The annual VOX VITAE Pro-Life Team Leadership Summer Camp will take on a hybrid format in 2021. The program, which informs teens (14-19) on the dignity of the human person, will be held both live and virtually. Registration for the event, running from July 18-23, is open now.
The camp is a summer staple for Catholics of Southern California. Each year VOX VITAE equips teens and families to proclaim a message of faith in today’s culture. This year’s theme is Let’s Reclaim America for Life! The five-day camp will instruct on the defense of Catholic moral teaching as well as develop a spirit of activism in the public square.
In a press release, Bishop David O’Connell said of the summer camp:
“There is no better social justice cause to get involved in than saving the lives of innocent children,” said Bishop David O’Connell, VOX VITAE board member and auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles. “This is an amazing challenge that they are taking on by the part of VOX VITAE, becoming voices for life. To take on this cause these young people need a lot of support to encourage them so that they have that courage and bravery to speak for life.”
President of VOX VITAE Catherine Contreras explained that the virtual component was added due to the world pandemic. While the feature was added to address health concerns, Contreras noted that it also gives more teens and families than ever the chance to attend.
The camp
A typical camp day consists of Morning Prayer, lectures, games, lunch, small group activities, Mass, and dinner. Eucharistic Adoration and Confession are also made available every day. Along with educational endeavors, VOX VITAE encourages attendees to create friendships with community building activities.
Their guest speakers include a long list of lay Catholics, bolstered by prelates such as Archbishop Cordileone (San Francisco), Bishop David O’Connell (Los Angeles), Bishop Thomas Paprocki (Diocese of Springfield, Ill) and Bishop Joseph Strickland (Diocese of Tyler, Texas).
VOX VITAE campers will primarily explore the truth of Catholicism. Topics they will discuss include the destruction wrought by abortion and euthanasia. Time will be taken to explainthe virtues of chastity and holiness. They will also convey the importance of civic awareness and involvement in the public square.
On his weekly radio show, Cardinal Dolan recently said he was “fascinated” by the endeavor. He said:
“We are always inspired by how the young people not only are so hungry for the faith and thirsty for prayer, but particularly devoted to service and social justice – and in a very touching way to the protection of the innocent life in the womb.”
For more information and to register for the VOX VITAE Pro-Life Leadership Camp, click here.
And today we celebrate...