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in their own words: two sisters describe what youth sing praise means to them

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Young thespians have transferred anticipation to reality to memory as the annual outdoor musical at the national Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville has come and gone.

However, their experiences will inform their futures not only about song and dance but also about their faith.
Two sisters — Sarah and Julia Yates of Waterloo — shared their reflections about what Youth Sing Praise means to them. Here then, are their thoughts, in their own words:

“My name is Sarah Yates and this was my fourth and final year as a participant in Youth Sing Praise.
“My parents have been taking my sister and me to Youth Sing Praise performances for as long as I can remember.

“I told my parents that as soon as I got old enough to be in the show, I was going to do it. So, during my freshman year of high school, I sent in my application, was accepted, and I’ve been back every summer.
“Youth Sing Praise is one of those experiences that is very hard to describe or put into words, but I’m going to try.
“It’s very hard to believe, but the participants of Youth Sing Praise come together, learn, and perform a faith-based musical in only one week!

“This year was especially challenging because not many people knew the show, “Lost and Found.
“However, that didn’t stop us from diving into the music, dancing, and characters that we were given. Throughout the week we immerse ourselves in pages and pages of music, tons of dance moves, and lines upon lines that must be memorized.

“(And) there is a whole other side to the Youth Sing Praise experience. During the week, we focus on building community and growing closer together in our faith. We begin and end each day with prayer, and are also given the opportunity to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation. Throughout one short and high energy week, we form friendships that will last forever.
“At the end of the week, performing our show is our gift to the audience. By sharing the story with others, we hope they learn something about their own faith and can take that away with them.

“Participating in Youth Sing Praise over the past four years has been an unforgettable experience. Being able to come together with other teens who share the same love for music and faith creates an intense week that anyone who is involved will never forget.

“I have met so many wonderful people over my four years, and I can’t wait to watch future shows and hopefully be on the Helpers Team or a Youth Minister.

“Finally, I encourage teens who are thinking about applying for next year to absolutely do it! I promise that you will have an amazing time!”

“I’m Julia Yates and I attend Gibault Catholic High School and will be a sophomore.
“I have been to countless YSP performances and now this was my first year performing.
“I had so much fun this whole week learning songs and dances.

”I met so many new people at YSP which made it an even better experience.
“My favorite part was actually performing the whole show in front of people. It was an amazing feeling that can’t be explained.

“Each night we would have a prayer service put together by participants of the show. My favorite was the four-year service because they incorporated something from every year they had performed. It also brought you closer to God.

“This whole experience is amazing, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.
“It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to sing and act. I will guarantee they will have a good time.”