Happening & El Camino
Happening
Throughout the weekend, a series of talks are delivered by youth and clergy to logically present the elements that define the catechism process and a mature profession of faith. Each talk is a critical building block in the creation of the Happening message. The entire series of talks is given in a sequence that is intended to guide Happeners by opening an avenue of discussions to help them verbalize and internalize their faith questions in a safe environment, hopefully leading to a new or renewed relationship with Christ.
Upcoming Happening Weekend
Happening #89
Friday, Nov 17, 2023, 5:30 PM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
High schoolers in grades 10-12 who are prepared to explore their faith more deeply alongside their peers. Candidates must have the support of their
clergy, a sponsor, their parent(s) or guardian(s), and their youth minister, if applicable.
Who should attend Happening?
The sponsor helps to coordinate the entire
process of their Candidate's attendance at Happening. Sponsor responsibilities
include: helping with the Candidate's
transportation arrangements to and from the Bishop Gravatt Center,
communicating with the Candidate's parents, priest, and other persons about writing Caritas and attending the closing liturgy on Sunday afternoon, and continual prayers for the Candidates and staff. Sponsorship of a candidate is
not just a signature on a line, but a serious commitment; the sponsor is
pledging to support the spiritual growth of their candidate. Sponsors can be adults or youth.
What does a "Sponsor" do?
Yes, there is a Happening scholarship fund. We ask that you first attempt to get funding
through your family and/or local church. Your priest is the best place to
start when seeking local funding. Once
you have exhausted these sources and you still need money to meet the
registration cost, contact the
Missioner for Christian Formation to arrange for
scholarship assistance. As with all
youth events in the diocese the basic policy for scholarship assistance is that
the person or their family contributes 1/3, their congregation contributes 1/3,
and the diocese also 1/3. Other
arrangements are possible as no person should be kept from attending youth
programs due to financial difficulties.
Are scholarships available?
No; The Happening Experience is meant to foster an environment of fellowship and faith exploration for first-time attendees (aka Candidates). Once you've participated as a Candidate, you must apply for Weekend Staff to return to Happening.
I've already "Happened"; can I "Happen" again?
Once you’ve “Happened,” there are numerous ways to stay involved and continue your faith journey, whether through sponsoring a Candidate, writing Caritas, praying for Candidates before, during, and after the weekend, or representing the larger Happening family by attending the closing.
Another way to engage with the Happening weekend is serving on Weekend Staff (staff roles include Gofors, Small Group Leaders, Musicians, El Camino (formerly “GIC”), Moms/Dads (adults only), and Spiritual Directors (clergy only). The purpose of Happening Staff is to serve the Candidates and create a safe, loving, welcoming environment to have an open and transformative weekend experience. The following are descriptions of each staff role involved in the Happening Weekend experience. The Lay Rector and Big Brother/Big Sister, along with the Observing Lay Rector and Observing Big Brother/Sister, decide selection for Weekend Staff with the assistance of the Happening Steering Committee.
We recognize the importance of raising youth leaders with varying level of pre-existing experience and seek to give mindful consideration to individuals who:
- have completed the online application by the application deadline
- offer specific gifts, talents, or skills needed for Weekend Staff (i.e. musicians)
- strive to practice spiritual discipline and develop a life-giving relationship with God
- are engaged in the life of their faith community
- have not yet served on Weekend Staff
- did not participate on Weekend Staff at the last Happening
- have staffed less than two Happening weekends in a row
Adult staff applicants must be at least 22 years of age, actively participate in a faith community, have a current Safeguarding certification (within the last 5 years), and agree to a background check.
Gofors assist the Rector in managing the flow of the weekend experience. As the name implies, they "go for" needed materials and do so cheerfully.
Gofors
Small Group Leaders guide the Candidates through the experience more directly by providing helpful insight and pastoral care to the members of their groups.
Small Group Leaders
Musicians provide a contemplative and enriching space for worship by sharing their musical talents. They work together with varying levels of musical experience to "create a joyful noise."
Musicians
Moms and Dads are adult volunteers who offer another layer of pastoral comfort to Candidates and Staff alike. They assist Gofors with acquiring materials, setting up activities, and much more!
Moms/Dads
Spiritual Directors are clergy persons selected by the rector to offer theological framing to the weekend. Spiritual Directors give a number of talks and assist in various worship capacities.
Spiritual Directors
El Camino
The El Camino program is not currently active, but the Happening Steering Committee hopes to relaunch fall 2022
El Camino (formerly known as Growth in Christ, or “GIC”) is a program that takes place on the Saturday and Sunday concurrent with the Happening weekend. Participants reflect on their Happening experience while supporting the staff and serving the Candidates behind the scenes. El Camino is led by the most recent rector when possible, otherwise leaders will be identified by the current rector and Steering Committee.
Over the past year, the Happening Steering Committee has been engaged in a revisioning process for GIC, now El Camino, and the decision to change the name is rooted in seeking to better translate what the program is to the wider Happening community. The full name, "El Camino: Following the Way of Jesus," explains exactly what “GIC” has always been: an extension of the Happening experience that helps us follow the way of Jesus (because “El Camino” means “the way” in Spanish)
