On Saturday, March 14th, the bowling lanes were alive with energy as the Youth and Young Adults of the Diocese of Long Island gathered for the highly anticipated annual Bowling with the Bishops event.
Young people from Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk traded their school shoes for bowling shoes, coming together for a day of fellowship, arcade games, and friendly competition.
“It was such a joy to be together with all of our youth from across the diocese." said Chelsy DeHart, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. "This event is always so fun, and it so special is for our Youth, of all ages, to be together in fun and fellowship with their Bishop. I hope that the spirit of this event will continue for years to come!”
The stakes were high this year, with everyone eyeing the prestigious "World Rollerweight Championship" title belt.
After several rounds of intense competition, the championship belt was officially presented to Bishop Lawrence Provenzano. However, the victory was not without a bit of lighthearted drama; the Bishop secured the title via a "minor technicality" after a member of his staff outscored the competition by a narrow five points.
"It was another wonderful and successful Bowling with the Bishops event" said Provenzano, "one of the best parts of my ministry is getting the chance to spend time with the future, and indeed the present of our diocese. I hope the Youth and Young Adults today left knowing how much love their eighth bishop has for them, and what an honor it is to hoist the championship belt."
Beyond the competition, the afternoon was about connection. Youth of all ages spent the day mingling, cheering each other on, and collecting autographs on the Bishop’s official bowling cards.
Want the full story? You can watch the "YAYA News" special and browse our full photo gallery down below.
Collector’s Item: Limited edition bowling cards for each of our bishops are still available! To claim yours, contact cdehart@dioceseli.org.
YAYA News Recap
Videography by: Diana Gilday & Jennifer A. Uihlein
Event Photography
Photos by: Jennifer A,. Uihlein
Submitted by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Diocese of Long Island