On August 6-9, 2009, some of our C4C youth members walked on foot pilgrimage from Saints Peter and Paul Church in Great Meadows, NJ to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA to honor the Assumption of Our Holy Mother. Over 2,600 pilgrims gathered together to unite in praise and worship while offering up their physical pains, emotional wounds, and/or spiritual struggles to God as they walked approximately 57 miles through sunshine and rain. It was a very inspirational and powerful experience for us to pilgrimage among thousands of our spiritual brothers and sisters who share the same love and devotion to Our Lady, through which her intercession brings us closer to her Son, Jesus, who leads us to God the Father.

Click here to see more pictures...

The Carpenters 4 Christ Youth Group recently traveled to the University of Rhode Island, in Kingston, RI on July 24-26, 2009 to attend the Steubenville East High School Youth Conference. Nearly 3,000 teens united in Spirit to celebrate the theme of the weekend, ABOVE ALL (1 Chronicles 29: 11). The following are the testimonies of the 9 youths and 3 chaperones who attended:

+ I arrived at Steubenville East expecting a lot, and my every expectation has been fulfilled, even more than I had dared hope for. I’ve walked away refreshed, secure in the love of God, and on fire. The Eucharist Adoration alone was worth coming for, but combined with the awesome music, inspiring talks, and great fellowship it was an experience I would not have missed for the world!

+ I entered Steubenville East closed and empty, but I left with my heart opened and my soul filled with hope and joy. This retreat is a great way to become closer to God and go deeper into your faith. I loved the talks that were preached to us, the testimonies were very inspiring, and Adoration was simply amazing! I definitely would recommend trying this retreat.