Local diocese hosting Journey to the Father again

Kathleen Hay

Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 10:00

Local News - A pilgrimage of faith for Catholic youth will find its home at St. Raphael's again this summer. Upwards of 500 teenagers from across Ontario and beyond will converge on the Glengarry hamlet for the Journey to the Cross, July 13-15.

"I guess it's what I've been called to do," said Marilyn Bergeron, co-ordinator. "I love to see the youth grow in faith.

"It's really beautiful."

This summer marks the eighth time the Alexandria-Cornwall Diocese is hosting the event. In addition to the youth, there's almost as many volunteers behind the scenes helping to ensure its organization runs smoothly.

"We have about 400 volunteers," said Bergeron, explaining how they participate through meal preparation, camping, workshops, as well as group activities.

Guest speakers this year include Mark Mallett, Christian musician and Catholic lay evangelist; Fr. Allan MacDonald, C.C., a priest with the Companions of the Cross who is currently a chaplain at York University; and Sarah Cogan, currently working at the Catholic Christian Outreach headquarters in Ottawa, and who previously spent three years of vocational discernment with Regnum Christi.

As well, other guest speakers are Natalie Hudson, a former ballerina with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet who is now executive director of Right to Life Association, in Toronto; Sam Zettel, a youth minister who heads up the popular group, The Mustard Seeds; and Kevin McDonald, a former Cornwall resident and alumnus of NET Ministries, who is now a teacher.

Bergeron encourages all Catholic youth interested in attending the Journey to the Father to seek out more information, even if they aren't regular church goers.

"That doesn't matter," she stresses, "we have something here for everyone."

Those interested in finding out more can visit signmeup@journeytothefather.ca or call 613-932-3543. At a time when many churches are struggling to find their flock, she is encouraged by the spirit she finds in young people who decide to return to the fold.

"What I do think, when young people come back, they come with a fervour of faith we don't often see among adults. It's really beautiful," Bergerson said.