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WHY HAPPENING?
WHAT HAS CHRISTIANITY GOT TO DO WITH A TEENAGER’S WORLD TODAY? HOW CAN THE CHURCH SPEAK TO TODAY’S YOUTH? HAPPENING POINTS TO AN ANSWER…
HAPPENING is one of those things that must be experienced to be fully understood. During the three-day weekend, the participants spend time seriously considering the person and teaching of Jesus Christ in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. They are provided with opportunities to share, discuss, learn and live with fellow Christians in an environment of acceptance and understanding.
HAPPENING is not a new form of spirituality, nor is it just another weekend retreat. It is a personal encounter with the living Christ as expressed in the traditions of the Episcopal Church. Hopefully, those who attend a Happening will join those who have gone before them in their desire to serve the Church, to continue in their commitment to Christ and to look for further opportunities to share with others what they have lived and learned.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
A Happening weekend begins on Friday afternoon with registration, dinner and orientation. That evening the theme of the weekend is developed through a series of keynote addresses presented by both youth on staff and priests for the weekend. Please Listen to What I’m Not Saying and Reality are the first two talks. They invite the Happeners to begin to take off their “masks” and to open themselves to the Spiritual Reality of Christ, a reality that is permanent, reliable and sure, a firm foundation on which to build a secure life.
Spiritual Reality is found through Faith in Jesus Christ, lived in a relationship of Prayer and nourished by the Church.. The theme closes with the Apostolate talk, a call to act as Christian in the World.
Throughout the weekend, Happeners work and play, sing, share, pray and worship. They are introduced to the sacramental life of the Episcopal Church. The weekend ends with Eucharist on Sunday afternoon.
PARTICIPANTS ARE NEVER
ASKED TO SAY OR DO ANYTHING THAT WILL EMBARRASS THEM OR COMPROMISE
THEIR PRINCIPLES.
WHO ATTENDS?
The staff of a Happening is made up primarily of teenagers who lead the weekend and take care of the Happeners. The adults are logistical support; acting as cook, chaperones, or they may be attending as Happeners themselves. Priests are present on the weekend as Spiritual Directors, giving some of the addresses and serving as chaplains.
All meals and housing are provided by the host parish. Showers are arranged for the Happeners elsewhere during the weekend.
Any high school student in the 10th through 12th grade may attend Happening. A small number of adults are also allowed to attend as participants in the weekend. Adults who attend must be at least 21 and working in youth ministry.
Happening is not limited to Episcopalians, but the number of non-Episcopalians is restricted.
