Calgary Music Camp Attendees Host a Rosary Bonfire Inspired by the Music and Leadership Camp
After attending St. Gregory the Great’s Music and Leadership Camp this summer, I travelled home with wonder. I had never encountered a Catholic community so vibrant, so principled, so friendly. I tried to distinguish the differences between the experience I had just had at camp and my experiences at home. The friendships made in my Catholic community were just as strong, the people just as kind and God-loving, and there were plenty of opportunities for gatherings and get-togethers. But there was still this intangible difference. So what was it?
Then it struck me. The foundation for any strong Catholic community lies not only in a mutual belief and similar ideas, not only in carrying out the regular motions, but in doing more than that. It lies not only in reverencing beauty but in creating it, not only applauding chivalry but practising it, not only delighting in the glory of a choral piece, but learning how to sing it. And from that dedication to excellence, to beauty, comes a joy which the usual teenage hang-out can not replicate.
The atmosphere in camp was contagious. I immediately felt inspired to help deepen and expand my Catholic community back home. A week after camp, my brother and I hosted a Rosary Bonfire. Thirty teenagers arrived to laugh and run –and pray together as a group. Catholics from different parishes who had never said a rosary together. It was a small step, but it was beautiful.
I have come to realize how many Catholic communities, including my own, miss that second layer in their foundation. How many families are searching for friends for their children, and activities for their children that will draw them closer to holiness, and create meaningful lasting friendships and commitments? St. Gregory the Great's Music and Leadership camp showed me what is possible and gave me hope. Thank you.
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