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'Treasures beyond measure' - diocesan youth gather at 2008 conference

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

The 2008 Diocesan Youth Conference gathered close to 500 youth and adults March 29-30 in Collinsville, Ill., to pray, to listen, to speak, to renew, to recognize, to share and to play.

The gifts of so many young people and adults were showcased through nominations to a “hall of honor” that detailed the service and support youth receive in their parish families throughout the diocese.
These youth and adults exemplified this year’s theme: “Treasures Beyond Measure.”

During this year’s conference they heard keynote presentations from a number of people including two people from this diocese: John Foppe, an internationally known motivational speaker who grew up at St. Dominic Parish in Breese, and John Brough who grew up in St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in Belleville and now belongs to St. Luke Parish, also in Belleville.

Officer Brough was wounded in the line of duty in November 2006 and was blinded due to gunshot wounds. He continues to recover, and he shared his journey of faith with young people at the conference.

John Foppe, born without arms, shared his story with the youth on Saturday afternoon, explaining how, at an early age, he had to deal with his condition, learning to grow and adapt, looking at what he can do, not allowing limits, which he freely admitted he has, to define and confine him.

“Nothing is more powerful than choice,” he told the youth, “and you have a choice of who you will be today” and every day.

Sunday morning, after prayer, John Brough was lifted up the stairs to the stage because a ramp would not fit in the area available.

“I’ve already received a lift today,” he told students who, at first were hesitant to laugh.
Although the now-retired Belleville police sergeant has been through numerous surgeries and will endure many more, he retains not only his sense of humor but his strong faith in God.

His Catholic faith was formed early at St. Augustine’s and continues to be strengthened each day. Wendy Brough, at John’s side for 28 years of marriage, now stands beside and behind him, always gently encouraging and supporting him as he ventures into this new world where “normal” is being redefined every day.

The youth recognized the Broughs as heroes, and gave them a standing ovation when he completed his presentation.

Many youth and adults were recognized during the weekend for their contributions, some at the Saturday evening banquet.

How will the success of this year’s conference be measured? Ask any young person who attended, and they will define it in no uncertain terms. Most often “wouldn’t miss it” could be heard early and often.

When the workshops were completed on Saturday, youth and adults retired to their rooms to prepare for the evening banquet. All dressed up, they certainly had someplace to go, to dine and later in the evening, to dance.

Many of the young people said this was their second, third or fourth year for the conference. One young lady said it was wonderful to meet so many Catholic youth in one place, to feel the support of the faith of youth from across the diocese.