Eglin's Catholic parish plans NWF youth conference for military family members

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- --  Saint Michael's Catholic Parish on Eglin AFB is organizing a Catholic conference for high-school aged military family members January 9-11, 2009 at the Sandestin Hilton in Sandestin. The Archdiocese for the Military Services supports the effort and is helping to promote the event to military installations in the area.

"Being a servicemember effects everyone--not just the servicemember but their children as well, said Kay Martinez, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Michael the Archangel Parish on base. "This 'temporary duty' is for military dependants. The entire conference focuses on deployments, PCS's, and being a military brat while keeping the faith."

In a joint effort, every military installation within 185 mile radius of Eglin is working together to offer the opportunity to attend to any teen with a Department of Defense I.D. card. Florida installations include Hurlburt Field, Tyndall AFB, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Whiting Field and Duke Field. Maxwell AFB, Ala., and Keesler AFB, Miss, have also been invited.

"There are many military-connected families that live off base and actively participate in parishes in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee," said Chaplain Ken Beale, Eglin's Senior Catholic Chaplain. "The conference will explore issues of unpacking faith, spiritual issues for families dealing with deployments, and the unique pilgrimage of the mobile lifestyle of military families."

"Unpacking Faith" is the theme of the three-day conference that will host keynote speakers, team building exercises with references to deployments, small breakout sessions and offer time to discuss how to keep faith. In addition to that, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered along with a prayer path. The conference will end with the celebration of the Eucharist at 10:30 a.m.

Mark Moitoza, Director of Youth Ministry, U.S. Military Services in Washington, D.C., and two guest speakers are scheduled. Anna Scally, president of Cornerstone Media workshop and youth rally speaker, youth ministry training consultant and disc jockey, will make a presentation. Bob Peron, an Edu-trainer grew up as a military dependant and is known for speaking with a humor-based approach to education. Mr. Peron is currently the Executive Director of St. Thomas More Center and Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa.

"Being a teen is hard enough, military dependents even have more adversities with frequent moves, parents being deployed, and not having a place to call their 'hometown,'" said Ms. Martinez. "We hope this conference will help military teens experience carefree fun in a spiritual environment while also learning coping skills to deal with military-related stress and fostering relationships with others who are experiencing the same sort of adversities."

From the feedback of the 20 committee members and 10 teen board members, the chapel predicts 100 youth will attend. Spaces are limited and military family members interested in attending should contact their youth minister from their parish.

The deadline to register is December 12. To register for this event, contact the St. Michael's youth ministry coordinator, Kay Martinez, EglinTYM@aol.com or 882-2111. For more information go to the AMS website, www.oymmilarch.org, under youth ministry leaders/youth gatherings.