The “Forming Apostles for the New Times” conference transformed what I expected to be a weekend of talks into a vivid encounter with God’s call on my life. Held in the vibrant New York, the city’s energy was harnessed for something far deeper: a community of young adults, all eager to live out their faith amidst demanding careers and daily challenges.
Stepping into the venue, I was struck by the sheer diversity of the participants. Each conversation revealed how God was already at work in their lives, drawing us together for a shared purpose. The opening panelist beautifully captured this, reminding us that “God calls each apostle from his own reality,” and that the same invitation was extended to us that day. After lively group discussions and informal social time, we dedicated the rest of the evening to adoration in the chapel, leaving us refreshed and aware that a good night’s rest was essential for what lay ahead.
Saturday began with tours around the city, and I happily joined a tour of Central Park, a stroll around Columbus Circle, and a stop at an unforgettable Italian sandwich shop, as opportunities for joyful fellowship. However, the real breakthrough came during the afternoon sessions. The panelists transformed the prayers and hopes I had been carrying into concrete slides, diving into talks about our vocation and personal missions. They opened my eyes to see my life as a masterpiece deliberately crafted by God. I began to recognize how He has been shaping my identity—pulling at my heart at just the right moments and drawing me into privileged encounters with Him. Through each of these experiences, God has been pointing me to the unique place He has set aside for me in His plan, and I now see that He has already equipped me with the gifts I need to follow Him. But the impact didn’t stop there. In our discussion groups, those words resonated with everyone. Hearing my peers describe how they weave prayer, integrity, and evangelization into their daily work was truly inspiring.
The talk continued into a moment of adoration, followed by a Mass where I, alongside members of my men’s encounter group, served at the altar. It was such a privilege to be so close to the Blessed Sacrament. It felt like a personal invitation to draw near and say, “Thank you, Lord.”
And the day wasn’t over yet, though. Our group leaders had planned an evening’s Hawaiian-themed social, accompanied by lively music from the RC music collective, which was the perfect culmination. Laughter, conversations, and shared stories deepened the bonds already formed over the weekend.
Sunday was a powerful closing. The final panelist reminded us that God often calls us to act before we feel ready, encouraging us to trust in His timing. And with that invitation resonating in our hearts, we gathered for a solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Edmund Whalen. The liturgy felt like a commissioning, equipping us with renewed purpose and the conviction that our individual realities are the very places where God’s apostolic mission unfolds.
In essence, the weekend blended prayer, fellowship, practical mission-building, and joyful celebration, leaving me eager to live out my calling as an apostle in the world.
—
