The 20th-annual “BASH” in the Diocese of Arlington brought together nearly 1,400 Catholic middle school students for a day of faith-building and fellowship at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington. The event, which has grown significantly over the years, aimed to provide the students with a foundation for lifelong involvement in the church. Amid challenges and distractions, speakers at the event reminded the teens to seek a relationship with Jesus and prioritize prayer in their daily lives. The Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Michael Burbidge, delivered a Mass and emphasized the importance of living a fulfilling life in Christ.
Despite rainy weather, the event proceeded indoors with games, food, and messages from faith leaders. Bishop Burbidge interacted with the attendees during dinner, leaving an inspirational impact on the young participants. The Diocese of Arlington views events like BASH as opportunities for teens and tweens to remain connected to their parishes and the church as they transition into high school. For many of the attendees who do not attend Catholic schools, events like BASH provide a chance to meet the bishop and deepen their faith community involvement. Studies have shown that young adults who have relationships with adult leaders in their church during their teenage years are more likely to remain active in their faith as young adults.
Kevin Bohli, the executive director of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of Arlington, emphasized the importance of providing a supportive environment for young people facing mental health challenges. Events like BASH aim to promote positive relationships between teens and adults, reducing the likelihood of at-risk behaviors. The presence of caring adult leaders in a young person’s life significantly impacts their ability to cope with mental health issues and make healthy choices. Fr. Gregory Thompson, parochial vicar at St. Louis Catholic Church, noted the joy and energy that events like BASH bring to young Catholics, highlighting the importance of experiencing faith in a communal and joyful setting.
For many attendees, BASH was a day filled with friends, faith, and food, offering a unique opportunity to connect with peers from different parishes in a positive and supportive environment. The event aimed to empower young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus, seek guidance in prayer, and surround themselves with caring adult mentors in their faith community. By fostering strong connections and providing a space for teens to experience the joy of being a young Catholic, events like BASH play a critical role in supporting the spiritual growth and involvement of young people in the church. Through fellowship, worship, and shared experiences, middle school students at BASH were able to strengthen their faith and build lasting relationships within the Catholic community.
