Antioch Weekend was an experience that took me by complete surprise. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always attended private Catholic schools and retreats. As a result, I came to Antioch fully believing that I knew what to expect, that I would have a worthwhile, but conventional, retreat experience. Instead, I found myself returning as an Antioch leader each consecutive year, and continued until I finally served as the team’s main leader in 2016. Every single year was a refreshing experience with a new team, experiencing challenges we would always grow from as a faith family.
Suffice to say, Antioch changed my life. My faith, my love of God and of Jesus, and my relationship with the Catholic Church have all been deeply rooted through my experiences in Antioch. I am, thanks to my Antioch team, unafraid to share or express my beliefs and relationship with God. I can pray, with confidence that God is listening and will respond. I am proud to be part of a movement that is spreading the Good News to young people; something we don’t see often. I could not be prouder to be part of this community, and because of my Antioch family, my faith journey will continue on strong.
– Steven Messina, Antioch Youth Ministry