As the days of summer come to a close, plans are gearing up for several seasons of energetic, inspiring programs in the Diocese of Burlington.

Isaac Desranleau, diocesan youth and young adult minister, outlined a number of spiritual opportunities including “Bread Retreats” – day-long retreats for high schoolers in which Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist Paul Mary Dreger will guide youth in making bread as a prelude to learning about Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist.

Sister Dreger explains that retreat participants will have the opportunity to learn about the process of wheat and its unique forms from seed to flour to a loaf of bread.

“Bread is universal. So, every culture in the entire world has some form of bread. Jesus Christ chose bread because everybody can relate to it in one way or another,” Sister Dreger said in a 2022 Vermont Catholic interview.

“This will be a great opportunity to connect with other young Catholics in the area while developing a deeper understanding and reverence for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,” Desranleau said.

In addition, rising ninth graders through graduating high school seniors are being invited to put Steubenville East 2024 on their calendars. Desranleau explained that “Steubenville East is a New England based retreat where hundreds of Catholic teens come together for a weekend filled with praise and worship, talks, adoration, Mass, opportunities to grow in fellowship, and much more.”

In July, 50 youth from throughout Vermont attended Steubenville East. “We want to bring even more this coming year,” Desranleau said. The event, themed “Illuminate,” is scheduled for July 26-28, 2024, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Desranleau suggested that youth groups are another great way for youth to get involved with Catholic peers, noting more groups are forming in the Diocese.

Pope Francis, who has a great love and respect for youth, reminds them often that staying connected to their faith, their families and their peers is not only important for them personally, but for the Church, saying, “You are the today of God, the today of the Church. The Church needs you so that she can be fully herself.”

Teens or parents who would like to know if there is a youth group in their area, if they are interested in beginning a youth group, or would like to stay up to date about any youth-focused events, should contact Desranleau at idesranleau@vermontcatholic.org.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry is supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Pope Francis’ comments were made during a special audience in the Vatican in 2019 for some 250 youth from more than 100 countries who were participating in the XI International Youth Forum.

— Originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine.