Georgia Bulletin

The Newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

Atlanta

Congress Offers ‘Revive!’ For Young Adults

Published May 18, 2006

Atlanta young adults will have an opportunity to deepen their faith as a diverse group of speakers present at “Revive!” the annual young adult track of the Eucharistic Congress, which will be held Friday, June 16, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center.

The event, which is expected to draw 600-800 young adults between the ages of 18-40, will include music and eucharistic adoration and Benediction, led by Father Ricardo Bailey, a parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church in Atlanta.

Mary Beth Bonacci, an internationally known speaker, will be the main presenter at “Revive!”

Bonacci, who is the author of two books, has been speaking about love, relationships and chastity to teens and young adults around the world since 1986. Her video series, “Real Love,” is currently used in schools and churches throughout the United States and in other parts of the world.

Bonacci holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of San Francisco, a master’s degree in theology of marriage and family from the John Paul II Institute at Lateran University, and an honorary doctorate in communications from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Lisa Epperson, Eastern and international director for LIFE TEEN, and one of the founders of “On the Deck,” a ministry for Catholic college students, will serve as the emcee for the event.

The event will begin with music at 7:30 p.m., followed by a welcome and introduction. Bonacci will speak at 8 p.m. After a brief intermission from 9-9:20 p.m., Father Bailey will lead a eucharistic procession, followed by adoration and Benediction.

Dorothy Polchinski, director of young adult ministry (YAM) for the archdiocese, is excited to attend her first “Revive!” Polchinski, who recently earned a master’s degree in theology and Christian ministry and catechetics specialization from Franciscan University of Steubenville, has served as the YAM director since mid-February.

“I think ‘Revive!’ is a great way for young adults to come and experience other young adults who are excited about their faith,” she said. “It’s a super opportunity to enter into dynamic worship with music led by our ‘Revive!’ band, and to be encouraged in faith by our speakers and emcee.”

Polchinski believes “Revive!” is a key event in the YAM calendar.

“‘Revive!’ really brings together the mission of YAM—to connect young adults to Jesus, the Catholic Church and one another—At ‘Revive!’ those things really happen,” she said. “It’s centered around the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our faith, and everything else flows from that.”

 


For more information about “Revive!” call Dorothy Polchinski at (770) 993-5245 or visit www.archatl.com/congress/2006/revive.html.