For the first time since 2019, the diocese hosted BASH April 30. As the 675 middle school students poured into Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, excitement was in the air. Due to the pandemic, this was the first time that any of these students were able to participate in this typically annual event. The sunny weather contributed to a beautiful event and festival atmosphere that spread across the entire school campus.
Attendees enjoyed a faith-filled day with opportunities to gather in prayer, grow in their relationship with Christ and have fun. The main goal of the event is to treat middle school students to an exciting day of faith with their peers and build relationships with adults from within their parishes, which studies show is key to sustaining their faith as a young adult.
The event, coordinated by the Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, was centered on the diocesan theme for this year of “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Keynote speaker Dan Harms spoke of the importance of receiving the Eucharist and living each day rooted in Jesus. Through his combination of game-playing and storytelling, Harms was able to keep the attention of hundreds of energetic sixth through eighth graders and underscore the day’s theme.
A highlight for the young people was the opportunity to spend time with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. In his homily, Bishop Burbidge pointed to the disciples in the Sunday Gospel, reminding the young people that like them, “We are in the boat together, trying to get to the same place: heaven. We must let Jesus steer and guide us in the right direction.” After Mass, Bishop Burbidge chatted and ate dinner with the youths while they were in the midst of the many outdoor activities. In addition, he spoke during a session meant to help young people begin listening to God’s call in their lives.
Dinner, ice cream and live music performed by O’Connell’s Blue Comet Jazz Combo contributed to a festival atmosphere. Many options for recreation included rock climbing walls, inflatable games, free-throw competitions and gaga tournaments.
Find out more
BASH 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, April 22. Parents of children who will be in sixth-eighth grade should contact their parish director of youth ministry or director of religious education for information on how to sign up and attend.
