There’s something about the New Year that is appealing to the majority. Just the words themselves offer a positive image, a new year, a fresh start. We know that there is always something we can change to make our lives better every day. Why do we wait until the New Year? Why not change it right here, right now? 

The Diocesan Youth Board has embraced this idea as they work hard with the leaders of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry in planning the 60th annual diocesan youth convention. The topic of change has been an integral part of this year’s planning. While realizing that the diocese has had 59 successful youth conventions, the board and adult leaders noticed an opportunity to improve the event and create a better all-around experience for teens. 

A committee made up of both adults and teens met over the summer multiple times to discuss how these changes were going to be made and what, exactly, these changes were going to be. The convention schedule was reconstructed, and many of the same things reappeared, but many new things also surfaced. The Youth Board and the leaders of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry are excited to present the “Convention: Extreme Makeover Edition” to the youth and their parishes in February. Although change can be hard to adjust to, it can also be fun and exciting. The youth can look forward to more praise and worship, Mass, adoration and so much more. Convention is a fun opportunity to meet hundreds of other exuberant teens as well as encounter Christ in a meaningful way. 

Fittingly, the theme for convention this year is, “Turn the Page, Live His Story.” It embraces the history and everything from the past, but encourages us to move forward. As we enter into the New Year, let’s ask God to give us an open mind to all the change that is to come. It is important to keep in mind that the New Year is not meant to wipe out our pasts. This New Year is an opportunity to learn from the mistakes and regrets we may have had in 2011 and carry the lessons learned into 2012 and begin anew. 

We grow from every experience, positive or negative, and have to surrender ourselves to Christ and let Him lead the way into transformation. When we get scared or confused, we need to throw up our hands and say, “God, please give me the strength to move forward, give me hope that things will get better, and give me the will to actually do this. Please don’t let me fall, but if I do, catch me.” And He will. He always does. God will never abandon us; we must rely on Him to help us through the rough, transitioning times so that we can appreciate and live the change He is creating for us.

Emily Wach is a parishioner at St. Bernadette Church in Orchard Park.

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