The YOUTH 2000 retreat is underway this weekend at Brescia University, with more than 600 young people gathering for a faith-filled weekend — even after a hailstorm caused significant damage to the Moore Center early Saturday morning.
The annual event, now in its 28th year, draws youth from across the region for a weekend of prayer, music, fellowship, and spiritual growth. It runs from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and is coordinated by the Diocese of Owensboro with support from the Marian Shrine Committee and Office of Youth Ministry.
Despite the weather-related obstacles, including water damage to the facility, organizers and participants have pressed on.
“They’re making the best out of it,” said Lori Etheridge, Dean of Students at Brescia. “They’ve been navigating the challenges well. They’ve even been helping us with squeegeeing and using shop vacs.”
Lisa Bivins, a longtime committee member and former participant herself, said this year’s attendance is around 610 youth, ranging in age from 13 to 30.
“Our first YOUTH 2000 here was in 1998, and we’ve never missed a year — even during COVID,” Bivins said. “We’ve held it every March, and even when we had to move it to July one year, we made sure it happened.”
The international YOUTH 2000 movement was inspired by World Youth Day in 1993, where Pope John Paul II called on young people to take an active role in the Church. Bivins said Owensboro’s retreat is the longest continuously running one in the United States.
Throughout the weekend, attendees participate in daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, panel discussions, and small group sessions divided by age and gender. Priests from across the diocese are on hand for confessions and to offer spiritual guidance.
“It’s all about building a relationship with Christ and helping youth understand they’re not alone in their faith journey,” Bivins said. “We want to empower them to be leaders in the New Evangelization and give them ownership of their faith.”
Bishop William Medley, who will celebrate Sunday’s closing Mass, said the retreat continues to be a meaningful and energizing experience for the Diocese.
“Youth 2000 is a powerful experience of faith, renewal and community for the young Church in our diocese,” Medley said. “Each year, I am deeply moved to see hundreds of young people come together in prayer, worship, and fellowship, encountering Christ in the Eucharist and one another. I always look forward to the special time and the joy it brings to our community.”
YOUTH 2000 is open to youth and young adults from anywhere, though most attendees come from within the Diocese of Owensboro and surrounding states. While overnight accommodations aren’t provided, participants are encouraged to stay in nearby hotels.
The retreat continues through 1 p.m. Sunday.
