By Taylor Odenat
The annual youth lock-in, sponsored by the St. Thomas Aquinas and the VBCC Ambassador Program, held at St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, brought about the same successful outcome as last year with an even bigger turnout.
Over one hundred youth from St. Thomas Aquinas, Mary Queen of Heaven, Our Lady of Light, St. Bonaventure-St. Benedict the Moor, St. Clement Pope, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, St. Matthew, St. Gregory the Great and Our Lady of Charity parishes gathered together to have a good time and strengthen their relationships with God.
“The lock-in was a good experience for me,” said Our Lady of Light parishioner Abigail Agbi. “I had the chance to spend the night away from home, surround myself with people around my age and grow closer to God.”
Former youth participant turned chaperone Charlyne Sainrose of St. Thomas Aquinas also enjoyed her experience at the lock-in.
“I remember my first lock-in; there were only 25 youth there at St. Joseph’s parish in Queens and as the years went by, the numbers went up,” she said. “By the looks on their faces I could tell that the youth really enjoyed this year’s lock-in; from the games and the food on to the Holy Hour and Deacon José’s inspirational talk. It was overall a wonderful experience for both the youth and I.”
During the Holy Hour participants of the lock-in felt compelled to willingly line up to go to confess which was provided by Father Dwayne Davis, our youth group coordinator and the project director of the VBCC Ambassador Program.
“I feel the holy hour was a good experience personally — made me realize how much God really loves us,” said Marilyn Arreaga parishioner of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral.
Parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas and altar server Dillon Dorner had a similar realization as well after the Holy Hour.
“I learned that confession can clean your heart,” he said. “I also learned to enjoy the company of everyone around me.”
“I’ve never been one for meeting new people,” said Malek Alvarez, parishioner of St. Clement Pope. “But at the lock-in each year I make a lot of lasting relationships, everyone is so open and accepting.”
The youth seemed to take away a great deal from this experience and left with a better understanding of God and a deeper connection with Him.
“My favorite part of the lock-in was adoration,” said Elizabeth Teatelpa, parishioner of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. “When the priest put the Blessed Sacrament in front of me, touching my forehead, I felt something; I felt His love.”
Odenat, 16, is a St. Thomas Aquinas Youth Group member.
Reflections from the St. Thomas Aquinas/VBCC Ambassador Program Youth Lock-In
Zeniniya Marist, St. Matthew
I felt the lock-in was very holy when it came to representing God. The Holy Hour was good, after confession I felt that I was free from sin and had the opportunity to start fresh again.
Haley Huie, Our Lady of Charity
I had a lot of fun at this year’s lock-in. This one was bigger than the past lock-ins; there were a lot of kids there. I got to see friends I haven’t seen in a while, so it was nice catching up with them and having fun.
Darren Lewis, St. Bonaventure-St. Benedict the Moor
It was thrilling to see so many young people from so many parishes gathered not only for fun but in order to praise our Lord.
Justin David, St. Matthew
The Holy Hour was very interesting. Everyone including me were indulged in the moment. The tone of both the Holy Hour and Mass was set very nicely.
A.J. Warrington, Kujenga CIT Program
This year’s lock-in was one of the best. There were a lot more youth compared to last year and it was a night filled with fun and spiritual growth I hope to see most of the new people this summer at Kujenga.