CSW — Too Big for Just One Week
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week breaks into week two — and into song as students ignited their day with praise and worship driven hip-hop style. Catholic performer Joe Melendrez brought the Eagles to their feet — and into the air — as he shared his love for God through songs, dance, personal testimony and words of inspiration. The assembly added their voices to songs, prayers and cheers for Jesus.
Melendrez shared thoughts on how young people can turn to Christ's peace as they cope with the pressures of being a teen added to additional stress caused by the pandemic. He gave practical tips including drinking water, deep breathing exercises, and eating health food — as well as becoming untethered from electronics, ramping up positive self talk, exercise and meditation — and activating their creativity.
Smaller break out sessions were included throughout the day so that Melendrez could have the opportunity to open conversation, share his own story in more depth, and answer questions. He asked, "how can I serve you today?"
A graduate of the University of Dayton, Melendrez came into town from Los Angeles to help CJ top off Catholic Schools Week with a concert on Friday, but the weather conditions postponed the show to Monday. Students had a double treat as Jubie's Creamery scooped up favorite ice cream flavors during lunch.
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry is committed to supporting ministry leaders in their service to young people and their families.
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Melendrez shared thoughts on how young people can turn to Christ's peace as they cope with the pressures of being a teen added to additional stress caused by the pandemic. He gave practical tips including drinking water, deep breathing exercises, and eating health food — as well as becoming untethered from electronics, ramping up positive self talk, exercise and meditation — and activating their creativity.
Smaller break out sessions were included throughout the day so that Melendrez could have the opportunity to open conversation, share his own story in more depth, and answer questions. He asked, "how can I serve you today?"
A graduate of the University of Dayton, Melendrez came into town from Los Angeles to help CJ top off Catholic Schools Week with a concert on Friday, but the weather conditions postponed the show to Monday. Students had a double treat as Jubie's Creamery scooped up favorite ice cream flavors during lunch.
A celebration of faith – Catholic Schools Week has been observed annually since 1974
With the theme of “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service,” CJ shares in the celebration of CSW, typically at the beginning of February, but celebrating faith is something Chaminade Julienne students do all year long.
Coincidently, 12 CJ students and ministry and staff members were able to get a preview of Joe Melendrez's performance as part of the 11,000 in-person attendees at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis in November – another 2,200 participated virtually.
With engaging speakers, dynamic performances, and enthusiastic young people from across the country, it is the premier Catholic youth conference in the country – an event with a long-lasting impact.
With the theme of “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service,” CJ shares in the celebration of CSW, typically at the beginning of February, but celebrating faith is something Chaminade Julienne students do all year long.
Coincidently, 12 CJ students and ministry and staff members were able to get a preview of Joe Melendrez's performance as part of the 11,000 in-person attendees at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis in November – another 2,200 participated virtually.
With engaging speakers, dynamic performances, and enthusiastic young people from across the country, it is the premier Catholic youth conference in the country – an event with a long-lasting impact.
“It was an opportunity for our students to deepen their faith and be in the presence of thousands of other Catholic high school students around the country who also value their faith,” said Kelli Kinnear, director of CJ Ministry & Service. “It was very encouraging and uplifting for our students to see that. They were in a place where it was ‘cool’ to have a strong faith life.”
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry is committed to supporting ministry leaders in their service to young people and their families.
“Our students came back wanting to continue to grow in their faith and to take leadership roles in Ministry & Service,” Kinnear said.
Sophomore Samarra Caldwell was one of the CJ students who participated in the transformational conference.
“I wanted to connect more to my faith and hoped that being around people who wanted to do the same thing would influence me, which it did,” Caldwell said. “The trip showed me that I'm not one of the only teenagers who care about their faith and, while I'm unique, I do have a part in the church.”
From the empowering music to the relatable stories shared by the speakers, Caldwell truly felt the impact of the event.
“It reminded me to count my blessings, especially that we could come together in moments of loss,” Caldwell said. “Together, we can do the unimaginable!”
