BURTON, Ohio — More than 30 girls gathered for the annual Girls’ Camp at Christ the Bridegroom Monastery, June 21-24. Participants were inspired by the theme, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
Mother Theodora Strohmeyer, the hegumena of the monastery, spoke about how she grew close to God. She said she had a strong love of God even as a child and, had she not welcomed him into her life, she would not have been able to accomplish all that she has.
The sisters invited their good friends to talk about their vocations as well. One spoke about being married, and another spoke about being a single laywoman and how they have experienced God working in their lives. All the presenters reflected the theme of the weekend in their talks — that apart from Jesus, nothing is possible.
Confession was available to all on Saturday evening, and many of the girls were so joyful about having received the sacrament and being connected in the Lord.
“Girls camp is an absolutely amazing experience from beginning to end,” said Victoria Kattler. “You gain friendship, lasting memories, and a true understanding of the depth of God’s mercy. Each talk, discussion, and reflection brings a deeper meaning to the love God has for all of us.
“Camp is a blast, between making skits, spending time with the nuns, friends, and God. I would highly recommend Girls Camp to anyone looking to grow closer to God, make new friends, and have an amazing time,” said Kattler.
The weekend program included prayer. Participants also watched the movie “The Giver.” They discussed the symbolism in the film and the struggles that emerge in a society that does not include God.
The camp concluded with Divine Liturgy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch, located across the street. As is traditional, the closing liturgy was held with the participants of the Boys Camp, which takes place over the same three days. After the long weekend, the campers promised to keep in touch until next year.
As a camper, I’m very grateful that the nuns of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery started their monastery 10 years ago; Girls Camp has changed my life.
On the boys camp, by Michael Popp
BURTON, Ohio — More than 20 adolescent boys and teens gathered for the annual Byzantine Catholic Boys Camp, held on the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch June 21-24.
The theme of the weekend was, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Father Marek Visnovsky, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Cleveland and protosyncellus of the eparchy, explained this theme to the campers with the opening talk.
Reflecting on the passage from John’s Gospel — “I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5) — Father Visnovsky held up a branch full of leaves as a visual of what life looks like when people live in Christ. He then held up a bare twig and said this is what people become when they do not stay connected to Christ, for people can do nothing without Christ.
Deacon Greg Loya gave a talk on what it means to be a true man of the faith. Seminarian Nathan Adams spoke on how to properly pray the Jesus Prayer, after which the campers prayed in silence.
Seminarian Miron Kerul-Kmec, Jr., gave a talk on how to live a life of prayer daily. Patrick Biller, a parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, gave a talk on discerning one’s vocation, either to marriage, ordained ministry or monastic life.
James Hartung from the St. Barbara Prayer Community in Dayton, Ohio, gave a talk on all the different survival skills in the outdoors. Father Moses Wright of Holy Resurrection Monastery in Wisconsin was the chef for the weekend.
Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, spent time with the campers as well. He celebrated and preached the closing Divine Liturgy. Fathers Dennis Hrubiak and Charles Works were also present during the weekend and were available for confession.
The program, organized by John Popp, administrator of the Byzantine Catholic Cultural Center and director of mission, included a number of activities and social times for campers to get to know each other.
I have been to several camps already and this was the most inspirational and awe-inspiring weekend I have ever experienced.
Caption 1: Participants at the boys and girls camps pose with Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, (center) as well as the camp leaders, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch. (Photo: Miron Kerul-Kmec, Jr.)
Caption 2: Rain could not stop the fun. Seminarian Michael Kunitz speaks with campers during an outdoor activity on a rainy day at Boys Camp. (Photo: Miron Kerul-Kmec, Jr.)
As published in Horizons, July 8, 2017. Sign up for the Horizons e-newsletter.