IMPERIAL (SNR) – Chris Stefanick, a nationally-known
speaker and author, was the special guest at the Southwest Nebraska Catechism
Kickoff in Imperial Sept. 28.
More than 250 grade 7-12 youths and sponsors attended
his program, "The Gospel Unplugged," in Chase County High School’s auditorium.
Opening with music and a "sing-off," Stefanick quickly captured the youths’
interest.
In his opening remarks, Stefanick said that we all get
used to things—conveniences like cell phones, microwaves, and even flying.
"We’re not amazed anymore," he said. "Tragically, we
do that with God, too. But, His love is not something we should get used to," he
said.
Jesus’ forgiveness is ever present, too, he said. "He
doesn’t want just the good part of you, He wants your bad, too, in Confession,"
he said.
Mr. Stefanick is currently director of youth, young
adult and campus ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. A regular on Catholic
media and other programs, he also was a speaker during World Youth Day
activities in Spain in August. He has co-authored two books, "Do I Have to
Go?—101 questions about the Mass, the Eucharist and Your Spiritual Life" and
"Raising Pure Teens—10 strategies to protect (or restore) your teenager’s
innocence."
Grant funds from the Lincoln Diocesan Catholic
Foundation helped bring Mr. Stefanick to southwest Nebraska. Students from
Imperial, Wauneta, Palisade, Wallace, Hayes Center, Paxton, Ogallala, Indianola,
Benkelman, Stratton and Holyoke, Colo. and their sponsors attended.
Mr. Stefanick answered several questions from the
youths at the end of the program.
- Story from Jan Schultz of Imperial