By Gretchen R. Crowe
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/30/04)

In 1979, Dr. Eduardo Azcarate had a vision of young people being ministered to by lay and religious leaders alike. This year the "fruit" of that vision — the Youth Apostles Institute — is celebrating its silver anniversary.

Last Saturday night the Youth Apostles Institute gathered for a celebratory Mass and reception at St. Anthony Parish in Falls Church.

"It is with great joy that we assemble this evening," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde as he began the Mass. "In a very real way we have come back home to the beginning. In was in this place 25 years ago that Youth Apostles Institute was prayed over and began."

According to their mission statement, the Youth Apostles are "committed to evangelize, teach, advise, challenge, console and love youth with the ultimate purpose of inspiring them to live a Christ-like life centered on prayer and the Sacraments in the Catholic Church."

Currently in place in the dioceses of Arlington and Fall River, Mass., the Youth Apostles also are involved in many colleges and universities in the area including the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

"Twenty-five years ago nine men eager to serve youth assembled for the first retreat," Bishop Loverde said. "Twenty-five years later, 71 men serve all over the country in a variety of ministries centered on youth. We are here to give thanks to God for the blessings of the Youth Apostles … for these men of faith and the support of their families."

Father Jack Peterson, director of the Youth Apostles Institute, said he was "very humbled" to be the current leader of the organization.

"It’s a real blessing to be here to celebrate with all of these people," he said. "It is so difficult to get men into church — into ministry. That is a gift that Youth Apostles brings to the Church."

Youth Apostles uniquely combines the service of both religious and lay vocations. Father Peterson said the ministry of married men was a gift to the community.

"They are dedicated to their families and to working with young people," he said. "That’s a feat in today’s world."

Azcarate, founder of the Youth Apostles Institute, was also present for the celebration.

"I am particularly happy that we are celebrating at St. Anthony’s," he said. "That is where I began my ministry 30 years ago."

To commemorate his many years of service, Azcarate was given an official papal blessing.

"It took a while to discern and think what it would be like," Azcarate said. "I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be this big."

The Youth Apostles Institute in the Diocese of Arlington is affiliated with nine parishes, has 58 full members, 13 candidates and is supported by seven full-time youth ministers.

Eric McDade, a parishioner at St. Mark Church in Vienna, joined the Youth Apostles 10 years ago.

"Youth Apostles has helped me grow as a Christian," he said. It "has given me a deeper sense of service — particularly toward kids."

This idea is particularly important because, as Bishop Loverde said, "Young people are not the future Church. They are the Church now. The young Church."