The YOUTH 2000 participants are seen in the gym at Brescia University during the March 14-16, 2025 retreat. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Faith, floods, and the unsung heroes of YOUTH 2000
BY CHARLIE HARDESTY, OFFICE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
We had worried all week about the potentially dangerous storms that would hit over the weekend of YOUTH 2000 this March 14-16. After a mostly normal start to the retreat on Friday, I found myself sitting in my truck in a carwash bay at 4:30 a.m. (I know… brilliant!) watching hail like I had never seen before pelt the ground. Driving home, I remember thinking that wasn’t too bad.
By 7:30 a.m., I arrived at Brescia University excited for day two, only to be met at the door by Dcn. Tim Nugent who expressed, “We may have a water problem.” That, as it turned out, proved to be an understatement.
This was the 28th year of YOUTH 2000 in the Diocese of Owensboro. With over 650 participants registered, that was the highest number we had seen as a post-pandemic. The retreat itself was fantastic and in so many ways was the powerful experience we have come to expect with inspiring talks, great liturgy and prayer, adoration, music, and young people coming alive in their faith.
Behind the scenes, however, there was chaos, tons of water pouring in, and countless unsung heroes that stepped forward to make sure the young people participating in YOUTH 2000 would have the best experience possible. Stepping forward were hundreds of adults – “adults who care” – doing everything possible to keep YOUTH 2000 afloat (see what I did there?).
Mary Osborn, Amelia Evans, an unknown youth, and Abby Hayden during post-Mass snack break at this year’s YOUTH 2000. RILEY GREIF | WKC
First, I wish to acknowledge Venessa and Kelly, part of the maintenance team at Brescia. When I arrived Saturday morning, they were already hard at work mopping and cleaning the water that had crept in overnight. Exceptional were their efforts for the next 10 hours, battling the flood, all while keeping the garbage cans emptied, and making sure every need for a successful retreat was met.
Three of our seminarians – Tommy Rhodes, Hunter Dickens, and Wes Wheatley – thought they were coming to hang out with youth and to represent vocations for the weekend. By Saturday afternoon, they had snapped into full on mop squad. Once Fr. Larry Hostetter and the staff at Brescia arrived to assess the damage, they quickly began every effort they could to help control the water and keep the retreat going. Dcn. Tim, who was there with merchandise from his store, was never seen without a mop in his hand.
Once the water began pouring through the ceiling of the cafeteria, countless adult volunteers jumped into action moving as many tables as possible and chairs into the lobby so that dinner could still happen.
I must give special recognition to Lisa Bivins. Through the spirit and faithfulness of her and her family, we were ultimately able to keep the other aspects of the retreat going in the gym like normal. Lisa worked to constantly remind all of us that Jesus is with us and, “We’ve got this!”
Through it all, there was worry and concern, but little complaint. The young people were absolutely amazing and willing to be flexible at every turn. Many of you have read in past articles my effort to rally “adults who care” in our diocese. At YOUTH 2000 2025, “adults who care” were on full display!
Charlie Hardesty is the director of youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese of Owensboro.
Seminarians Wes Wheatley, Hunter Dickens, and Tommy Rhodes mop up water from leaks created from early morning hail damage during YOUTH 2000 on March 15, 2025. COURTESY OF FR. COREY D. BRUNS
Youths sing and dance at the beginning of the weekend-long YOUTH 2000 retreat on March 14, 2025. RILEY GREIF | WKC
A youth faces the “burning bush” in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during this year’s YOUTH 2000. COURTESY OF FR. COREY D. BRUNS
A youth attends the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this year’s YOUTH 2000. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Boys clap their hands and sing during YOUTH 2000 this past March 2025. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Originally printed in the April 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
