New Spirit

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
"The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back." (Dear Abby)

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Click here to see New Spirit on Real to Reel
(This piece aired on NBC 22 on 5/5/07)

New Spirit is a non-profit youth ministry organization committed to proclaiming the good news of God's Real Presence in the world and his Unconditional Love for each of us. The goal is to create an environment which accepts and celebrates all young people, enabling them to enjoy a positive faith experience, and inviting them to be in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Since beginning New Spirit in 1994, Pat Sears and Barry Kingston have traveled Southern New England together, leading youth events. During the first 17 years, they've run 1,600 retreats & rallies for 80,000 teenagers, from 650 different parishes and schools. In addition, they have served as the Keynote speakers at Diocesan youth gatherings for the Diocese of Springfield, the Archdiocese of Boston, and the Diocese of Providence.

	Pat Sears has been dedicated to youth ministry since 1988. Prior to the New Spirit years, he served as the director of Generations Ahead, a parish-based youth ministryprogram north of Boston (St. Alphonsus Parish, Danvers-Beverly), and spent a year in the seminary with the Franciscan Order. In 1993, he was awarded the "Pro Deo et Juventute" (For God and Youth) award by the Office of Youth Ministry in Boston. Pat's sense of humor, and ability to share his faith through personal stories has made him a popular and inspirational speaker at youth events. Presently, Pat and his wife, Carolyn, live in Springfield, MA with their 5 boys (Nick, Tim, Josh, Danny, and Gabe).

Barry Kingston is a rock musician who has enjoyed success on many levels. His first national exposure came as a result of his band winning MTV's "Basement Tapes" competition. The highlights of Barry's solo career include: performing on stage with Wyclef Jean; playing outside Foxboro Stadium as part of the World Catholic Youth Day; and opening for Bob Marley's band, "The Wailers." He has recorded five studio albums and one live album. His latest CD, "IV" (a musical collaboration with his brother Chris) was released in December, 2008. For more info. about Barry's band, visit his web site: barrykingston.com During the fall of 2003, Barry was married to Becca Martel from Chicopee, MA. They are the proud parents of Bianca and Barry II ("Little Bear").

New Spirit started as a direct result of the Blessed Mother getting Pat & Barry's attention in the summer of 1989. Once she had their attention, she did what she always does ~ she led them closer to her Son. Our ministry efforts are consecrated to Mary.

On March 9th, 2008, 800 people filled Holy Name Church in Chicopee, MA to spend an evening with the Queen of Peace; Our Lady of Medjugorje. One of the visionaries from Medjugorje (Ivan Dragicevic) was our special guest and featured speaker. The Virgin Mary has appeared to Ivan EVERY day for the last 28 years. She appeared to him during his visit to Holy Name on March 9th. It was the largest gathering ever of the New Spirit Family (over 500 campers, team members, volunteers, donors, and friends were present). It was a beautiful, grace-filled night. If you'd like listen to Ivan share with us about Our Lady's time with us, click here. To see a brief synopsis of the Medjugorje Story, click here (special thanks to Larry & Mary Sue Eck for granting us permission to reproduce the synopsis from Medjugorje Magazine: www.medjugormag.com). If you'd like more detailed information about the apparitions, check out: www.medjugorje.org.

Wondering what the Catholic Church says about Medjugorje?
At this time, the Catholic Church has not made a judgement in regards to Medjugorje. It will not do so until the apparitions end. In the meantime, one is allowed personally to believe in the apparitions and messages of Medjugorje provided they contain nothing which is contrary to faith and morals. Throughout the ages, Mary has always pointed the way to Jesus. This is true in the case of the messages attributed to Our Lady of Medjugorje. They have consistently reinforced Gospel teachings and values. If Her messages contradicted what the Bible says and the Church teaches, the Pope would have already advised us to stay away from them. But Her messages up to this point only confirm and deepen what the Church teaches.

According to Ivan Dragicevic, Our Blessed Mother once said, "My dear children, I am beautiful because I love. And you, my dear children, love and you will be beautiful." She also said, "If you knew how much I loved you, you would weep for joy."