Pittsburgh's Bishop Zubik is a hit with teens

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Pittsburgh Catholic) - From his seat in the middle of the second row, Bishop David Zubik fit right in with the teens around him.

He watched the concert intently, clapping enthusiastically after each song.

It was obvious that he was comfortable in the presence of the young people -- and they were comfortable with him.

More than 600 teens from around the diocese gathered to officially welcome Bishop Zubik to the diocese during an April 6 convocation at Bishop Canevin High School in Pittsburgh's Oakwood neighborhood.

The gathering included a concert by Who Do You Say I Am?, a prayer service and a social.

"The bishop showed me that he's a man who can relate to people of all ages," said Luke Haywiser of St. Valentine in Bethel Park.

Joyce Gillooly, director of the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, pointed out that teens knew only Archbishop Donald Wuerl as their bishop, and so it was natural for them to have questions about what type of spiritual leader Bishop Zubik will be.

She quoted a teen who said young people have to know what he expects of them.

"What does he have to say to us as the young church? What would he like to see us do?"

Gillooly noted that the bishop was eager to be with them and answer their questions.

Standing up for the faith

From the outset, Bishop Zubik has challenged the faithful to be excited about their faith.

Courtney Lewis, a senior at Mount Alvernia High School, said it was good to see that many of her peers are following his message.

"Sometimes it's hard to find in the teenage crowd people who are willing to stand up for their faith," she said.

Steven Torquato of St. Victor in Bairdford was glad to see his peers focus on one idea -- God.

"He has a purpose for us," he said.

In addressing the teens, Bishop Zubik pointed to the popular "Dancing With the Stars." One of the current contestants is hearing-impaired actress Marlee Matlin.

The bishop spoke of how she has had the courage to overcome her obstacles.

He pointed to Doug Flutie, who did not let his small stature prevent him from becoming a star football quarterback.

He also related the story of musician Tony Melendez, who was born without arms, but he learned to play the guitar with his feet. He captured the hearts of the nation with his performance before Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles in 1979.

Bishop Zubik asked the teens what would have happened if the three had not had the courage to push forward.

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"God gives us talents, and he wants us to do something with them," he said.

The bishop noted that there are times when all of us need support. He spoke of feeling the awesome responsibility of being the bishop.

Bishop Zubik said that through prayer God gave him direction. We must all be open to God's plan for us, he said.

Pointing to the Gospel for the day, in which Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes, the bishop said it is more than a story. He said it's an invitation to take what little we have and give it back to God.

We must look in the mirror and see the good that God can do with us as well, he said.

"God never sells us short," Bishop Zubik said. "Pray God we may never do so with ourselves, with each other, and go with him."

The teens took his message to heart.

"It made me feel good," said Pat Reed of Our Lady of Joy in Holiday Park. "We're all different talents."

Added Meghan Curran of All Saints in Etna: "It shows us that no matter how big or small our talents may be, we can all use them to become better and live out our call."

Enthusiasm and commitment

Father Kris Stubna, secretary for education, said it was good that Bishop Zubik had the opportunity to see the enthusiasm of the teens and their commitment to the church.

"The young people bring that," he said. "They have such enthusiasm. They have such love for the church."

Father Stubna noted that it was important for the bishop to gather with the teens in prayer because it is at the center of the faith.

As we look to the future, Father Stubna said, we must recognize the critical role that the teens will play. We must find ways to keep them connected to the church.

In recognition of the gathering, the teens presented Bishop Zubik with gifts they could relate to, including a gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory and a certificate to download music on iTunes.

"Bishop, it's because we know you are practicing with 'Dancing With the Stars,'" said Maura Rogers, a member of the Diocesan Youth Council, who made the presentation.

Bishop Zubik said he was encouraged by the warm welcome from the teens. He noted that their pride in the church was evident.

"It says a great deal about the future of our Church," he said.

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The bishop credited parents and catechetical leaders who have formed them in the faith.

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This story was made available to Catholic Online by permission of the Pittsburgh Catholic(www.pittsburghcatholic.org), official newspaper of the Dicoese of Pittsburgh,Pa.