Local teen ‘inspired’ by 10th congress in N.Y.
Reprinted with the permission of the Catholic Review, Archdiocese of Baltimore
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 There I was, with my family and so many others. We were seated right up front for the opening session and roll call of participating dioceses. I was among 50 people from this archdiocese and we were actually there, outfitted in our red caps that said Archdiocese of Baltimore. We were at the 10th National Black Catholic Congress in Buffalo, N.Y. I was awestruck!
It inspired me to see 2,500 African-American Catholics from all over the United States gather in the Buffalo Convention Center. Yes, we have the right through Jesus Christ to worship in the Catholic faith bringing our own ethnicity of gospel and liturgical dance. The purpose of the congress was to focus on youths, review the work of the eight guiding principles, increase our understanding of the sacraments and evangelization, and show the important
role that Catholic schools played. As a youth representative, I had a wonderful experience.
During the four days of the congress I had an uplifting experience. I enjoyed all the youth sessions, especially the one about
women's view, the virtues, life situations and how to get out of them, and having faith. The session that really stood out was responding to your calling and the movement of dance. Responding to your calling was about listening to what God wants you to do and how your mission can help others.
Movement of dance was about being at peace with yourself and your surroundings. I learned how to have more self-confidence and awareness of people around me. For example, how they might have the same or different feelings as I do. I went to a few other sessions, which made me feel included because it had dance and music that let me interact and feel the Spirit with the people. The speakers really motivated me to take part as a leader, not always to be a follower.
I feel inspired to be my own person and to be careful of the actions I take. At first I thought that this congress would be just another church function or something that
wouldn't be of my interest, but as the days went on it was fun, entertaining and a great chance to make new friends. It was interesting to find out there are many Catholics from each state who were willing to go to the Congress. Although, there were 300 youths from all over, I wish there were more youths from Maryland to spread the word of God.
Samantha Garnes is a parishioner of St. Cecilia, Baltimore, and an active member in the youth group. She attended Towson Catholic High School last year and will attend St. Frances Academy, Baltimore, in the fall.
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