Holtgrave, who supervised the program with newly-ordained Father Steven Arisman, said the college students who were part of the Totus Tuus team initially spent 10 days in intense theological study as well as in structured prayer time. Father Brian Alford, director of the Office for Vocations, also was part of the training team.
“Teams of four are then commissioned to go spread the Gospel throughout the diocese. While on the road, team members continue their prayer routines and are constantly learning more about God’s plan for them through the interactions they have with those they meet,” said Holtgrave. “Midway through the summer, everyone gathers for a retreat and continues to be nourished by God’s grace to be able to continue their journey for the second part of summer.”
Holtgrave said the college students are “young disciples who connect with kids of all ages … spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to all they meet.”
The teams are trained to provide programs that are suited for different ages. Younger students meet during the daytime hours and teens meet in the evenings. “Each day is filled with fun activities such as games and skits as well as serious classroom work on our theme for the summer” he said. “Teens have their own program that focuses on group discussions and journaling.”
It is important that teens learn how to defend the Catholic faith when challenged by others, Holtgrave added. “Throughout the week teens are encouraged to be bold in their faith and not to give up simply because the world around us is pressuring us to give up our faith. Teens build close bonds with the team and have a safe place to share their hopes and fears about being a young Christian in the world today.”
Deacon Denny Baker of Holy Cross Parish called Totus Tuus a “wonderful experience” for young people. “We had youth attending from Holy Cross in Auburn, St. Patrick in Girard and Sacred Heart in Virden,” he said. “During the day the young people learned about the Luminous Mysteries, the Ten Commandments, the importance of the Mass and other aspects of their Catholic faith. They enjoyed skits and other fun activities all pointed toward faith.
“During the evening program the teens heard witnesses from the team, learning about being made in God’s image, love of God and neighbor, vocations, confession and (they) experienced eucharistic adoration and holy hour,” he said. “Thank you to our spirit-filled team … and a special thank you to Father Steve Arisman for sharing Mass with us.”
Now that Totus Tuus parish sessions are over, the team is once again gathering as a whole, said Holtgrave. “The summer ends with another retreat to help the team process their total experience for Totus Tuus and to be attentive to new things they have learned about themselves and those they have been working with all summer long.
“Totus Tuus is certainly a blessing for the diocese,” he said. “In six years, participation has more than doubled.” Next year’s theme will be on virtues and the Beatitudes as well as the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary.