“The Spirit of the Lord is Here” was the theme of the first-ever Our Lady of Light (OLOL) Young Adult Ministry Revival held July 13-15 at St. Pascal Baylon church, St. Albans.

The three-day weekend event was planned by the parish’s Young Adult Ministry members (YAMs) under the supervision of the group’s director, Maxine Dinnall, in order to influence the youth spiritually but also socially and emotionally.

The YAMs were formed as a result of the merger between St. Pascal Baylon and St. Catherine of Sienna into OLOL three-and-a-half years ago. The 22 group members have received the sacrament of confirmation and continue to serve their parish through their involvement with the ministry.

The YAMs are visible in the parish in a number of roles, including volunteering at the food pantry. The purpose is for the youth to be engaged in their faith.

“My goal is to cultivate our youngsters to become lectors, ushers and extraordinary ministers, and for them to get closer to the Lord and help them develop maturity and build skills that will last a lifetime,” Dinnall said.

Rather than be told what to do, the YAMs took the initiative in planning the event. They coordinated the weekend’s prayers, dances and hymns, with the focus of including the whole community.

“They were the ones who thought about it,” said Father William Smith, pastor. “It did not come down from us.”

The children petitioned Dinnall to host the Youth Revival in the summer, since they are always busy during the fall with school commitments.

St. Pascal Baylon Church was filled with energy those three days as the youth revival started with singing and opening prayer. Each evening of the revival was celebrated by a different religious leader from the diocese: Brother Steven Gregory McMullen the first night, seminarian Patrick Dorelus the second night and Father Paul Ifeadi, associate pastor, the third night.

“There are young people that love God, and they’re still serving the Lord and our Church,” said Brother Steven Gregory.

The children’s choir prayerfully led the congregation in song, singing hymns such as “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” and “The Spirit of Lord” – which perfectly fit with the event’s theme. The children were excited to be a part of the celebration.

“I came here to pray,” said Nicholas Ruffin, six, one of the singers in the choir.

“When I watched the choir, it really inspired me so I wanted to give it a try,” said choir member Emily Nicole, nine, on why she joined.

“I sing almost everywhere,” said Abigail Agbi, 15, of her love for singing in the choir. “I saw this as a good opportunity.”

Following the children’s choir performance, the congregation was moved by the celestial praise dancers, who used the altar and center aisle as a stage to display their worship through dance.

“We have a great time, and we enjoy what we’re doing at the church as part of this youth ministry,” said Tiara Smith, 9, one of the OLOL dancers.

The youth revival also served as a time for confessions, silent meditation and reflection.

Joshua Previl and Matthew Williams, both students at Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, eloquently delivered sacred Scripture readings, adding to the revival’s spiritual atmosphere.

Dinnall said she hoped that the Holy Spirit would anoint the YAMs through the revival so that they would see that there’s no reason to have shame in their faith.

“It’s OK to say ‘Yes, I am a Catholic. Yes, I believe in my faith!’” she said. “It’s really wonderful to live, work and serve the Lord morally and be strong mentally and physically.”

Father Smith said he hopes the youth revival will become an annual event at the parish.

Children are the future, and events like the revival further prove that point. The YAMs consider themselves to be a family who has developed a personal relationship with God.

“How amazing is God?” Dinnall said. “I always repeat, ‘Whatever you do, God should always be the center.’”