One Bread One Cup (OBOC) is a liturgical formation conference focused on the Word, Sacrament, and Mission of the Catholic Church located at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Southern Indiana. This summer, several other college interns and I took part in training sessions to learn more about our faith, so that we could lead teenagers in the liturgical formation conferences. 

What impacted me was both the community life fostered among the interns and the experience of being a leader to the youth throughout the conference. The community life of the college interns was a source of joy for me. I’m an introvert and enjoy spending time alone. Being within an intentional faith community of male and female college students forced me out of my shell. At first, I was hesitant to engage, but after some prodding from the adult staff, I entered more fully into the community. How grateful I am for their prodding! Forming friendships was delightful and fun. Together, we took classes, played card games, and went on walks through the beautiful countryside. I had a blast getting to know a group of people who were serious about their faith and enjoyed each other's company. 

Within each conference, the other interns and I were assigned groups of four to seven high school students to lead. We led them in several activities throughout the conference: evening prayer with the monks, the crazy hat dance, daily Mass, etc. We ended each day with theological reflection, helping them to unpack their day by recognizing where God was present. When I was leading my groups, I had a feeling that I was participating in fatherhood. I wanted to see them joyful, having fun, and growing closer to Jesus. Most importantly, I had to trust that God would use me as an effective instrument to lead them closer to Him. I realized that ultimately, it was not me leading them closer to Jesus, but the Holy Spirit working through me. 

Overall, the summer at St. Meinrad was grace filled, and I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to work as an intern at One Bread One Cup. I made friends and, hopefully, was an instrument in leading youth to Christ. Christ used OBOC to bring me closer to Him, and for this I am grateful.