Attending Notre Dame Vision

One of the valuable experiences I am able to offer our young people at St Benedict Parish is an opportunity to see their faith trough a different lens. This opportunity is the benefit of attending Notre Dame Vision and it reveals itself to everyone who accepts the invitation to attend.

Notre Dame Vision is a 5-day experience on the Notre Dame campus designed to help participants discover and renew God’s call in their lives. Notre Dame Vision is open to all 8th grade graduates and high school students. Participants connect with hundreds of other high school students, learning from the witness of the saints and developing practices to live their faith. A week at Notre Dame Vision invites participants to experience the Notre Dame campus and sharpen their spiritual vision to recognize God’s grace at work in your life.

With the rich insights of nationally-known speakers and the mentorship of active college students, in large group sessions and in small faith-sharing peer groups, Notre Dame Vision gives each person the space and community to ask big questions about how God is speaking and invites us to use our talents in service to the Church and world.

This summer 5 young people from our parish accepted this invitation. Because of their courage to try something new and their willingness to be present in the moment, they each were able to acknowledge God’s continual presence around them and grow in faith. We heard several speakers throughout the week and each one provided something to reflect on and think about.

It’s easy to say “no” to something new. Familiarity can make us comfortable but, these young people took a chance and benefitted from it. Their courage has the potential to change them and everyone they interact with, and I am grateful for their “yes.” In the following article you will read their thoughts about their experience ~ Kim McMillan

I attended Notre Dame Vision for the second time this year. I attended in 2022 and 2023. One of the speakers we heard, Mike Patin, said something that really stuck with me. He said; “What happens at Vision leaves Vision and CONTINUES.”

I had never really thought about that before he said it. It means my experience of ND Vision cannot just stay at the University of Notre Dame. His statement is inspiring to me because we learned so much at Vision about God through the plays that the mentors acted in. I spent a lot of time thinking about walking in other people’s shoes and why it’s important not judge others as I walked around the campus during Vision. God accepts people for who they are, and I took that away with me and I will try to think about that in my own life every day. ~ Henry Timm

During my time at Notre Dame for Vision this year, I was able to slow down the outside world of busy life and find peace through God and His works. The time I spent in reflection at Vision, gave me a deeper understanding on how to turn to God when my life becomes difficult. I feel because I made this effort to look for God, I was able to see His presence in the people that were with me in my small group. They showed me that we all have the opportunity to receive God’s love and it is really beautiful to see it revealed in others.

I, at last, was able to see the path of balance here. Through the action of taking a step back and allowing myself to grow where I am, I have the best way forward for God, and with Him. I now will not worry so much about living my life because I have the fortitude and courage to just be with God. ~ Charlie Maida

I attended Notre Dame Vision and had a fantastic time. Whether it was eating meals in South Dining Hall, walking around campus with my roommate, talking about God in our lives during small group sessions, or learning of God’s love in DeBartollo Hall, Notre Dame Vision was a fun and unique way of getting closer to God and learning of his compassion towards me.

I really enjoyed that we got to stay in real college dorms and even experience what it is like to miss your alarm and not have a parent there to wake you up. It really felt like I was going to college in the fact that we had no chaperone. You wake up when you want, you go eat, then you do whatever you want until you have to be at DeBartollo around 9:00am. I highly suggest going to Notre Dame Vision and learning more about your relationship with God. ~ Dillon Lish

When I went to ND Vision it was great. At first, I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone. I realized I didn’t need to be nervous because I got to know so many people and I had a ton of fun.

My favorite speaker was Fr. Augustino Torres. Fr. Agustino Torres, C.F.R. is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal based in the Bronx, NY. His community is dedicated to working with the poor and to evangelization. He shared some amazing stories about men who were homeless but got baptized because his community shared their faith with them.

Notre Dame Vision wasn’t just church camp, and I enjoyed the free time we had, also. We each were put in a small group with other people the same age and we really got to know each other. We shared thoughts and hopes and learned more about our God who loves us. It is a great experience, and I would recommend it to everyone. ~ Robbie Hayes

My experience at Notre Dame Vision influenced me in positive ways such as realizing God is in everything around me and helping me find peace in prayer. I made friends with some of the other participants, even with those who are older than me.

Notre dame Vision is a good experience because it reminds you and helps you see God in other people, regardless of your first impressions about them.

Because of this experience, I intend to be more positive and a good example of my faith. I wish to spread that to my friends and family around me. I am so grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend this trip. ~ Liam Gould