Five teenagers who attend the National Catholic Youth Conference last weekend in Indianapolis were asked to share something they saw another teen do or say that was inspiring. Here are their responses:
* Regina Willis from St. Mary's parish, Coxsackie: I saw another teen going up and introducing herself to random people. This made me realize that the only way for me to truly get the most out of my experience was for me to step out of my comfort zone and do what I normally wouldn't have done.
* Tim Henderson, Christ the King, Westmere: My roommate Mike was separated from his group one night. He found his way to the bus, but his group did not. When I got to the room, he was worried they were lost and cold in the city. He thanked me for being there for him and talking to him. This was touching and inspiring because of the love that he showed. I admire him for that.
* Brendan Lill, St. Pius X, Loudonville: At the closing prayer ceremony, one of my friends inspired my belief in Christ as "the way, the truth and the life." He eloquently reflected how Christ liberates the power and beauty of each individual's potential. It made me even more proud to be a Catholic Christian, and it provided me with awesome encouragement to keep Christ by my side.
* Melanie Sinnott, Holy Cross, Albany: Harrison Watkins opened my eyes on the last night. He spoke to the teens from New York State and touched on such ideas as being a community under a shared faith and using what we learned at the conference in all of life. He said we must live our faith as a strong community, not as individuals. He touched my heart and opened everyone's soul to what the Catholic Church is: a community.
* Harrison Watkins, St. John/St. Ann's, Albany: In a park near the conference, I saw three kids playing frisbee. I asked if I could join in, and they all said, "Sure." The three then decided to grab some lunch, and I said goodbye. I was completely unprepared when one of them, Matt from Ohio, invited me to join them. It may not seem like a whole lot, but it meant something to me. His simple act of kindness changed my trip from a visit to an experience.