Servant Leadership,” among others.

Most of the presenters were youth ministers from around the diocese. Fr. Seamus Griesbach, the director of the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Portland, also led some of the sessions and Boreta Singleton, a Catholic school teacher from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, led the liturgy discussions. Youth ministers from around the diocese were invited to attend New Evangelization Week with the teens so that they can help the youth put what they’ve learned into action once they return to their parishes.
“It really makes you involved with your faith,” said Elijah Tremblay from Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford who attended for the first time. “It’s a very holy week and time.”