A group of about 1,400 Catholic middle school students in Northern Virginia strengthened their faith, made new friends and enjoyed fellowship on a recent Saturday. Organizers of this event believe that students are laying an important foundation for lifelong involvement in the church.
The 20th annual “BASH” is the largest gathering for middle school students in the Diocese of Arlington. It was held on May 4, 2024 at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.
The event has grown significantly since its inception at the Parish Hall in 2003, but this year, for the first time, registration had to close early due to capacity limitations at the expanded venue.
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Mari Pablo gave the keynote speech. catholic speaker The Miami native reminded the teens that “in the midst of the challenges we all face, we should seek a relationship with Jesus.”
Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington celebrated Mass for those in attendance and said that in the midst of the many challenges they face today, Jesus has a strong desire for their lives.
The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, was attended by nearly 1,400 teens and young adults and a standing-room-only crowd. (Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington)
“Jesus wants you to not just exist, but to live,” Burbidge said during his sermon. The content was shared on FOX News Digital.
“God does not want you to feel alone, but to be counted among his friends.”
Burbidge said that in modern times, today’s teens are so busy with extracurricular activities and technology that they may find it difficult to incorporate prayer into their daily lives.
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“Pray with Jesus. You see, if you start and end your day the right way and the right way, things probably won’t fall apart later in the day,” he said.
He told attendees it was important to “freeze your phone” from time to time and use that time to pray and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ.
“How can you listen when there’s so much noise and distraction and untrue voices around you? It’s impossible,” Burbidge said.
“Jesus will speak to your heart in silence. He will guide you, comfort you, and strengthen you,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge (seated, right, wearing a clasp) encouraged teens to maintain a life of prayer and set aside time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. (Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington)
Due to the rainy weather, the weekend’s events were not affected and while many activities were moved indoors, attendees were still able to play games, eat pizza and hear messages from faith leaders from around the country. It’s done.
After Mass, Ms. Burbidge remained to speak with some of the teens during dinner.
In a comment provided to Fox News Digital by the Diocese of Arlington, Eleanor Carrington, 13, of Alexandria, who also met Burbidge after Mass, said, “My conversation with him was very moving and his speech was It was very good,” he said.
“It’s kind of surprising that so many kids come to Mass on Saturday and spend six hours here just to see the bishop,” she said.
The Diocese of Arlington hopes BASH will inspire young people to remain connected to the diocese as they age. (Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington)
The Diocese of Arlington believes that events like BASH are more than just a day of fun and a chance to meet the bishop, they serve to encourage tweens and teens to stay involved with the diocese into high school. I hope so.
“It’s kind of amazing that so many kids come to Mass on Saturday and spend six hours here just to see the bishop.”
Most BASH participants do not attend Catholic schools, Kevin Bohri, executive director of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries, told FOX News Digital in an email.
Rather, they participate in the parish through religious education classes, altar service, youth ministry programs, and more.
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“Research shows that for every adult in a church that a teen had a relationship with during their teen years, they are several percentage points more likely to remain active in the church as a young adult,” Bohri said. said.
“Our goal is to surround young people with as many safe and caring adult leaders as possible within the church,” he said. “This greatly increases the likelihood that teens will remain active in their faith into young adulthood.”
BASH brought together middle school students from across the 21-county Northern Virginia diocese. (Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington)
Boli said another element of the event is to address the mental health crisis facing young people today.
“When young people are struggling mentally, they often turn to at-risk behaviors and relationships to cope with what they’re going through,” he says.
The presence of adult leaders and mentors in young people’s lives “significantly reduces the likelihood that young people will engage in risky behavior,” he added.
“Youth Ministry events like BASH promote healthy, positive relationships between teens and adults and help youth avoid risky behaviors.”
“Youth ministry events like BASH promote healthy, positive relationships between teens and adults and help these youth avoid risky behaviors,” he also said. .
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Father Gregory Thompson, pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia, said 58 teens from the diocese participated in the event.
“For those who experience the Catholic faith primarily in an academic setting, it’s great to be exposed to happy children from other parishes,” he said in comments to Fox News Digital. “This way they can see the joy of being a young Catholic.”
Carnival rides were among the attractions at BASH, the 20th annual event for middle school students in the Diocese of Arlington. (Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington)
Paul Przybis, 14, of Herndon, Virginia, said, “The best thing about BASH was meeting so many middle school students from our parish. It’s a divine energy and something you don’t get to experience every day.” he said in a comment he shared. with Fox News Digital.
Another participant said that he initially had no intention of participating last year, but is participating in BASH for the second year.
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Janna Rodriguez, 14, who lives in Prince William County, said, “I didn’t want to go last year, but I came.The lecture was so inspiring that I would definitely like to come again.”
Another attendee also weighed in on comments made to Fox News Digital.
“Today is all about friends, faith and food,” said Thomas Pacheco, 11, of Fairfax County. “What more could you ask for?”
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