Looking back, the change that has taken place in my life has been phenomenal !

Hey y’all!! My name is Emma Sisk.  I’m 18 and currently a Bachelor of Arts student of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

I first heard about Youth 2000 last year when my RE teacher came into class and read an article she came across in a newspaper about a retreat for young people.  It was to be held in Mount Mellery, Co Waterford the following weekend.  Something inside me stirred and I was filled with a desire to go to that retreat.  The only problem was I couldn’t convince any of my friends to go and no way was I gonna go on my own!!  So Friday and Saturday passed and I couldn’t shift the longing in my heart to go to Mellery.  Eventually on Sunday I gave in and headed to the retreat…

Prior to the retreat I had been going through a rough time.  I was being bullied and as a result I began to suffer from depression.  I was stripped of my self-worth and my confidence.  I withdrew into a world where the only feeling I knew was of loneliness, sadness and hurt.  I forgot what love was and what it felt like. 

Arriving at the retreat I was amazed by the mass numbers of young people I saw heading to the Church for the closing Mass.  Tears filled my eyes as I looked on with envy at the people around me who seemed to have something I didn’t.  They were jumping around, clapping, singing, laughing and smiling while inside I was so broken.  It didn’t seem fair.  I wanted some of what they have.

By chance I bumped into a friend at the retreat who informed me that there was a Youth 2000 prayer meeting in my neighbouring parish (Mitchelstown).  I began to attend the prayer meeting on a weekly basis.  At first I was very nervous.  I didn’t know what to expect!! But I wasn’t long learning!

At Youth 2000 prayer meetings we start off by exposing the Blessed Sacrament.  Jesus literally enters the room and sits among us since He is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.  We then pray the Rosary and this followed by Lectio Divina.  We have a time of sharing on the Gospel and how we can relate to it.  This is followed by prayers of intercession where we bring to Jesus any petitions we may have.  After this the Blessed Sacrament is reposed and we have a cuppa and a chat afterwards.  The prayer meetings are my source of strength week after week, and with over 40 Youth 2000 prayer meetings throughout the country, they can be yours too!

There is also a social side to Youth 2000.  With weekend retreats throughout the year, a summer festival, an annual Valentine’s ball and various other social events ranging from hill-walking to BBQing, Youth 2000 provides you with the opportunity to meet new people and make amazing friends!

It’s been over a year now and what a year it has been!!  Looking back, the change that has taken place in my life has been phenomenal.  I am now filled with the happiness and joy that I craved in Mellery which only comes from knowing and loving Jesus Christ.

The awareness of my love for Jesus and acknowledgement of His love for me has brought about a betterment of personality and transformed everything from my psychological balance to my personal make-up.  I feel certain of where I am and who I’m supposed to be!  I am now one of the people you will see jumping around, clapping, singing, laughing and smiling at retreats!