Youth encouraged to attend Iowa 2000 in January

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Dec. 7, 2006

Youth from the Diocese of Sioux City are welcome to attend Iowa 2000, formerly Youth 2000, to be held in Des Moines

Last year the core team for Youth 2000 decided to become Iowa 2000 with the blessing of Bishop Joseph Charron and Youth 2000 international.

The retreat for 2007 will be held Jan. 5, 6 and 7 at Dowling High School in Des Moines. The retreat is open to all ages 13-30 with those under 18 needing to be accompanied by a chaperone.

Though the name of the retreat has changed to Iowa 2000, it will follow the same format as it has in the past.

"It's a lot of singing, celebrating. It is focused on the Eucharist," said Mary Beth Beacom, a member of the core team who lives in Des Moines. Beacom, a native of Sioux City, is also in charge of setting up all-night adoration that is open to parents and adults to pray for those attending the retreat.

The Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal from the Bronx, N.Y. are the retreat leaders. They do some of the talks and lead small groups.

"They focus a lot on the mercy of God and reconciliation," said Beacom.

There are local priests available for reconciliation throughout the weekend. Beacom noted that there is always a line for reconciliation.

The new speakers for this retreat will be John Pridmore of London, England, author of "From Gangland to Promised Land" and Gina Giambrone, a chastity speaker and author of "The Four Teresas."

The weekend concludes with Mass on Sunday when families are invited to attend as well.

"The kids come out with two things. I think they come out with an unbelievable feeling that they have the love of Christ," said Beacom. "They really feel a joy when they leave. They form friendships with people from all over. They look forward to coming back the next year."

Julie and Rich Hindman, parishioners at St. Malachy Parish in Madrid and residents of Maxwell, have helped with various aspects of the retreat since the

beginning in 2000.

"This is the most rewarding undertaking we have ever been a part of," said Julie. "This is the eighth year and each time we get more than we give. This retreat clearly deepens one's faith and brings the church's real mission into

sharper focus for those in attendance."

The couple noted that they have seen new vocations "spring up in which this retreat was given credit for awakening the calling to religious vocations."

"Youth 2000 has been held in Iowa since January of 2000. The first one was at Sacred Heart School in Boone," said Rich. "Bishop DiNardo gave permission and

Father Steve McLoud offered Sacred Heart as the sponsoring parish and worked

closely with us on the preparation and hosting of the retreat."

The following year in January of 2001, St. Anthony's in Des Moines hosted the retreat with the permission of Bishop Charron. In January of 2002, the retreat moved to Dowling Catholic High School and was sponsored by St. John's Basilica. The same arrangement was continued for 2003. In January 2004,

2005 and 2006, the sponsoring parish was St. Mary of Nazareth in Des Moines.

Participants attend mostly from Iowa but there are people from Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, etc. as well. The attendees are housed by local families or stay in nearby hotels. The meals for the weekend are provided by the Knights of Columbus.

Beacom pointed out that Rich is in charge of security for the weekend. Each person who is part of the retreat will have a wristband signifying his or her involvement - participant, chaperone or security. People without a wristband will not be allowed in.

Cost of the retreat is $30. For more information or to print out registration forms for Iowa 2000 go to www.iowa2000.net. Those who register by Dec. 15 will receive a free Iowa 2000 T-shirt.