General Secretariat for Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry

Help, I believe!

According to broad, popular opinion, young people do not believe anything anymore. But 19 young people have shown just the opposite to be true during the first weekend of February. Coming from Forchheim, Schönenberg and Gars, we met at Stadl in the house of the Mission Sisters. With Sister Petra Kopf and Father Jens Bartsch we experienced an intense weekend with this theme: “Help, I believe!”

We shared our faith in animated discussions and personal dialogue. It is not easy for young people to live their faith in everyday life. It was important, therefore, to experience the feelings of communion and trust in our group. “Our discussions became increasingly intense,” said Florien Langhammer. “We are a group that has now met regularly during the past year.” He should know what he is talking about, for this 23 year old has been doing pastoral work with youth in the Province Munich since 2000. The group is always open to newcomers. “I was surprised to feel at home so quickly,” said Clarissa from Wasseralfingen. She is 17 years old and came to be with us for the first time. She soon got along well with everyone, from all the diverse parts of Germany.

The Unity of Faith

Young people from Bavaria, Franken and Schwaben enjoyed the hours of friendly togetherness. Different people from southern Germany came to understood one another. Some games played in the evening helped a lot. They were a little complicated for some, but entertaining for all.

At the end of the weekend we celebrated a Mass in which each one expressed his or her personal faith freely.

The hospitality of the Sisters created a wonderful atmosphere. We hope to meet again soon and experience our faith together. We hope to meet again in July with young German-speaking people from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Stefanie Wiedenhöfer