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Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church

News of the Diocese

January 16, 2025

Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church
Hope ignited at CLE 2:16, a celebration of faith, community for the young Church

More than 600 teens, chaperones and volunteers from over 45 parishes and schools in the Diocese of Cleveland gathered for a day of faith and fellowship at CLE 2:16, the 2025 high school youth conference.

The event took place Jan. 4 at John Carroll University. It was presented by the Office of Youth Ministry. Francine Costantini, diocesan director of youth ministry, and Jenn Martin, youth ministry specialist, coordinated the event with an army of volunteers consisting of youth ministers, religious sisters, priests, deacons, seminarians and young adults.

(See photo gallery above.)

The goal of CLE 2:16 was to provide an opportunity for high school teens to encounter Jesus and to celebrate the hope that comes with knowing “There is always a seat for us at his table.” This year’s event theme was taken from Mark 2:16: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

“While we are in the Eucharistic Revival in the American Church, and the Jubilee Year of Hope in the universal Church, this passage reminds us of the centrality of table fellowship for Catholics, and the hope that comes from the fact that if Jesus eats with sinners and tax collectors, that means he wants to eat with me, too,” Costantini said.
The day began with excitement and anticipation, she said, as attendees gathered for the keynote session featuring Catholic evangelist Chika Anyanwu. Known for her storytelling and ability to connect faith to real-life challenges, Anyanwu encouraged the teens to embrace their unique roles in the Church and to find hope in the loving mercy of the Father. Her words resonated deeply with participants, many of whom described her message as inspiring and relatable.

Breakout sessions throughout the day offered diverse opportunities for teens to engage with topics ranging from navigating party culture as a Catholic to understanding the mystery of the Mass on a deeper level. Dina Podnar’s session, “Dating and Waiting,” was particularly popular, while Anyanwu’s additional workshop, “From Dinner Table to Divine Encounter,” offered practical insights for evangelizing within families.

Two annual awards were presented at the event. The Jan Tyranowski Outstanding Youth Minister Award went to Theresa deKrom, youth minister at St. Helen Parish in Newbury. A nominator wrote about her: “Theresa truly embodies what it means to be Christlike. Just as Jesus rejoices with us in our happiness and weeps with us in our sorrow, she does the same.”

The Christus Vivit National Youth Award was presented to Ryan Kelly from St. Gabriel Parish in Concord. Ryan also is a member of the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council. He was nominated by his peers, who wrote: “He is always hyping others up and is such a gentleman! He’s a very devoted man and always helping others to get to the faith as well!”

A spiritual high point of CLE 2:16 was adoration, with Deacon James Parisi as the presider. The worship band led by Max Menkhaus and Matt Fafrak provided music for adoration and throughout the day. Teens described powerful encounters with Christ’s love during the sacred adoration time. One participant said, “During adoration, I had an emotional experience with Christ’s love. I had a lot of doubt, but Christ said, ‘Just come as you are.’” Another added, “I saw the Lord working by bringing us all together as one under his name to celebrate him.”

Father Eric Garris, diocesan vocation director, entertained the teens and kept the energy level high as the emcee for the day. Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization, concluded the day with Mass at the Church of the Gesu. He sent everyone home on mission to bring Christ to the world.

The event’s impact extended beyond the day itself, as teens reflected on how they saw the Lord working through the event. “I saw him in the Eucharist, the priests and all the teens around me,” one attendee said. Another said, “I could feel his presence in the unity and bond while praising.”

Music played a significant role in creating a spirit of worship and joy. From lively praise and worship sessions to reflective moments of adoration, the musicians helped participants connect with God. “The music truly brought the Spirit to CLE 2:16 and helped me communicate and sing to God,” one teen said. You can find the playlist for the event on Spotify.

CLE 2:16 also fostered a sense of community and relational ministry, with time set aside for group discussions to unpack the day’s experiences. Teens left feeling spiritually renewed and eager to share what they had experienced. One attendee summed it up saying, “Seeing all the smiles and emotions on other teens’ faces made me realize how much the Lord was impacting all of us in our own special ways.”

“As the diocese continues to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope and the mission year of the Eucharistic Revival, CLE 2:16 served as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith and enthusiasm of the young Church of Cleveland. For those who attended, it was a day of transformation, inspiration, and above all, hope,” Constantini said.

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