ND Vision Summer program helps youth discern how God calls them

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
February 10, 2005

High school students from the Diocese of Sioux City are encouraged to participate in the ND Vision program. Held on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, this is a retreat/summer camp designed to help young people recognize their life's work as a response to a call from God.

Andrew Hoyt, a native of the diocese from Jefferson who is a senior at Notre Dame, has been directly involved in ND Vision for three years. The last two years he was one of 70 Notre Dame undergraduate students to serve as a counselor and small group leader for the program. This year his involvement has expanded as he now serves on the student advisory board for ND Vision, heading up sending invitations out to high school students across the country.

He pointed out that he had "such an amazing time" in working with the program that he wanted others from the diocese to have the opportunity for a similar experience.

"We try to theologically explore the notion of vocation to even include people's vocation to be a mother, doctor or farmer," said Hoyt. "The whole point is to try to help the students understand how they can be good disciples of Christ and how that is a vocation. God has a vocation for each of them even if they are not called to religious life."

ND Vision program dates are June 20 to 24, June 27 to July 1, July 11 to 15 and July 18 to 22.

For individuals or groups registering before March 1, there is a price break. Cost is $295 per person if paid before March 1 or $345 if registered after March 1. There is also a price break for groups of five or more applicants. If groups register and pay before March 1, the cost is $270 per person. Groups that register after March 1, the price goes to $320 per person. This includes the cost of the overnight accommodations and meals. The final deadline to register for the program is May 15.

"We have people from all over the country come to the program," said Hoyt, who added that some attendees come from other countries. "There haven't been many come from Iowa, so I am hoping to draw some in from the Sioux City Diocese and other parts of Iowa."

Hoyt, the son of Rosemary and David Hoyt of Jefferson who is majoring in liberal studies, will be one of the keynote speakers all four sessions. Some of the main topics presented during the week include God's Call for Us, The Challenges of Discipleship, The Call to Conversion, The Call to Self-Love and Fostering Healthy Relationships.

"We have quite a few professional speakers from across the country that come in," he noted. "We have an auditorium setting where a large group of about 300 will listen to speakers and the music ministry, then we break into small groups throughout the day to discuss the topics with other high school students. It's both large and small group."

Hoyt said it offered a balance between more serious, spiritual experiences including such things as spiritual reflection and Mass as well as high-energy, entertaining activities like games and skits.

"This is a great way to explore the concept of vocation - how do I work into what God has planned for me? It's a great way to develop strong faith no matter what people choose to do," he said.

Applications for ND Vision are available at the Web site - www.nd.edu/~ndvi - as is more information about the program. If cost is an issue, Hoyt mentioned that they could investigate various scholarship possibilities.