On May 16, 2026, the MYP was asked to lead Confirmation Retreats at Thomas Berry Place in Jamaica, NY. Over 80 teens from two parishes were having their Confirmation Retreats at the same time on that date.
Working with me, Diana Roach, Luke Hammond & Niko Coffey led both St. Michael’s Church in Flushing & St. Francis of Assisi/St. Blaise Church in Brooklyn through activities and prayer experiences. As you can imagine, there were a lot of moving parts—but using the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that the four of us have made everything great & special for the teens.
Their events both started with Nature Scavenger Hunts in the Passionist Monastery Gardens. I was able to give each group a talk about their gifts and how they should strengthen & share them after Confirmation. We gave them opportunities for silent self reflection, which led to small group discussions. Then, we brought all the teens together for a Communal Penance Service in the Choir Chapel, followed by lunch in the TBP Dining Room. The event concluded with both parishes together at Mass, celebrated by Fr. Chris Cleary , C.P.
Whenever we gather, the MYP always creates a space for teens to have fun and learn more about God. Those experiences continue to carry me in my ministry. Experiencing ministry work with the MYP is life changing. It’s more than the time we share together and the skills we develop to be better. It’s allowing ourselves to let the Holy Spirit through us, to be an instrument of God’s love in this challenging world. The MYP legacy continues, and it extends to the places in the Church where it should!