“The Life Teen Leadership Conferences was an unbelieveable experience for me as it was for everyone else that went on the trip. It was by far the best trip that I have ever gone on and was probably the best week of my life. There was never a moment on the trip where I was bored or ever questioned why I was on the trip. I met great people from Kellenberg Memorial whom I am still in touch with and I also got to know my fellow Chaminade classmates. This trip has made me a stronger Catholic as well as a stronger person. It has allowed me to grow in my faith and not be embarrassed when I am praising God. No matter what the topic of discussion, I was always attentive towards the speaker. Each discussion made me realize the impact of the topic and how it related to my religious life. After our personal discussions in the small group activities, I decided that I wanted to make those requests a reality.
When I returned home, I decided that I wanted to spend the 4th of July with my Dad. I helped my Dad clean up the pool area and the yard in preparation for our company. After the long work, my Dad and I decided to watch the Yankee game. After explaining several parts of the game that my Dad doesn't understand very well, we watched the Yankees' thrilling comeback. Afterwards, my Dad said to me,"Wow Tim, I'm really glad I got to watch this game with you." After watching the game, I spent a good amount of time helping my Dad prepare dinner. It was a great meal, and I said a silent prayer to myself in remembrance of all I experienced at Life Teen.
The next day, we attended Mass as a family in remembrance of my Grandfather, who had died 7 years ago to that day. It was an emotional day for my Dad as he dealt with the passing, which he has done phenomenally well since he died in 2002. The one thing I will never forget was when my Dad, Grandmother, and I brought the gifts to the altar in preparation of Holy Communion. I was completely overwhelmed by God's presence and was at complete peace that day.”
Timothy Schulze
