Brother Martin student emcees World Youth Day

    All of my years in the Catholic Youth Organization since sixth grade at St. Cletus in Gretna and my service as a member of Teen CROSS helped prepare me for the ultimate leadership role I was given at this year’s World Youth Day held at Loyola University on Oct. 28.
    I was chosen to be one of three emcees who introduced all speakers, schools and parishes at World Youth Day.
    This honor meant a lot to me. While I dislike public speaking, I know how important it is to make yourself do those things that are hard. I appreciated the trust placed in me by the adults who selected me.
    Teen CROSS is the group that organizes World Youth Day and prepares for weeks for their role at World Youth Day. The task groups that meet most often are those  participating in the opening ceremonies. This, of course, includes the MCs. During the meetings, the members split into smaller groups to write, practice and rehearse their parts.
    The three MCs continually read through their scripts and practiced, thinking all was fine. Then, on Oct. 27, the day before WYD, we entered the Rec Plex at Loyola University. That’s when we saw the 1,500 chairs facing the stage. Different thoughts quickly began to enter our minds.
    All day Saturday and on the Sunday morning of WYD, people saw three teen MCs pacing the gym as we rehearsed. People told me later that I appeared to be talking to myself. Pacing, practicing and memorizing; memorizing, practicing and pacing. I now know what people mean when they say they experience hysteria. I felt hysterical.
    The time had come. It was 9 a.m. on Oct. 28, and World Youth Day was here. Three very nervous but excited teenagers walked up the shaky stairs to the stage. We looked out over the chairs, now filled with 1,400-1,500 praising and worshipping teenagers.
    And when the words began to flow out of our mouths, God took over and helped all three of us enjoy the day we had been preparing for over the last three months. Of course, our CYO experience helped, too.
Leadership learned
    Teen CROSS stands for Teen Catholics Reaching Out in Selfless Service. What most people don’t know is that Teen CROSS members are selected to represent their church parish or their Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of New Orleans because they demonstrate leadership qualities.
    Once selected, the Teen CROSS member commits to volunteer for a year in the archdiocese. This volunteering includes organizing the local World Youth Day held annually in October.
    During the summer, members meet for an overnight retreat. Our retreat this year was held at the newly reopened Camp Abbey Retreat Center in Covington. The retreat helps members bond. It’s also where brainstorming begins for the World Youth Day theme.
    The planning for World Youth Day occurs after the retreat. Every few weeks, Teen CROSS members met to choose – based on individual interests and talents – how they wanted to participate in the WYD planning and program.
    While everyone was choosing their tasks, Teen CROSS coaches (adults who volunteer to work with Teen CROSS) and John Smestad, director of the Archdiocese of New Orleans CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, observed which members might make good masters of ceremonies for WYD.    
    I guess they saw something in me and gave me a chance.
    Three years ago, when I joined Teen CROSS, I only hoped to take on the role of master of ceremonies. This year, I did it proudly and confidently.
    Teen CROSS succeeded in giving another teenager the opportunity to share his faith, pray, form lasting friendships and be an active voice in youth ministry for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. My Teen CROSS and CYO involvement has made my relationship with God more personal and has made me care more about my community.
    Kyle Puyau is a senior at Brother Martin High School.